Following her escort through the long halls of Highever Castle, Lady Cousland walked through the very familiar pathways of her childhood home. She purposely avoided taking in anything that might bring up traumatic memories on her way. Even in attempting to make such an effort she still could not shake the heaviness in the very air, for the morning fog had yet to lift completely and with it came whispers, sounds, she was sure were not too far removed from memories past.
Her pace started to slow down as if she was now in a trance. Steeling herself, she was determined not to be defeated by these dreadful sensations impeding on her own sense of well-being. It was impossible to not remember days past in these very halls but still she was too determined to not be bested by them all. She didn't really believe real ghosts now roamed through the walls of fair Highever. It was just that memories can be so powerful; so demanding; in their attempts to completely take over her emotions and draw her into a past that cannot be replayed or fixed to produce a different outcome of events.
This powerlessness was so heavy on her heart. So much so it was a struggle just for her to follow along after Lord Oliver. She dreaded facing her brother even though it was but a week's time since they last meet up with each other.
This was different. The scene of the crimes. The place where all hell broke loose and left their family so unceremoniously decimated. She was taken away before the real horrors began but what little she could bear hearing of her beloved's recount of the events that followed her departure were now just too easy to picture, everywhere, in the places her people walked so casually or in performing their daily duties here. If it was so for her, how would being here for any length of time effect the mental well-being of her only brother?
She could imagine it had to harden his otherwise easygoing temperament. How can it not after being so abused, so recklessly, so unmercifully, for such a foolish endeavor? Now she found herself wishing she had a real enemy to fight. To bring down low and crush well beneath her sturdy, well-tailored boot heels. Her thoughts naturally turned to the paid assassin harboring in her brother's dungeon. Notwithstanding either that there were still Howe's unaccounted for. This was not a good time to be with child she reminded herself, yet so it was to be. What could the Maker be hoping to accomplish through her this way when it was clear their business with the whole siege of Highever was still far from being well put down and finished business just yet.
"Please, Lady Gilmore, enter in for I know your brother is anxious to meet up with you on this day." Lord Oliver spoke but Tara gave him no recognition that she heard him. Already her anger was rising and she dare not speak what really was foremost on her mind right than. Revenge.
"Tara! Finally! I hope you are well settled in."
"Well enough, Fergus. As well as can be expected considering the reception I have already received from some unwelcome visitors."
"What? Oh, you must be referring to the prisoner. My men are working him as we speak. We will get to the bottom of this. I can see by the look on your face you too, find returning to our home as much a burden as I have lately."
"I feel a mixture of misery and hatred at the moment, my brother. I can't help but want to confront the rest of our enemies to finally put this whole matter to rest, Fergus."
"What matter is that, Tara? Howe is dead. You said so yourself. Is this not true? Could it have actually been an imposter you fear?"
"No, I know who we did put down well enough. But he isn't the only Howe my brother. I admit suddenly I feel I have already delayed too much in reporting to my new post. I know, what a utter mess I must have going on out there in Amaranthine."
"I'm sorry to have to place this burden upon your shoulders my sister. If there was any other way to secure the Crown we would have at least attempted to do so. It even came up to put Gilmore in your place but I could not rest easy with that move. He just isn't important enough to demand the respect of the nobles who reside out there. They recognize your name and your reputation is on fire right now. We need that so desperately if we hope to straighten out and reform those who were influenced to turn their noses up against me and our family."
"Soon the people of Amaranthine will wish it was Rory and not I who does stand over them for I mean to bring order out of chaos. I will at least attempt to win the peace without too much heavy-handedness but considering my very mood presently? It will not take too much to pound a few heads in to make my point out there. I just will not put up with any, even rumors, of rebellion at this point in the game."
"Such words from you, Tara? Never mind me Tara. Its' this place isn't it? Everything has been scrubbed, polished, painted where necessary but still I swear the blood remains of those whose lives were so cruelly extinguished. I almost wish I could ride out with the two of you, if only to prove that we two are united in our way of thinking.
I am aware of certain Howe's still among the living and I have people out there scouring the countryside in search of any and all of them that might be a threat to either one of us. That is only one matter though on your plate for I do feel this latest attack was very personal. Someone is upset at Ser Gilmore putting himself in their way to get to you.
I must ask this question and please be serious. Is there any reason to suspect the King behind such an attempt being made against, Roland?"
"Preposterous! If only because we two fought side-by-side. I told you Alistair and I put it all behind us. No, this is some weak minded idiot who thinks he can outsmart us. And why? My choice has been made and it is high time Fereldon's learn to live with it as I have had to."
"It has to be a fool to raise a bow to the "Heroine of Fereldon". That goes without any necessary explanation."
"To their own demise if need be. I haven't the time or really the patience right now to want to deal with these peasants. I'm afraid brother dear until my affairs are finally settled I see little left to change my mood for the better except to find you are well and knowing Roland is not far from my sight.
At least once my engagement is announced things like what happened in town are bound to keep happening. They tell me the Blight has ended but I've reports of darkspawn sighting in or around Amaranthine. They tell me the Civil War has been resolved but still I am set upon by strangers who mean to take my life or that of my loved ones? I don't know what I am suppose to believe anymore!"
"The two are finished but as you say, it does not remedy all of our woes and they are never ending for one such as we two find ourselves situated."
"It can't be helped Fergus, as you say, until we have laid the loose ends to waste. Have you been experiencing any trouble here that has been a direct threat to you?"
"Right now? It seems the local nobles are still cleaning up their houses from the Civil War. Daily I review petitions for this and that. Mostly nobles looking to take advantage of their neighbors misfortunes. Still, it was necessary to gather up an accurate account of our losses so that I could try to fairly redistribute land holdings without trampling too much on the previous owners claims to it. Which has been a royal pain in the neck since I have to depend on others reports of the situation. Then, I had to find counsel to do the leg work to be sure such land rights were legitimate or not.
It has all been such a headache really. I don't see how father managed it all."
"He didn't have to do it all on his own. You are at a loss right now because your losses have been so severe. I know how stuck you must be feeling right now."
"I much rather be out hunting Howe's as you have brought up. Or traveling with you to Amaranthine to ruffle some feathers out there. Kick around some of those rebel nobles I know must still be plotting against me. I've been receiving some very disturbing notes lately. You might want to review them later on since I believe you are the subject of these messages.
I've received letters here and there requesting an audience with you regarding your marriageable status but I have instructed my scribe to reply to them all as thank you and the matter has been settled."
"Did you tell them why I am no longer courting any prospective husbands?"
"No and yes, inquiries do follow such information but I tell them it is your matter and the issue will be addressed at a future date."
"At least that puts them off some. I appreciate your not making Ser Gilmore a more ready target then he himself feels he already is in and around Fereldon these days."
"They don't know whether to praise him for his good service or curse him for not defeating all of Howe's army. I understand, hold your objections my sister! There was no way for Ser Gilmore to succeed under those miserable circumstances. I accept my part of the blame in all of that but a man has to be able to trust someone else. Least they themselves be viewed as a lunatic."
"It does make ruling as a tyrant a more attractive prospect doesn't it?"
"You have no idea, Tara. But you will and by your words I think you already can see the reason for some of my recent decisions. I wish I could rest at ease that you are making the best plans for your own safety and future in Amaranthine. No more playing "house" for you sister dear. This is serious business we must busy ourselves with these days."
"True enough, brother. I hope I have finally convinced you that I do know the difference. Once I am married things will calm down for me at least. I will read those letters later on when I am in a better mood. I am so weary of others who will not accept that I am a kept woman and I have no desire to put an end to their own poverty or lack of marriageable prospects.
I know I have made the best choice for my circumstances in a spouse. We are progressing quite nicely despite the many new chores being heaped up upon us from day to day. I know few men would sit well by my side and I am hardly looking for anyone who would dare to put their foot down on me for surely they will find my dagger piercing into it to get them off of my back. I've been held back long enough. It is about time that Fereldon accept this as a fact. Even I get bored having to put down every upstart that thinks they are my better or dare to think they will dominate over me."
"Such words my sister! Ha, ha, ha, but who am I fooling? We are much alike in that manner my sister. I do sleep a little bit better knowing that at least you can try to protect yourself. I pity all of those who feel they are your better. I can live with your being who you are Tara. Nor is it my wish to bring you down in any way. Why would I when I need you to help watch my own back? I feel that there are so few I dare to trust in these trying days. We have to be diligent least one of our friends chooses to make a move against us.
Still, this one correspondent of mine is one you should address when you find the time. He hasn't been too pleased that I won't give him an audience or allow him an audience with you either. I too feel a certain responsibility to guard you while you attempt to get through this labor you are taking on presently."
"I will but not yet. I must make myself available to Roland when he needs me right now. What Howe's men put him through was ghastly. It still haunts him and gives him nightmares, Fergus. It tears at my heart knowing I followed our parents commands to follow Duncan and leave him to such suffering. I don't think any of us could have come through all of that and be the same person we were before such a tragedy."
"You may be right. I have these dreams as well but for me they are more my imagination. Reality must be that much harder to forget. Some nights, I swear to you, Tara, I feel haunted by those who did once fight for their lives and lost them here in my absence.
I know this must sound like madness coming over me but I find myself dreaming of such a fight and myself embroiled in the middle of it. It is madness for all is done. This cannot go on forever I keep telling myself.
It must just be those restless souls waiting to be put finally to rest. In a sacred ceremony to put their souls at ease don't you think so?"
"I do have some troubling thoughts on the matter but nothing like you have described. Still, I am but arrived here. We will see how we get trough the nights while we are staying here. It is one of the many reasons why I feel for my sake and that of my future husband's that we must move forward to our business in Amaranthine rather then dwell here for any extended period of time. At least until Rory can better forget the torment he went through here.
So, please, my brother, do not push me for an extended stay this time. In time we will visit longer but for the nonce let us carry-on with our own agenda in the meantime."
"I will do what you ask then on this matter. Do not worry about me. I am weighed down with my responsibilities here."
"It might be best that you ask Ser Oliver to personally handle the very strange requests himself for the time being? He is capable of doing that and not troubling your mind with those unsteady minds who mean to trouble you with their conspiracies and what not. At least until your heart is more at ease and less likely to be troubled by their made-up accusations."
"I'll take it into consideration. Often you will find it is those lunatics who are the ones you must take into consideration first of all. They are the ones with time on their hands and their own madness they are eager to justify if need be."
"You have a point. I promise I won't ignore your request to deal with this person you have brought to my attention. I'm sure to have my share of them upon my examination of the situation being left to me in Amaranthine."
"Which is why I wish I was going there with you in your time of need. Soon you will find yourself weary my sister from this burden of yours. Once it becomes public or obvious others will see it as an opportunity to cause mischief."
"You do trust Roland to help me weasel out those turncoats don't you?"
"That is much to ask of me, Tara. Are you not still making ready for your future arrival? I mean, nothing has changed has it then?"
"No, nothing has changed, thank the Maker. Though I am at a loss as to why such timing as this when I'm sure my enemies are still working against me right now."
"Who knows what the Maker wills of things! I know I do not! Every night I walk these halls, Tara, asking why? Why give me a son only to take his life so greedily? Not even in a fair battle! What honor does one gain in being so taken down in one's childhood? Do I erect a statue in his honor so my enemies can gloat over it? Even if we manage to erase the name of Howe from our history books it does nothing to bring my son back to me does it?"
"No, but whatever way you choose to honor, Oren, Oriana, of course I will support your petitions. I wonder about these things too, my brother. I find myself rushing around, only hoping that I can manage to set things straight in Amaranthine so that I can dare to give birth. Then, even though Rory frowns some on the idea, I insist that our child must travel with me as much as possible."
"Good luck finding a governess with that sort of courage."
"I am determined on the matter. I do not intend to fight my battles with a child slung over my shoulder but after what happened with Oren, how can I dare risk having my child even nestled in the Bannorn, knowing what is really out there ready to put me down?"
"I have no easy answers for that one either. Only that I was foolish to think my son was safe here at Highever. I mean, if not Highever where could I have kept him?"
"I don't really know, Fergus. I only know that my will to fight to protect my own was honed that very night I found my nephew slain. You know how hard I fought to gain our father's confidence in my own abilities only to be swept aside as a small child in his presence. He gave me the right to command his soldiers but not the power or opportunity to do so!
I defied both our parents at every turn that I felt I could but of course, it was not enough was it? When father should have held those of us who lead in heavy conversation over how we were to secure Highever in his absence, he dismisses me readily enough to my chambers instead.
So I obediently obey, like a mabari, order into my designated place which is really is no place at all. I should not have done so and held my own clandestine meetings instead."
"That all sounds simply wonderful in hindsight, my sister. I seem to recall that you and Ser Gilmore were hardly on speaking terms before I left for Ostagar, am I not correct in my thinking?"
"You are. We were not so much at odds with each other but our conversations were brief. He had only been allowed to walk the castle's inner walls in recent weeks. He told me his thoughts were focused on his meeting the challenge to becoming a Grey Warden. Which must be somewhat distracting from what his common duties must have asked of him. I could already see that he was lost to us at that point. It was very difficult for either one of us to simply converse one with the other for so many obvious reasons. Which only confounded the situation even more. No wonder we fell so hard that night."
"Really, Tara, beating yourself up over any of this is hardly necessary. If father ceremoniously put you in command without any sort of formal planning you do understand he wasn't being serious, right?"
"Sometimes ….. I just do not understand how our father could be so renowned and yet so foolish all together."
"Well, I understand where his head was at and I'm sure so do you."
"It doesn't make matters any better in the knowing, Fergus. I assure you that I am much more thorough when I make assessments and lay out plans for attack."
"No doubt that you are. Experience is a vicious teacher. Many do not survive their lessons unfortunately. I mean think about it Tara? How many sieges and attacks must have Ser Gilmore encountered in his days between my father and I? Too many to even count. When put to the test it served him no good when put upon by an enemy meant to overwhelm you and you being left with so weak a defense."
"Father should have learned more during the Orlesian Wars. After so many years in captivity, does one even come through such a thing with any friends to be trustworthy?"
"You fought the Blight did you not? How well did you know those who you claim to be allies? Not many if any at all."
"You have a point. Except for Ser Gilmore, none. More the need I had to keep a close eye on those who did join up with our party."
"So you see, sister, people will unite for a cause that appeals to them. Our real job is to convince them that our cause is one worth their efforts. People are fickle. One day, Amaranthine is our ally, the next a sworn, brutal, enemy.
It was wrong and I agree, for father to have left our family so ill prepared for any sort of trouble. For I know, he would have taken Ser Gilmore and Ser Swindon with him when he finally left to join up with my party.
Even if you did take your position seriously, Tara, who did you have worthy to call upon to raise a sword in our defense at such an hour? It takes days to muster up even a rag tag group of ruffians. Two days to bring Crows over here even offering them a hefty fee."
"I can take down Crows easy enough. At least we are in agreement over this fiasco of father's making."
"A very costly lesson and my point being proven that most of our education in war comes from our personal experiences and surviving our mistakes along the way. At least you will be given a chance to redeem our families honor some with the birth of another Cousland. If you can manage to use your lessons well and not put yourself so much into the thick of the fight."
"How often have I had the opportunity to do just that? Coming from your lips, that does move me some to laugh out loud." She did just that. Shaking her head knowing he is as guilty as she is for doing this.
"Our circumstances are different. Please do your best to keep that in mind. I do follow the rules of engagement, even out in the field. I can hardly manage a fight if I am dead. So you cannot accuse me fairly of simply running out, sword drawn, just looking for a head to severe up."
"I hope not at least. You are still with us and I have little doubt that you were faced with anything too much worse than my party was. Well, I doubt your foes were as colorful as my own happened to be. I do believe I have encountered every race of being within and without Thedas there is to be found in this Blight."
"I seriously doubt that. I have traveled just as much as you have. Though you may lay claim that it was under better circumstances."
"Very much so, I'd say! I'm confident that this was a good and a necessary experience for me. Eventually, for us. Even moreso for the Grey Wardens that I am meant to lead. I am determined to build an army that is consistent with the variety of ethnic groups represented to us here in all of Thedas."
"You don't see that it might be too many personalities to have to manage from cultures you know so little about?"
"I know a lot more than you are giving me credit for. I assure I learned it from the school you just mentioned as well. Fighting through their muddle of enemies. You learn a lot about their history and culture doing just that. Not only from their elders but in our case, we seemed to be digging up or simply constantly encountering the ones that refused to lie dead once put into that state of being.
It was those cursed Grey Wardens that I must say, brought us more than we bargained for. Then there was a journey through the fade and I assure you brother, it was not something any of us just happened to dream up! Oh, no, it was real and actually, unreal, all the while."
"How can it be both? That is foolish talk!"
"When you find yourself caught up in an illusion, Fergus, something conjured up to appear to be real but is only so in your mind. It is all very wicked magic that hopefully you will not have to encounter in your lifetime."
"No, I find reality bad enough right now. There is a matter of serious concern and one of the reason I wanted to keep your "consort" out of my hair for the moment."
"You know I do not keep secrets from Roland but what is the problem."
"I don't need him interrupting or interfering in our personal business, Tara. There will always be some matters that are Cousland matters you do understand do you not?"
"Whatever that may be. What is troubling you so much?"
"I have been told and you are here, so I cannot argue that much at least. The question still burning in my skull is why?"
"You mean why am I still alive if I did slay the archdemon? Then somehow you have learned it is not historically accurate for me to be so."
"I have and I was reminded of this fact when I purposely went back to study more about our past Blights. It has been quoted as such. Even if few bother to re-read old history books. You know father clearly explained that is the failure of too many leaders."
"When a useful text can be found that is. Fergus, I'm actually surprised the King or Eamon has failed to brief you as such. We both understand if Alistair falls you must take his place. So I see no reason not to share this information with you but it is not for idol gossip and of the utmost secrecy.
Do you understand?"
"I know when to hold my tongue. If this is so vital why was it not given to me in the first place?"
"I cannot answer that one for you. It isn't something any of us involved would want anyone else to be privy to, that is all."
"Then spit it out, Tara. I can already tell this isn't good news."
"No, it isn't and you really must know the truth. I am only alive because of an ominous pact made between the King and an Apostate who fought alongside us during the Blight."
"Oh wonders never cease! Here you are going on and on about the dead and dying and devious mages! So Alistair made some unholy alliance that I will be expected to honor in the future with an Apostate? Is this "apostate" still among the living and if so why?"
"She saved our lives, Fergus. I know, it must look selfish of us now doesn't it?"
"I'd say so if it could come back to bite us in the future. So tell me what was the cost of such services? Nothing good comes to mind to me presently."
"Fergus, please remain calm. It was substantial to be sure. There is to be a child from it all …"
"An heir? You mean to tell me that a royal heir is living somewhere out there! In the wilds? The very place where we are hunted and we are forced to hunt to protect our own people?"
"I'm not really sure where she went. She assured us that her intention was not to usurp the throne but to make better use of the mystical power that rules over us all. Something like that anyways."
"Something like that, anyways.." Sounds wonderful! How could they not bring any of this up in my presence? What an insult! I'd like to know how our new Teryn Eamon means to deal with this "problem" surely to be facing us sometime in the future."
"We have time, Fergus. Right now we need to focus on rebuilding our defenses or we won't have anything to fight our enemies with. And I am assured, constantly that those against us are not resting on their laurels, fiddling around with nothing else to do."
"No, I can see at least your foes seem quire eager to prove otherwise. Is this the first attack of this kind against you so far?"
"Of this nature, I believe so. I had more trouble than I asked for even in Hunter Fell. Most of it though was my meager attempt at trying to just blend in to the scenery rather than stomp my way around the place."
"I could have told you that much. Many resent our rule of authority but they seem to resent just as much our "pretending" that we are as they happen to be situated. I do not fly my banners so high either nor do I pretend I am not who I am thinking others will not soon make the right connections.
Besides, who wants to be treated as common folks if it can all be avoided? I'd only do so to avoid being swindled by scrupulous vendors but if I am not in a more generous mood and the establishment is a hellhole anyways, I find my generosity more than a tad lacking. So you see? We are who we are. Better to learn to settle for it than to find yourself in a fight with every drunken fool to be found along the way."
"At least with my reputation I find myself mostly challenged by those worth my efforts I see is how it would be? I cannot argue the facts. I found myself up against their own version of the "Captain of the Guards" in Hunter Fell. I nearly had his throat for the taking. I was not prepared for so much hostility, being dressed as a woman, for merely riding out upon Antoine in the afternoon."
"Ha, ha, I'm sorry I missed it! So you say, who is it now, ah yes! It has to be Wilton challenged you! Dressed as what, a Lady?"
"More like a peasant of some means."
"Right, a peasant girl for what? Riding a horse? Granted Antoine is much too big for you to handle well but still! Oh, my, I really am sorry to have missed that. So what, you dismounted and pulled your dagger on the man and had him disabled was it now?"
"That is the just of it, yes."
"Ha, ha, he'll never out live this one! My little sister, too!"
"I know you find this very funny but I did manage to kill the archdemon."
"Sure, I know, I know but Wilton is, or was, a Knight of Highever. Really sad now that I think more upon it. It seems country life has softened him up something terrible. Tell Roland to send him my way and I will shape him up. Might need a months time of it if my own sister can bring him down, in a gown no less! Just getting off of that horse in a dress has to be a sight to be seen."
"Actually, one of our maids did fix some of my dresses so that they split, just so, so that I can straddle a horse properly. On that fine day I didn't happen to have such a dress or else I would have simply out rode his patrol. However, finding myself with Antoine, in a dress, and with child, I couldn't take the risk of falling off in a frantic run for it."
"That is right, I hadn't even added that up yet, a woman with child as well. Really, I am being serious. Send the man up here for I will not have my sister being guarded by anyone who can be brought so low, so easily."
"Roland is handling that one. He's here though if you wish to toss him into the shed for good measure. I am currently trying out his daughter as a maid so best not rack him or do anything that might upset the girl enough to give me any trouble."
"That takes some of the fun out of it. I'm surprised you did not deal him a heavy blow yourself."
"He's suffering. You know it was he who first trained Ser Gilmore in his youth. I assure you that now, those tables are well turned. I'd have done so myself but really, he does enjoy it more than I do in my present condition."
"That I find difficult to believe but I should be grateful you are thinking about our future."
"And what of your future, Fergus? I hope you mean to wed again, once all of this is behind us."
"I don't really know, Tara. If only our mother lived. She could have for my sake. Once she knew Oriana was no more she should have thought about the demands that would now be put onto my shoulders because of it."
"I seriously doubt our mother would ever consider me to rule over Amaranthine. She must have thought that I would stay here to help you manage things in her absence."
"Considering your own refusal to marry that is a reasonable assumption at least. Did she know ….of course she must have for she dies along with our father did she not?"
"She did but at least she did so in his defense. We must never forget their loyalty to Highever and to each other. I wish it was otherwise but now I think I better understand her choice. As I do my own even though it was so hastily performed. I'm afraid, brother, Highever had become my prison. It was inevitable that I must leave it. We both know it would have been this way no matter what became my fate. I'm afraid my reason for leaving here though was not so obvious until that fateful day Duncan approached our father for my service."
"Duncan actually petitioned our father for you? I mean, initially? I find that difficult to believe."
"Believe what you like. It was implied and later confirmed was it not? I am a worthy fighter but Rory and I feel his urgency was probably more motivated by a need to have more royal blood behind his cause than just a need for another soldier to lead the fight."
"That at least makes some sense."
"Because why leave, Gilmore? Highever was going to fall that night. Surely, Rory was the better candidate than I? It is the best we can come up with but then maybe he had a vision?"
"Did he speak to you of such things? A Grey Warden? Having visions!"
"We do have some premonition but it is all surrounding the darkspawn and the archdemon. I still cannot accurately predict the weather or the outcome of some fights."
"Pity. It would come in very handy. Still, did Duncan tell you he had some "vision" that a woman would lead out the armies of all Fereldon and fell the archdemon? I mean seriously?"
"Not to my knowledge. It can be the only other explanation for such a rash choice. I mean taking me on guaranteed our party not only had to fight every other skirmish it seems taking place in all of Thedas but we had both Howe and Loghain on our tails. I can see no advantage in having that to constantly distract us during the Blight!"
"No thinking man would do such a thing I assure you of that. Though it would be interesting to know what drove the man to such action. It matter little now. He would have had to know that Howe meant to betray us and if he dared to withhold such information from us to fulfill some idiotic prophesy I'd have his head staked up on my walls I assure you."
"I could not argue that even though I do respect the man for his loyalty. Even if it was fools logic. At least I will rest a little bit better knowing that this king will trust my judgment and listen attentively to my pleas if ever we are to be called upon for his defense."
"So you mean we aren't going to war against Orlais this week at least? It is my understanding that Alistair relishes fighting as much as his own brother did."
"With better results I might add. No, it is not Alistair's wish to keep us at war. I think even he has seen enough to suit him for the time being. You know Eamon is a nation builder. And I can assure you that it is to Eamon that Alistair lends an ear to the most."
"When he isn't spying on you, that is. Do not think I do not know his insistence on putting you up rather than Gilmore was a ploy of his to keep your counsel close."
"Why do you make that sound so scandalous?"
"Because it is. I too had my objection to advancing Gilmore so high but really they were without merit. I know I can trust Gilmore there. He will be practically running the place around as it is. But it was the King who felt it was more unwise to move in such a way and to me, it was more, personal."
"Now you too are creating more for me to have to dodge, brother dearest?"
"I speak only of a letter I received from Eamon suggesting that certain arrangement could be made if certain proposals could be implemented."
"I respect Eamon in all things except for this one matter. I know he wants and needs a royal heir and his days are not getting any shorter. But here he might as well be suggesting that I deny my child's father to advance his own plans for Fereldon's future. Does he not even see that it was Rory's loyalty to the Crown that helped us win the day? Is he in complete denial that he accomplished all of this even so badly injured as he was during the siege of Highever?"
"Had Gilmore been left with a reasonable defense and turned back Howe's men, I'm sure he would have the man sitting right besides him. I can tell you that Eamon has been seated next to nobles for so long that he understands unless Gilmore did slay the demon with his own bare hands, he was not about to lift up any man, even a potential Bann who he feels does not hold the influence or weight that he feels he needs to secure our country.
Think about it though, Tara, really? Have we not been so brought down by a man whose rank was elevated far above his own place only to betray us all? Would you so easily turn to one who is not so well footed into Fereldon soil to a place of such influence after all of this?"
"That is a question I would have to ponder some at the very least."
"I trust that he has done so much longer than the two of us have been alive. I do question his putting Amaranthine into your hands with the burden you must now carry but he did this, knowing you could not be so easily turned away from Gilmore did he not?"
"All the while hoping he could still turn me from my intended to another of his choosing. Well, what's done is now done. My loyalty is without question as long as he does not dare go after my future husband to further along his own scheming."
"I will make sure he understands this. I sometimes fail to understand your reasoning in all of this. We all know, Tara, that Alistair is a weak King. Other's will see this soon enough as well."
"He has, as you say, Eamon and I know Teagan will be his secretary. He is better off with a queen who can settle into a palace and bear children. I am tainted as you well know. It is best for Fereldon that I not be so chained when I can be put to better use leading the Grey Wardens. I will not live long enough to make any real impact on Fereldon's future.
This child, Rory's and mine, will help settle matters for us here in Highever. You still could marry and release my own child from such a burden as it were in the future. Leave Amaranthine to my heir and I will be happily satisfied with the result if need be. We both and I am sure you will remind Eamon that for the good of all Fereldon, the King needs to look elsewhere for a suitor. My past history in regards to courting should prove proof enough he is wasting his time bothering with me."
"I will forward your reply. If it is as you say than even Alistair understands and accepts this kind of reasoning I hope it won't be too long before he chooses some woman to make his queen."
"Then it is a settled matter that you will announce my engagement to Ser Gilmore and we are to be wed in two months time."
"So soon?"
"Delaying it this long is bad enough don't you feel? I was quite set to simply elope but Rory explained it could jeopardize our child's future if called upon to sit upon Highever's throne."
"He understands well how much high nobles resent being shunned from certain events. I'd almost allow your request just to settle the matter and avoid the conversations regarding it in the future. All knowing that such a match will only bring others to lean more heavily on me to make another match to correct my obstinate sisters disobedience."
"Still it would be so disobedient for me to marry the father of my child? He isn't a peasant is he?"
"Might as well be in their eyes. Which brings us around to another point I needed to bring up with you. I have spoken to the Bann of Hunter Fell and he is to step down for I am to lift his son up to his position. It is the only way I could ever justify any consent to such a marriage."
"And you wonder why I seriously considered eloping? It can be no other way? Rory will find so little time to actually live in the Bannorn because of my own duties. He has to stay with me for I do not have eyes in the back of my head."
"I can see no other way to preserve your honor, Tara. Had the King consented to lift Roland up to the Arl's seat all would have rectified itself but he refused and Eamon, even Teagan did not feel the urge to interject on this matter."
"It is so unfair. He fought as bravely as did the King and was much better trained to lead. How did the Bann take the news of this? I have hardly met the man and here I bring him down so low upon doing so."
"I had no complaints from the man, Tara. He is elderly."
"So is Eamon and he is now a Teryn."
"Because of birth, position, and his proven leadership here in Fereldon. Had the Bann invested more and had more to show of his worth we might have been able to put him somewhere or I could have made up somewhere for him to rise above but no one would accept my doing so merely to make my sister look good?"
"At least he didn't protest though even I can see by promoting Rory, it will not actually relieve him of much of the responsibility he now has."
"I cannot see any flaws in my doing so. We depend on those lands to supply our troops and to help feed our people. I know this is difficult for you to understand but I must act in the best way possible to preserve our own families honor and station. Even Gilmore I am sure understands this much."
"You are right. We anticipated as much to take place but we had hoped to see it all happen gradually rather than so abruptly."
"Where is the problem in this? After the funeral I will hold an intimate ceremony to promote Roland and the following evening I will announce your engagement. Do not make more of the situation than needs to be Tara. We both understand right, that my doing this, will put aside a few who will find reason to protest this move. There is bound to be one or two who will give me the incentive to find any reason I can to travel abroad, knowing I cannot until things are settled well in Amaranthine."
"I am being unreasonable, I'm sorry. I know all of this falls more upon your own shoulders. Already I am labeled as something well beyond something from womankind by my actions. Even in giving birth many will still think up some reason to explain all of that away as something unnatural.
I have lived so far with this and Rory has kept his head about him through it all. If we can survive through all of this so too I have to believe we will weather the rest of this as well.
I doubt you struggle too much in telling the other nobles how off your sister is and how rebellious she is against the normal duties of a Lady in good standing. I myself need only look to Andraste for my compass. Think more upon her examples in bravery and purpose when others challenge my logic over the choices I have been making.
Roland will give me a good, strong, son, I hope and that is what we need now more than ever. And he has to means to keep him alive long enough to follow when my days are ended. Makers knows we won't be seeing any mages from our bloodlines will we now?"
"That would be of the Makers choosing but as you say a very odd one indeed."
"Though not so much that a woman be born in the Cousland line that will raise her sword when beget from one who is also from the Whitehall linage as well?"
"At least to our mother's people it will not be such a surprise. I truly hope it will be a son, my sister. I am not sure Fereldon's will rest so easy thinking yet another female Cousland was born to challenge their own legends or imagined sense of authority."
"Whatever it will be we already are assured it has to be strong to survive all that we have been through just upon its' conception."
"Our parents would be so proud to see all that has come of you, Tara. I know, we both know how much they stood in the way of things and that it took something so terrible to bring it all about. Had they fought less against your destiny would things have turned out the better for our family?"
"You know we cannot honestly say one way or the other? I am just grateful that it is you and not I that must take on this seat here. You are worthy of it and I have stood up to defend your decisions in Fereldon thus far. I will rest easier knowing it is so."
"For the most part as it were."
"In the matters that are within my own powers to uphold, Fergus. Now, please tell me this is all I must attend to this day?"
"It is except for, here, this should have all of the information you will need to direct those who are in gathered here for the upcoming events. I need to you handle these things while I must manage all of the happy mourners and my relatives. Who are not content at all with my final arrangements for their loved ones."
"They have no say in this do they?"
"None at all."
"Good. I would see my nephew rest in no other place but Highever. We are haunted enough by the choices we have made. Commission something in Oriana's honor to be placed in Antiva to please them, Fergus. It was still their daughter and you know how we grieve over all of our loses. She was still too young to be taken down so recklessly."
"I will keep that in mind, Tara. If you actually could handle that much I would appreciate it. I am trying not to bear any ill feelings towards my wife right now. Some hours I find it more difficult than others when I think upon how my son was kept from training that might have saved his own life, had he but had the courage to flee his attackers.
My only peace comes from you sharing with me that it was all done swiftly and he did not have to suffer too much. When I dare to think upon what was done to my Knights and what they could have done to my own son in my absence, I just grow angry and find I too haven't enough enemies to slay to appease my own anger.
Just, please, Tara, you know my mind. Take care of this so that I can move on to more pressing issues right now."
" I will. And I am here for you, Fergus. I know, I cannot delay too long but at least in these matters I can be of service to you and I willing am here to do so."
"Thank you, Tara. I'm sorry. You do know I think well of Gilmore. It is just my feelings in this matter concerns the many others who will come to judge you for your choice. I cannot help you there except to offer up the same reason you have given me for your actions. You understand I hope?"
"Let us not discuss this any longer. As long as we can come to some agreement on matters that do rule over Highever and Amaranthine, we must live our own lives as we see fit in doing so. Let it rest at that."
And with those words nothing more was spoken between them as Lady Cousland turned away to leave her brother to his own grief. She knew, no matter how difficult things were between them at times nothing could compare to the personal losses he has suffered due to all of these events.
This thought was one she knew she would have to visit upon many more times in the coming days. She only hoped that soon she could help her brother find someone to put his heart at rest finally. For her own would not be released from this burden until she knew that once more her brother could laugh and become the jolly trickster he once was in his youth.
All the while that Tara Cousland was negotiating and maneuvering around her brother's well shot arrows, Roland Gilmore too was working on managing his own affairs upon catching up with fellow Knights of Highever in the officer's quarters.
Making his way past familiar landmarks he finally found the man he was looking for and started up a conversation.
"Ser Whitmore! It is good to see you are still in service to the Teryn."
"By my father's father's ruddy beard! Is that you, Ser Gilmore or are we once more being haunted by apparitions!"
"It is I."
"It's about time you showed your face around here, boy! There are all kinds of salacious rumors about you running all about these parts at least."
"Well, you know me! I myself have had only a brief overview of your whereabouts during the Blight."
"For good reason too! We had our hands full, no thanks to you, just trying to keep Fergus here alive. You know how much he demands to be caught up in the thick of things."
"Only too well I'm afraid. I hope you understand why I was unable to join up with your party as I had hoped to."
"Enough to know it was Andraste's pleasure to see that you survived the siege of Highever, when so many others didn't."
"I cannot report that I feel so honored some days having survived one of her tests of loyalties. It was a nightmare over here after your party left us. I mean you and I have been through a lot together over the years, haven't we?"
"That's a fact."
"I assure you it was never like it was here on that terrible night. Just useless slaughter. I was smashed in the head, than bound up, I could do nothing more to stop the mayhem from going on for what seemed an eternity of pain and suffering. Even I cannot say how I survived except to say that finally I was conscious enough to free myself from my restraints but there was nothing I could do by then. Our friends lives had already expired so I had to get away in hopes of catching up with your party or Lady Cousland at that point."
"It was bloody hard to believe that Howe found the backbone to rise so hard against us. I was concerned that the Teryn had left Highever with so little to defend herself with behind us all. But it was a Blight man and we were all so much on edge that night. Thinking if we meet it head-on, we put it down fast enough before too much damage could be done."
"I know the reasoning behind it. I can say that I have been in fights that did raise my ire so much, yet still I could maintain my focus. When we finally had the opportunity to actually take down Howe himself though, Maker forgive me … but he started to mock Lady Cousland … I mean right to my very face after everything his men did to me, murdering my friends and …Maker forgive me for my actions but I could not hold back my anger. She had just lost her parents due to his treachery and now he meant to insult our Princess? I had, had, more than I could stand by that point and I did strike at him with such a fury, our entire party of warriors did look upon me with such faces!"
"They could hardly blame you for such an act but I suppose it did give Lady Tara more a reason to pause at such an action."
"She wasn't too pleased with me but I was harder on myself over it all. It wasn't the diplomatic way of solving our problems. It did bring down Loghain's army upon us. A little too convenient if you ask me."
"They showed up at Denerim, just like that did they now?"
"With Loghain set up at the Royal Palace that wasn't too much trouble for them. But his keeping guard over Queen Anora was a particular inconvenience. She claimed to be imprisoned by him. Sending word to Eamon, who sent our group out to investigate the situation. Where we were beset with Howe's forces. Not that we did not look forward to this fight almost as much as that of the archdemon's. It was fate and having Howe right there?"
"Are you wondering if Howe became a nuisance to Loghain so he set him up for you to take him down for good?"
"After all of the fighting we had done up to that point it does leave some questions unanswered doesn't it? He definitely had a back-up plan in case Howe couldn't hold us back. I mean why would he hold back reinforcements? Why would Anora go to Eamon instead of her own father?"
"A very delusional family wasn't it? Taking down Loghain's elite soldiers though had to leave him an easier target didn't it?"
"It did and we were obliged to do so in layers rather than a free-for-all. I am just very pleased that Lady Tara didn't surrender herself to Ser Cautherin. We murdered Howe for good cause. He was never going to surrender to us? He was the traitorous bastard not the Couslands. We had the right to make things right again. To surrender to our known enemy when even the Queen herself claimed her father was mad and not to be trusted?"
"Not that you really needed her words to know where the real threat was to the good welfare of Fereldon."
"No, not after what they did to us at Highever. We were only too happy to set things back right side up! Thank Andraste and her mercy though that our Lady allowed King Alistair to take up his sword against Loghain's own."
"I hear that one loud and clear, man. Do you think she could have taken the old man down? That's a lot to think about. It hurts my head just trying to imagine such a scene."
"Honestly? She could have but the price? It could have been more then we could have beared. I'm with you on this one. I am content that she allowed King Alistair the right to draw blood for his brother's death."
"Right. Quite right I say. The girl did hold her own it was said against the dreaded archdemon. Better knowing she saved herself for the real fight I say."
"Maker was that something to behold. So much was going on all at once. That creature had us running all over the place. We were all so focused on the monster, everyone and things that looked ugly enough was just taken down as quickly as we could to get it out of way so that Tara and Alistair had a clear path to fight that thing. The damn thing wouldn't stay in any one place I tell you!
This was why I had to insist that our Lady have a few days at least to rest in a comfortable surrounding. The toll it took on her own well-being had my nerves on end I promise you!"
"No doubt seeing how the two of you grew so close again."
"I am not going to question the ways of the Maker. Only to say we are genuinely in love with each other. In some fever of madness it appears she has accepted my marriage proposal and nothing stands in the way of what little happiness we two can find in these complicated plans for our life."
"So, it really is that serious. You lucky fool. I'm sure a few knights will not pleased with such news as this."
"Only when we are speaking of their coin bags you mean. I know full well there have been wagers being made to spite me. I can't even say it was a bet I could easily have laid before the Blight ended."
"Sorry to hear that, Ser Gilmore."
"No worries here any longer. We did reconcile on the road. Those insecurities I did suffer came only from the imminent danger we were forced to have to face and my knowledge that she was one of but two who could face the archdemon. Only a Grey Warden can defeat these monstrosities. Neither, the King or Lady Tara was given this knowledge in advance of their training or confirmation either."
"No? Then it might scare a few away from the order but that couldn't have been the case with that little spitfire we have been serving under all of these years."
"No, it would not have deterred one bit. Her duty to her Country is more then I have witnessed in many of the hearts of men who brag so long and hard but when the battle is before them, we see all of those words shrink down to nothing don't they?"
"It shames me to think such a man lives out his life here in Fereldon but I would be lying if I said it was otherwise with some men. None of them serve in my regiment I assure you."
"I witnessed no notable cowards during our fight with Howe's men. If there were any deserters I have no knowledge of it."
"So I thought. I have no word otherwise as well. Of course I would be hard pressed to not run my own sword through any one of them if they did hail from Highever's order and did abandon their posts under such dire circumstances."
"I too. I would not though rob Highever to build my own order up in Amaranthine. As far as our Grey Warden order, that I would not discriminate against any and all who dare to accept the challenge that faces all who take on that vow and duty earnestly."
"Well you better mind your place around here if you have no interest in serving the Teryn any longer. I'll not have you stealing away my best for your private parties."
"I'll keep that in mind. During a Blight we must be more aggressive in our recruiting of course. Tara and I have our eyes out mostly for those who are otherwise less obligated to others due to the cost of the Blight. Our order does it's best work in building up a family sort of loyalty. In this way we can do the most good for the people who live here."
"An honest pursuit then and I wish you well. And whatever you have done to fool our very own princess to set-up house for you of all people! I still can't believe it but someone had to catch that girl. She sure was not one to be courted was she now?"
"Only because she was in love with me. I'm not saying this to boast. How can I knowing that I was the one who abandoned our cause when pressured to do so. I promised to always love and protect her with my life. She gives me enough reasons to want to live and fight through whatever it takes for us to be together."
"Now I know you are bragging you foolish boy. Go on ahead! I know I don't need the headache that comes from all of that noble drama they make up to end their ceaseless boredom."
"A noble life is not as boring as you might imagine it to be like. My future wife cannot seem but to attract attention from the worst of them. Either because of her sex or her position but you know what she is like."
"Not as well as you might, Sir Knight!"
"Jealously is truly a waste you know, right?"
"Go on with yourself with all of that talk."
"You were leading me on that one, Captain. I found out that even I have my limits as to what I could stand and what I can not."
"It happens but you better learn fast if you wish to survive in the circle that high nobles travels upon. So you faced down the old Arl Howe himself, did you now. What'd you do with him or to him?"
"Use your imagination. He died too quickly to satisfy the two of us I can tell you that much. His last words were pathetic. " I deserved more!" I was happy to oblige his request."
"More pain and suffering that is! Good, good, at least he suffered some for his evil acts against the good people of Highever. At least that is confirmed and put down by a Knight of Highever. As it should be. I expect high praise for your work from the Teryn will be forthcoming in your future. And our Lady Tara, she played her part, no less, as we also know she too accompanied you here to Highever."
"She plays her part well and did assist in putting down Howe for good."
"I'm sure she gave him the what for after daring to utter such insults right to her very face. I'm only sorry I was denied my part to play in putting that scum to pieces. He should have been dragged, tied up and pulled apart by a team of horses I say. Actually, I'm kind of surprised you didn't take it that far. He did a horrible thing to our comrades-in-arms. He deserved the very worst of punishment."
"I understand but I could hold back my sword no longer. I hope you can forgive me for my actions after the fact."
"What's done is done. I can't say I would have acted any different had I been through what they put you all through."
"It was a very long, tedious fight. I mean going through what we hope was the majority of Howe's men. Then the whole mess with the Blight after that."
"It was a terrible time to be sure. So about all of these rumors that suddenly make your name the talk of the town. Is it true you are her ladyship's personal guardian?"
"That is true."
"So you met up with her …?"
"In Lothering. I went there after Ostagar. I was too delayed to join in that fight and honestly, I was in no shape to fight. It took days for me to recover from what Howe's thugs did to me all through the night."
"Right. Tough call on Lothering wasn't it?"
"So it was. We could not stay behind to defend the town. We had our orders and we helped as much as we could along the way but our mission forced us to have to move forward."
"Their lord has been sending out word all over the place trying to rebuild Lothering's own army out there. Heard they took it real bad from the darkspawn attacks out their way. So is that why you went to Lothering then?"
"No, not at the time. It was the closest decent location I could come up with that offered me at least a chance of running into anyone I was familiar with. It just made sense that if I was to hope to run into at least one of our party they would go through Lothering at some point in the fight."
"It is one of our common stops along the way."
"At least that was my thought. Once I met up with Lady Cousland's party I was informed that they were on a mission to save the arl. He had been left unconscious by a very evil magic that was sure to do him in. So our Lady was sent on a mission to recover Andraste's ashes. A mission our Lady would not be diverted from no matter how dangerous it turned out to be. At that point it seemed to be the wisest choice was for me to join up with her party. She had no word on her brother's fate but didn't dare abandon this search least all of Fereldon fell in the aftermath of his passing. I knew at least Fergus had all of you in his group to see him through any real trouble. If in fact he had not already fallen by Loghain and Howe's treachery."
"We steered clear of those two, you can count on that! There were plenty of darkspawn on the roads to keep us busy enough. Though you can count on the fact that given the choice we would have gladly put down those traitors and it would have been a pleasure for any and of all us of to have to do so after what they did to the Teryn and Teryna of Highever."
"Did you encounter any of Loghain's assassins out there?"
"Did we! Indeed! Loghain's best to be sure of it man but we put them all down in due time. So to speak."
"Do you feel you got them all? We had to put down Ser Cautherin, herself."
"Aye, I've heard report that she did encounter your party and you put her away for good. What is all this, this having to put down honorable people who we have done no wrong? What is it that turns good people? Cannot anyone abide still by that which is right or good?"
"Some of us still can and will. Abide by what is right. Ser Cautherin fought hard but to what avail? She was so convinced that she was in the right?"
"Must have been a pitiful sight to have to behold. This was before or after you put down Howe himself?"
"After the fact. I can report to you none of us were in a good mood. There was no possible circumstances that I was going to put Tara into the hands of those at Fort Draken. After the hell Howe's men put me through?"
"Perish the thought, man! I'd run my sword clear through you for such a treason being done to our good princess. That I surely would have!"
"I would have deserved the punishment. She had to think upon Ser Cautherin's accusations at first but I think seeing how easily Queen Anora was willing to toss both she and Alistair into prison? How could they ever hope to have a fair trial?"
"None at all, Gilmore. It looks obvious to me she was trying to eliminate the completion. And here, Grey Warden's died, trying to protect her husband's very life? What has Fereldon sunken into I ask?"
"We will recover."
"I hope so. Royalty! Sometimes just a pain in my arse is what they are! So do you think Anora set you up to nab up your party?"
"I hadn't thought of that angle? All Loghain wanted was Alistair and Tara. We knew of each other, Cautherin and I had met in the past but even that held no sway over her actions. I can't say it gave me much incentive to not want to do her in for her efforts against our princess. With the demise of her parents and her brother on where to be found, she owed our Lady a lot more respect for her position in the very least.."
"True at that point, Lady Cousland would hold a higher rank over Loghain wouldn't she?"
"Very much so. He had old age but even if his accusations held any merit at all our Lady had the right to not be held in contempt for her actions until a rightful gathering of her peers could be presented to judge her actions."
"To even attempt to house our Lady in Fort Draken is enough to bring down that old tyrant."
"Believe me, in his madness, he swung his sword around as if he was King of all Fereldon. Imagine what a hell that would brought forth? Never mind we already saw what his rule was to bring forth for the good people of Fereldon."
"A bloody mess that is for sure. His daughter was of age, what madness made him think she would bow down to his command?"
"Anora was afraid of him but by his very actions? No doubt she was turning to Eamon to aid her in pushing the old man aside just enough to allow her, her seat on the throne no doubt."
"While old Eamon was just using her to put Prince Alistair in her stead? Oh, what a good folly that all turned out to be. I swear man, you did get all of the fun during this Civil War while Prince Fergus was left in hiding fighting the rabble left in his paths."
"I'm sorry too you were not a party to it. I admit it was an exciting time to be a knight in Fereldon. But honor and glory aside had we but mistyped any at all, I could have lost what I held so dear to me. So though the tension was tight and the battle a fierce challenge, oh, what am I thinking? I would have welcomed your sword even it would have meant I could get a breath in edgewise during some of those blood baths we found ourselves fighting ourselves through."
"Stop it now, man! This bragging of yours is making me dizzy and I have more than a few hours to answer to my duties here for the time being. Just so damn hard to think that some of our own were so bent on putting us down so hard?"
"There was so much treachery all around us out there. Is there any wonder that I was afraid to leave Lady Cousland alone? Even if that meant compromising some of the values that we all hold faithfully as Knights of Highever?"
"Well, tell me who else would get away with going as far as you happen to be, even under such trying circumstances?"
"I rather not speculate on that account. I hope you can understand my reasons why?"
"You of all people know her best."
"I do but had I not been the one to survive and join up with her party, it might have been a very different sort of Fereldon we have here now."
"That is true with all things Squire, isn't it? Whose to say which of them would have been for the better? Except had Loghain won his bid for the throne we would have all lost our hope in what would become of our Country."
"At least I wouldn't have lived to see it. That was pretty clear by their intentions to put us all down permanently."
"So seeing how Anora set all of you up like that is the King gong to finally put that chapter to rest, like the dog that she proved herself to be?"
"That is our wish on that matter. He has no love for the woman but still he hesitates due to the feelings still among nobles that respected her in the past."
As long as she yet lives, the people of Gwdren will continue to think she can be redeemed despite her actions in the past."
"Do you really believe that will come about?"
"How can she be trusted? I don't see how my own Lady will rest well as long as that woman is alive to stand up to challenge her or her place in Fereldon."
"You say she betrayed the teryn's daughter, as well as our now present King, did she not?"
"It is so. We had our suspicions that their intent was to put the two heirs that threatened her right to the throne out of the way for good. She said as much when Lady Tara confronted her challenge to rule over Prince Alistair, who was to be the rightful heir upon his brother's demise."
"I see, no other reason beyond just that can be explained. She could have made allies of you for her own cause but instead this was her solution? I can only inquire as to how the Teryn would raise the roof off, knowing his only daughter was to be treated as if a female criminal! How I would long to see such justice brought down upon this witch of a woman."
"We all know his feelings for his family. Sadly, or maybe fortunately for the accused, he passed on. Unable to enter into the fight or exact his own revenge upon all of them."
"Thankfully, we were able to pull those two through all of this chaos."
"It is sad times that bring us two back together on this very day, Ser Gilmore. Do you mean to rejoin all of us left here once again?"
"No, I'm afraid that isn't possible. I came to you here to offer, actually insist, that I must be a part of the eulogy and funeral procession for our fallen friends."
"I'm sure they can find a spot for you in there. Just based on your past service to the young Teryn and his family."
"Thank you very much."
"It must be hard on you. Did you know when Ser Swindon passed on? I remember the two of you were closer."
"I can only think that once I could hear his voice no longer that had to be the end of his suffering. I knew they would be coming back for me once more but his cursing was just enough to push me past my own pain to free myself from my bounds. I tried to free others but too much time had elapsed. All I could hope to do at that point was to live to see who, if any Cousland still lived."
"Serve and protect. Brave words but at such a cost. So you were pretty beaten up there weren't you now?"
"You can say that. Nothing that didn't heal over time. It's just voices in my head that refuse to leave my memories or refuse to leave me finally at peace."
"How did you go on after all of that? You must have been barely alive at that point in time. I mean without losing your mind?"
"At first I just wanted to get away from the insanity of it all. When I did finally meet up with Lady Tara, in time, she became my comfort and I hers. It is for her love and her safety that I can find a reason and purpose to move me forward with my own life."
"So that part is true then also? You have found a welcoming bed to keep you forever away from us. I can't say you have yet won over the new Teryn, as far as that situation is concerned."
"He is coming to accept it for what it really is. All in due time. Some mornings I cannot believe my own good fortune but you must know, as well as all who know me well enough through the years, that we two have been in love with each other for a very longtime."
"Yes, I recall as much. We are just dumbfounded that the two of you were able to revive such a relationship after all that transpired from the past. The two of you had separated. We thought that was for good. How many of us moaned so loudly, cursed also, that we were to be kept from seeking out the whereabouts of the old teryn's daughter for her own safety."
"It wasn't out of jealousy or neglect on our part that our paths did not cross before the Blight"s end. I promise you this most sincerely.?
"The young teryn did wisely question if it was right to unite with sister just then because it would make an even more attractive target for Loghain and Howe to do so. It was Fergus' belief that he was the most attractive of the two targets. Still unaware fully of Lord Alistair's involvement with her own hunting party."
"Fair enough then. I promise you that it troubled our new Arlessa many nights being kept away from her brother's side with no news of his whereabouts during most of the fighting."
"That is a comfort to know. I doubted little of that. How has she been holding up? I mean with the loss of her parents?" `
"It has been difficult for her. Understandably so. We haven't had much time to dwell on it but it often comes up in our conversations."
"Yes, of course it must have."
"We have mostly been discussing the events coming up here and how best to approach our new obligations."
"Quite right you are. It was quite a shock to learn our own princess did slay the archdemon."
Another approached the two men who recognized Ser Gilmore from the past and entered into the conversation also.
"Whoa, ho! What have we here?" Ser Gilmore spoke up when he recognized the other knight approach the two of them.
"Where have you been?" Ser Galen asked him with a firm slap to his broad back, causing Roland to grit his teeth some from its impact on his scars.
"Thanks, I really needed that, Galen." Roland said glaring at him crossly now.
"The back man, are you dense?"
"Apparently so! Sorry about that one. I was just so caught up seeing you again. I never know who will actually turn up until they actually arrive back here. Rumors and all. Only flesh and blood counts in this world that I know of."
"I have seen more then my share of the two of them for some time now." Roland told him firmly.
"So say we all. But really, where have you been? Rumors have you just about everywhere these days."
"That's good to hear. Better to keep our enemies out guessing then to just show them the map, so to speak."
"So true but that doesn't answer my question does it?"
"We've been around. Here in Fereldon at least. Spent some time with my father before dragging the old man out here for the funeral that is."
"Is that so? I just saw to the Bann's men and women. Lady Cousland came in with your party as well did she?"
"That she did. She's with the Teryn right now. How have you been Dale?"
"The usual. Nice of you to ask. Not as much as I bet you have been up to I'd wager."
"I have a reputation to keep up!"
"I'm sure the bards are well in your debt then man."
"That they are indeed! But let us not think I did it all on my own. I had some help along the way. Especially from a very noble Lady who fought bravely by my side."
"So rumors would have it and I find some truth to songs of these roguish bards tales. Now here you are keeping yourself up at nights. Not pulling guard duty I take it though are you?"
"That is a matter of perspective perhaps? I'm guarding these days what is most precious to many of we Knights of Highever."
"Sign me up for that duty I'll say to you."
"The position is already filled."
"I request a transfer of duties my Captain."
"Do not bother your Captain with such foolishness. Surely he has more important issues at hand. If it really is a transfer you request my Lady and I might be of some service to you at a later date."
"You'll have no say over my knights Ser Gilmore."
"As you wish. "I bet he was surprised to see you now!"
"Hardly the boy he sent by our way those many years before."
"No, I doubt it. But still as headstrong and determined though I'd wager him. Few were willing to or grateful to have to duel with you Gilmore."
"Why would you say that, Dale? I fight fair do I not?"
"It isn't that. You're just a hard man to put down, that's all."
"Like an oak to a stampede this lad be."
"It would take practically a stampede of men to bring him down that's the truth in it. Of course considering your stocky frame it was also hard to not miss you when one does attack at you either."
"That is why I needed to build a sturdy frame whether I liked it or not. It does give me the advantage of being hard to knock over, compared to some of our much taller knights but when I did swing back I was sure to always hit some vital organ versus those who were forced to hunker down to get in a good shot at it."
"There are advantages to each man's height and weight."
"Except for the lad who has only height to his advantage."
"Right a pair of crows legs isn't going to hold up a man dressed in a sturdy set of armor will it now?"
"No it won't and getting up for such a lad has to be more then half of their struggle."
"I can attest to some of that from experience. I was not always the pillar of great strength you now see before you."
"No Dale I will confirm that as being the truth."
"Aye so will I, even to a sober man I will."
"That is saying something for this old man. I myself was always a stocky lad so it always took a firm hand to knock me off of my balance. Even my mother told me as an older babe I did walk well before many of the other boys in my town because I was more able then the rest of them."
"Amazing he could lift all of that of himself well off of the ground just to stand up straight let alone try to navigate such a girth around the room."
"I said I was stocky not so much fat or chubby."
"You mean there is a difference between the two?"
"There is when I dodge an attack and use that momentum to strike back hard at my foe."
"Not too much so or I will use that swipe to let you follow through on your arse with that move. Then I'll be waving to you farewell!"
"I do have to beware of such a move being made by my opponent. I am aware of such a maneuver and I do look out for it when I am returning to strike at my enemy."
"It is a skill you did have to work at some to maintain I seem to recall."
"Yes, I have hit the floor thanks to you once or twice in my practice. Fortunately I found Orcs to be less inclined to out think my moves the majority of the time. When they did I chock it up more to just fool's luck then their actually anticipating any of my attack strategies."
"No, can't say I have heard much in the way of Orcs themselves having much intelligence. Even in the ways of battle."
"I doubt really that they are well trained for anything except for hitting things real hard and running very fast in this direction or that one. If they happen to get you when you are all tied up with some other foe, the move can cause you a good deal of pain and suffering.
I was very grateful to be fighting with a team of warriors rather then just on my own at their mercy. Lady Tara said she and the King met up with an Orc her first night out in the Tower in Ostagar. It took quite some time for even the two of them to put it down for good she said. Just because they can take a lot of abuse before you can break them down even enough to effectively hurt them or cause one to stumble. Until that moment, at full strength, no mere mortal has the might to put one down just on their own. Unless some witchcraft is involved or you can attack one from afar but soon even an Orc can figure out where their enemy might be attacking at them from."
"If all you have is a quiver of arrows, you better be hoping for a good sturdy tree to climb up into to hide."
"Because a weak tree will be uprooted and leave you hanging, …like a leaf, it will!"
"Very funny. A few well placed arrows right in the eyes can be of some assistance in that sort of fight."
"That would slow one down. If you have good reflexes, poison arrows, could do the trick with some patience."
"You have a point."
"I can tell you that Lady Tara is a capable bow-woman. She is just as deadly with twin blades. She's become quite competent with the use of various poisons, modified weapons that did their own share of added damage."
"Is that so? How do your nerves stand it all? I'd go mad seeing our princess out there trying to fight off those fiends in a serious fight."
"At first it did upset me some. Yet she did prove herself capable in a serious fight. Believe me when I say she would have none of my protesting even if I dared to challenge her right to lead our band of merry mischief makers."
"Oh, ho! She does now wear the pants as far as the two of you really are concerned then, so you say!"
"She wears breeches with her armor, as is appropriate for such apparel. Her armor is very, …useful ….to its purpose and I have no complaints against the majority of what she puts upon herself. Some of it is not appropriate for all that was set-up against us but she had armor that better suits an enemy that fights only with a heavy club or axe. Most of it though is of a stronger metal but fashioned to better suit her need to be able to move about, this way and that."
"Surely nothing too complicated to a man such as you I'd wager."
"Ha, ha, point well taken. I have suited the woman up and down enough times to be able to do so no matter how well the lighting happened to be in the moment."
"Watch your tongue there, Ser Knight, I warn you."
"I was being polite was I not in my speech? Dale? Was I out of line?"
"Way out of line as far as the old Teryn and even the new one I'd wager are concerned but then someone did have to assist the Lady in such situations. I doubt one would find a maid so readily available to serve her under such dire circumstances."
"He just has a good imagination then I would have to suppose."
"I know exactly what you were insinuating there, Roland. And I stand by my admonishment to you knight."
"I assure you that life has never been dull in any of my travels out with the Teryn's sister."
"She is an Arlessa now in her own right!"
"A woman as well!" Dale made a point of adding.
"No doubt on that accord. I wonder how she managed to achieve all of that on her own?"
"Word has it she has made a very good impression on our new King during the Blight. What say you to all of that, Ser Gilmore?"
"She did take down the archdemon. That had quite a bearing on all of that. It really has more to do with her accomplishments in the field; her leadership abilities and an urgent need to keep a tight, close circle of friends to make Fereldon safe. We are in no position right now to risk any kind of rebellious uprisings as we work to repair all of the damaged wrecked upon our Country from the Blight."
"Not to mention the sheer loss of life. Our army is cut well by half. Some areas have almost nothing to show in their own defenses as we dare to speak right now."
"After all that the traitor Howe did to both our army as well as sacrificing his own soldiers to a certain defeat. I'll say so!"
"Still a woman? That is going to be a real trial. Already our Lady Cousland is beset by enemies jealous of your position moving up in her service."
"Such is life we say together. I think we have a good handle on things. We have been talking well with our council and do not worry. We will hold up our part of the Country on our own."
"So says you! Set yourself real good didn't you in this part of the deal." Dale announced sounding suspicious this time with his words.
"And why shouldn't I? I assure you nothing that I have done or between the Arlessa and I has been committed under false pretenses. There is no deception or dishonesty between the two of us. What I do, I do to secure our relationship and the future we are building together between the two of us."
"I'll say you have been a very busy littler beaver. I'm working on my futures as well but I still have a few years yet to go before I'm an old man like you two. Then I will settle into a nest of my own making." Dale pointed out to his allies.
"Or this woman settles you down you mean!"
"He claims she too is a woman of means so that has to be the bait on the hook for this one."
"Listen to the old man speak up so! She is a woman who is well situated, no doubt but she does not own me. I am still a free man to do what I please. Unlike you are. Your wife had got her hooks into you well enough, Archibald!"
"Yes, well, I've got it good enough and my boys are growing up big and strong. Just like their father."
"I cannot say that we are not in dire need of more men in service these days at all."
"Archie, from all that I can recall, those are good boys and Mary is a good woman. You would be fortunate to find a wife such as that, Dale."
"And what say you of our Lady Cousland? Not that she deserves such a man as you are. A woman who wields daggers who is butchering men and not so much birthing them? What kind of wife will she make I wonder?"
"Such words from the mouth of a Knight of Highever?"
"It's fine, Archie, for we both understand that his words hold some truth at least in them. Our Lady is a very dangerous woman, to her enemies. She isn't mad or being accused, I hope, of being a tyrant. The Arlessa does what must be done to keep or bring peace to Fereldon. Granted she has stepped into a spot few women have dared to muster up to. But she will only point to fair Andraste, as proof that women also have their place of authority here in Fereldon. She does not shy away from her duties here. No matter what the challenge lays at her feet. We need to be grateful that she does this with humility and grace. Okay, sometimes things get very messy. Not much for the dainty tea-set we often see noble women participating in when times are sanguine.
Who can compare a Blight to such events, right?"
"Oh, no doubt there were a great many fine nobles doing that very thing while we fought and bled in the fields of the Bannorn or the Korcari Wilds."
"Such is the way of these people. But not for those we answer to in this kingdom I can assure you, on my honor."
"Brave words. I shake my head listening to you speak of Lady Tara in this way. Don't you worry out there, seeing her taking on all of those darkspawn scum?"
"Hell yeah! She'll put the fear of the Maker in your heart and have you on your knees begging Andraste for her protection every time she takes to the field. When you see her though, after laying down that last final blow. I swear, you find your faith renewed every time. All I want to do is wrap my arms around her, holding her close to me, so grateful that she made it through it all and survived the bloody mess of the day."
"More than my whole heart can bear man."
"I bet though the parties afterwards are all tales to be told later in the day!"
"When such times could be found. I definitely made good use of my free time as much as I possibly could. Usually you are pretty battered up and bruised. That does give way to mending up one another and some time to appreciate the reasons why everything works out towards the good between you, your loved one and your allies."
"Listen to you! Can't say I would mind too much having a lass around who has a good attitude with the courage to match it!"
"Easier said then done I'd say. I'll keep my own safe in my house. Better for my children's sake that's what. It may seem all good and jolly for now. When and if you ever find yourself honorably wedded, I can't imagine you will find so much bliss with a wee one that needs protecting while the missus is out swinging her sword at whatever enemy takes a fancy to the two of you."
"It never is easy for either of us to fight so much. What choice do we really have as far as that is concerned? My Lady cannot succeed in her rule if she stays away from or tries to hide from her enemies? I assure you there is no comfort in that sort of life. We were being hunted from all sides during the Blight as too the young Teryn was. If she did not fight her fate would have been that of Princess Oriana and her nephew. Or do you believe they were willing to stop at only eliminating Fergus' family that fateful night?"
"No, your point is well taken. What did spare our princess from the same fate as her sister-in-law?"
"We can thank her mabari, Beowulf ,for waking her up but it was her determined mind to train herself up in her own defense that saved her life. Going well beyond the barriers even her parents did put up to try to quell her desire to actually becoming worthy of our own order."
"It seems the Teryn, in trying to protect his women did not anticipate the advantage of training them up as well as we did his own son."
"This is a sad truth. Fortunately, she found it within herself to push her training further. Not so much even for her own defense but to defend those people that she did love the most. I can assure you that I would and did for the most part, find her as worthy a knight as all the others that I have trained up."
"And what incentive she did offer up to you for your good service, Ser Knight."
"I must confess that I got more out of it then probably she did but she would soundly argue this as being a fact."
"A love sick sop he was. To think a Knight of Highever could be brought under by such a spell to risk his life and limb for the attention of fair princess."
" I know, he really was pathetic wasn't he?"
"I punished him enough for his foolish ways but as we can now clearly see nothing short of racking up the man would keep him away from that princess' witchcraft."
"No, even an attempt at that did fail my oppressors, that is a fact. In my heart as it were. I tried to do as you asked. More times than I care to count up. I tell you though I know she is no witch, I am as much devoted to her every wish, as I was in those early days upon my arrival here first to Highever Castle."
"What really is amazing is that she as well, has not faltered in her affections for him, even moreso."
"I know, so shameful for a princess to fall for such a silly fool isn't it?"
"I did woo her well and honorably. I've always been a gentleman. At least as much is possible."
"Right because now I have heard well enough around Highever from those who do travel all about that you have this bird well in hand. Maybe more then most would suppose it to be don't you?"
"I heard such rumors as well but how can this be so? Lady Cousland was so determined not to ever wed or to be ruled over by any other man short of her own father that is."
"Her mother had a strong influence over her actions as well. Tease me all that you wish. It matters not where this heart is concerned. We are in love and we have all but removed all of the obstacles in the way of our truly living a good and honorable life together."
"And how is this all so secured might I ask?"
"You may but I choose to remain the gentleman and respect my future bride's need for some privacy in her personal affairs."
"That is just a nice way of his saying it. He needs protection as much as she does these days. I doubt we will get much from that swine we have strung up in the dungeon right now."
"Have you had words with the man, Ser Galen?"
"I have but only briefly. Martin is our man for such dealings and confession these days. He is on some self-righteous campaign funded by some rich man's insanity and too much coin to be rid of I'd say."
"Do you feel this is a serious threat, Roland?"
"Difficult to judge without knowing whose purse it is? I don't know what the man hopes to accomplish with it? I can't even imagine anything the two of us haven't had thrown up at us. I mean, orcs, darkspawn, wolves, zombies, skeleton remains, ghosts, …."
"Ghosts? Oh be serious man! Such things you are dreaming up for us all here now!"
"Suit yourself. Mages are powerful enemies. Apparently even the dead do not get to rest in peace if one acquires the power to bring them forth into the land of living. Sadly, I had no desire to fit any of them into my travel pack. They do not travel well so it would seem. Dead spirits of long gone Grey Wardens."
"Spirits aye but they did not or could not harm any of you. That is impossible. Why what has a ghost to fight a man with? A fright? To a Knight of Highever?"
"Watch your tongue lad least you lose your honor with it."
"These sort of apparitions, once summoned or possessed by such a mage are imbedded with supernatural means. I don't know how else to explain it to one who has never encountered such a thing. Then there are Abominations! Such a thing of matter such as I have never seen but I have felt their sting well enough and those things do bring serious harm to those who are not well suited to stand up to such mischief.
I swear to you both, in the Mage's Tower all sorts of tainted evil has walked those halls. Dead Templar zombies. Dead skeletons that do wield up dangerous weapons and are not so easy to put down without tainted weapons of your own."
"It all sounds so incredibly ridiculous to me."
"I'll keep to fighting with the living myself. There are enough of them to be had for me."
"I'd harden myself to such things if I were the two of you. Least you encounter such a thing and dare to not take such a threat as being serious. Maybe because of all that we have seen and fought has our Lady sleeping more relentlessly these days. I cannot say for sure. Only that I know she slumbers much better and by her own word, when I am with her.
I'll not turn away from her requests to keep me by her side. Even if the Teryn might disagree with our logic."
"He's bound to do just that. Good luck with that one. And you can keep those zombies, skeleton warriors and all of that to yourself if you please. I've no stomach to have to make-up more foolishness to have to raise my sword up against." Ser Archibald told him sternly.
"Right I'll order that one up for you as soon as I am finished with the big, bad, wolf."
"You do that, Roland. It is hard enough for the rest of us to serve within these walls imagining how our brothers-in-arms must have fought and died while we were out marching into a blood bath. Had we not been diverted by assassins from Loghain's side we understand that many of us would have been left littering the fields of Ostagar along with our other friend and neighbors."
"I didn't mean to bring up anything more painful then what it was. We must be brave for the things that our enemies will bring up against us to rule over us. Some are unreal to some of us. Even now, I must question my sanity when I remember how chaotic things were for all of us and how we did fight to get through it all."
"If you were not delusional and out of your mind perhaps in such moments and made it through it all to live, so too will the rest of us as well. Just keep in mind that we are fortunate to see our Lady finally accepting her duty to give us a legitimate heir. Best you keep her alive at least long enough to fulfill that duty of hers. I cannot find that our own Teryn will find another wife anytime soon to resolve this urgent matter facing all of now."
"Now listen to the old man? In one breath he is raising his voice to protest against our sly seductions and now am I hearing this clearly? He is demanding of you to produce a royal heir?""You hear well enough. I do believe the Arlessa and I are in agreement with you on this matter at least."
"Best that you understand how serious this matter is right now. At least don't get her murdered before we have our heir. We have enough tyrants already shooting arrows our way eager to take our good Teryn's place as it is."
"Maybe if you got out there more and found yourself a few dragons to slay then you too can one day find yourself an Arl in Fereldon?"
"Great! I could also use the two of you to make a human shield out of you boys and then go home to raise up my own boys if I so choose to do so! Why put my own life on the line for such a title? You are still but a Squire. Sure, Lady Tara is our new Arlessa but that does not turn you into an Arl does it now? "
"I know the loss of Lady Oriana and Prince Oren was a heavy blow to us all here at Highever. I can say for my part, I suffer nothing serving under our Arlessa, even in Amaranthine as I find myself being called upon.
What are titles to a man such as I am? My accomplishments speak for themselves. This new demand will unfortunately interfere with my destiny to become a mighty Grey Warden. We dare not risk the taint within the two of us together. Have faith though that you will have your heir. Hopefully, at least one addition to our family. We have not set any firm limits to the extent of our family. Rest easy that our Lady is strong in will and nature so if it Is possible for us to give all of you children to continue the Cousland hierarchy that is our wish as well. At least both my Lady and I feel we can secure any children that we might bear. It will take an army to bring this woman down and they must fight past me as well. As I have proven to all of you, I have great stamina and I am not an easy man to kill.
Our Lady has seen this and does me the honor of choosing me for her intended spouse. Who else in this kingdom could stand well up against me in any fight I ask you?"
"Not one but many, so it was said. We all have our limits but we have vowed to serve the Cousland family faithfully. No matter what , ahem, they choose to distract themselves from their worries with at any time."
"That is good to hear. At least for your service to our family."
"Come now man! Rejoice, for had I not survived that trial of pain and suffering at Howe's hand our Lady would not have no other in my place as her spouse."
"Oh, ho! Listen to this rooster now crow so loudly before us now!"
"You mean fortunately for you that she did not meet up with me instead!"
"Please, Dale, is there no bounds to your vanity?"
"How pray tell did our Lady miss your shining presence and find herself so blindly obedient to my charms instead? Let me tell you that it would take such a man to take on such a dare. A foolish one as well to challenge me and deprive me of my fine Lady's hand.
Should I take such words as a serious challenge against me for said ladies hand in marriage?"
"I do not live in fear of you, Ser Gilmore., if that is what you might be insinuating with these words of yours against my person here. I'd almost accept such a challenge were it of a serious and possibly fruitful, guarantee for our Lady's hand if I did win such a fight. However, taking into account our Lady's apparent fascination with the likes of you. As well as taking into account a vicious rumor that has recently surfaced about the two of you? Then there is the Arlessa's known temperament? Please accept my humble decline of your very tempting offer." Ser Galen did bow out of respect for his opponents stations and polite offer.
"Scared out of his wits, I'd say."
"Be that as it may, I will consider the matter settled. Too bad. I haven't knocked any fools around much lately. I assure you being in service to Lady Cousland, I rarely suffer from any lack of practice. Even in my home in the Bannorn, she cannot help but attract trouble either from the locals with nothing better to do with themselves or the local authority. Some feel she might be lacking in male company or in dire need for their personal protection. Then there were the ones who found her social station something worth setting up the challenge against."
"He means a condescending attitude."
"That is not how I remember our Lady as presenting herself around here."
"She tries her best but when some people challenge her independence I'm afraid then the princess in her stands out like a peacock with it's feathers fanned out ready for a fight."
"That does sound more like our Lady then. I was starting to feel some pity for you there, Roland. Being as you are, a slave to her every whim. I would find it a bit of burden on me over time."
"Would that every knight found himself so burdened as I find myself as being. It is not hard at all to settle down with so beautiful and adventurous a woman as my companion.
My only concern these days short of keeping my Lady safe from our enemies is how to manage our own family. As you say, she is fiercely devoted to me and what of a child if it is to had?"
"I don't see how that would even be a possibility for the two of you seeing how the two of you must travel about so on the road. "
"To be honest, I fear any lad or lass of our own will find itself suited up with chain mail before it can even escape from its' own crib bed."
"What a sight that would be to be had!"
"Ha, ha, ha! Between the two of you? If it's a lad, Maker help us all!
"I'm looking forward to a Cousland who can survive long enough to even rule in these days."
"He does have a point. She really did put down that beast did she not? I mean it isn't all for, you know, to make her look worthy of her advancement that is."
"What do you really think? That they are going to let me, even with my own father's title under my belt, rule over Amaranthine? Do you honestly believe they would lift up a woman, even a noble woman such as she is, up so high if not for the tales of her accomplishments all being the truth."
"All right. I didn't mean to disrespect our Lady Cousland with my clumsy words. You know I would put up my own sword to defend her life."
"I will try to find a reason to want to forgive you of you ignorant words. Better you not challenge my Lady with such accusations. I'll not have her tempted at this time to prove her good name just to please you. Tell me now, you who are so brave to question the dealings of my beloved. Are you brave enough to join up with the mighty Grey Wardens? Any one of you that may be?"
"Maker no! I've a family to look after."
"And you, Dale? You are not so burdened except for your various social engagements, are you not? They have such events also in Amaranthine."
"That maybe so. I admit to have passerby's make way whenever you approach is somewhat impressive to behold? I've never seen the need however for such recognition. I will however contemplate such an offer seriously out of respect for your offer."
"You better not! And I'll not have you going around, Ser Gilmore, trying to recruit away the Teryn's good knights from our order for the benefit of your own. You know full well the burden we have in just keeping our good Teryn alive and well."
"Forgive me then for my enthusiasm. We will have quite a challenge in building up a decent army of soldiers for this order."
"There are a good amount of stragglers left to us here even in Highever thanks to the Blight."
"Best to pick them up before they find themselves in the company of thieves or other ne'er do well types."
"We've met up with all sorts I promise you during our travels here and around Fereldon."
"Terrible times it was. I'd feel sorry for you if I didn't know you were so familiar with Lady Cousland."
"Man, mind your place! She is a good woman who is deserving of your respect for her title."
"I would not argue any of this I promise. Even to suffer this man's overzealous, bloated sense of self-worth. As for his sense of propriety and familiarity with our new Arlessa? I would lay claim that he knows her well."
"I would expect you to follow you sage advisor as fa as rumors go." Rory stared over at his opponent with a warning glare in his squinting eyes.
"Are you going to stand right here, in our presence, denying that it is not true at all that our fair princess is not already here with child? Or am I the one being daft in assuming it is all your doing?"
"Why, in all of Fereldon, do you expect me to tell tales to the likes of you?" Ser Gilmore answered him not hiding at all that he was not at all pleased with the direction the conversation had now turned to.
"Either deny it or accept the consequences of your actions man!" Dale brought back to Roland daring him to not answer him more directly.
"I will say that I am so honored to be Lady Tara's chosen suitor. That finally our Lady will consent to be a wife. I will serve her, as I always have, since I was asked to swear my oath to service to all Cousland's upon my induction here at Highever.
Which brings me to my purpose of speaking to you, Captain Whitmore. Not so much to you Galen."
"Galen, you push too hard on this rather delicate topic. The princess' business is her own. Of course, we must respect the fact that even if Ser Gilmore were at liberty to speak of such a personal matter, he would be bound by his service to the Arlessa to not speak so openly about such a personal matter. At least until all things were made public by her admission. Anything other then that would and still remains the topic of gossips. Therefore, we, as her trusted servants, should respect her right to bring out any knowledge of her change in status on her own timetable."
"As you wish, Captain. I was only making a valiant attempt to change rumors into facts. If the opportunity did present itself to my eager ears. I can see that I was asking too much and I apologize, Ser Gilmore, for my rather forceful approach on the matter. It was only fueled by my desire to preserve the honor of our Lady if at all possible. I realize a fellow Knight deserves the respect and honor of his peers. I was out of line and I apologize."
"Apology accepted. You know full well what I can and cannot say in regards to the Arlessa. You should be more concerned with having your name attached to any rumors least the Teryn gets word that it is you who are spreading them all about. I doubt he is in the best of humors these days. Knowing all that stands before him in these trying days ahead of us."
"I was just asking you a fair question. I only apologize for my approach. Not for my curiosity. Of course you know the answers to my questions but even I should have seen you were not going to share them with me."
"And it isn't even from my personal dislike for your daring to challenge me to force me to give you such information. As Captain Whitmore pointed out, I too, must answer to protocol. All things in their good time. I am the most anxious of us all to let the news out of all that has transpired between the two of us. It is more really then I should be telling in saying my own proposal has been accepted. But Lady Cousland's insistence that I ride in besides her, rather than in the rear, holds significant enough proof that we are more of a couple then merely an act of service would imply."
"Enough to almost get yourself killed you mean."
"He was a clumsy aim. We should all feel fortunate that did come at us from the other side, least he have stricken the Arlessa instead. Surely I would have dismounted to address the man immediately on my own had that transpired. But it was clearly the act of a some witless noble whose servant was apparently no better shot that that of his master. We will do this poor fool some harm but the worst of it will probably come from the man's master and not from us."
"Then you mean to release the man? Is that really wise?"
"It may be the only means that we have of tracing him to the real culprit. We will see what we can get out of him on our own of course. If he is weak and eager for protection from the harm his master will do to him for his failure we might keep him? I'm not too sure about that. If he proves more hearty in nature then in his shot, we will be forced to try to trace his steps back to his ill advised keeper. You should be well versed in this tactic I would still hope?"
"Yes, yes, of course I am. I am just very concerned for the princess that is all. It is a trying time to put such jealousies before us. Is not her grief consuming enough then to have to force her to have to address such a trying issue right now at least?"
"How can we expect dignity or honor from a man who is convinced he has been robbed of an expected opportunity to improve upon his fortunes?"
"I hope he hasn't already spent the money in anticipation of the princess' dowry."
"A hopeless cause at best for such a one to do."
"True but a story we have heard before none the less."
"Quite right. Now Dale, I happen to know you have an important dinner engagement to attend to this evening."
"That's right, I do! How do you know of this though?"
"It is my business to know these things. You asked to change your watch for the privilege if you remember."
"These things, so it goes! Might as well move along then. Nothing to find out here that is going to change the course of history."
"Not your history anytime soon I'd imagine, Ser Galen."
"Right! You just keep with that attitude, Gilmore. I might be better distracted then some around here but not all of the Knights will see you in such a sterling light as you want the rest of us to believe or see you in."
"My affairs have always been my own. I have always kept my business close to the chest. Only my most intimate friends can claim to know me well and sadly, except for Fitzsimmons, who I still haven't found out here just yet, no other still yet lives who knows me well enough to make such a claim of me here."
"Am I not a friend and a brother?" Dale asked him feigning some made up hurt at his words.
"As a fellow Knight of Highever, aye, you can make such a claim but not as my more personal friend. And right now, I am not officially an active Knight here, for now I answer solely to the Arlessa. I would of course fall into place should the Teryn have a serious need for my presence. Only at the blessing though of my Lady, for my priority is to watch over her first and foremost. I'm sure you understand all of this protocol."
"Oh, I understand your words very clearly now. For what they really are that is. I am off then Captain. Best to not keep the lady waiting right?"
"Wouldn't think of it. Then again I know I have a lot more to look forward to then you do, Galen."
"So you oftentimes say but can such words always be true for all of the times?"
"Hold your saucy tongue there boy. I can't believe you today, Dale? Tempting an old man like you do? Not to mention a man who sits so closely to one who we all must answer to on a regular enough basis?"
"Boggles the mind doesn't it, Captain. Hurry off now, Ser Galen. Best not to keep the lady waiting as you continue to say." Rory told the man eager to move along with his intended business here."
"There now, he's off. Now what has you in such a mood this afternoon, Roland?"
"Who stands watch over the Teryn's quarters?"
"Charles and Oliphant. I suppose you are also wondering who stands at the Arlessa's door also? That being, Colvin and Howard to be there."
"You may reinstate the former two guards. My own guard will stand watch over the Arlessa while we are here for this visit. Oliphant? I will endure his sense of humor but Charles has to go."
"By what authority am I to do all of this moving all around then?"
"If my own does not hold enough water for your bucket then surely the Arlessa's is good enough."
"I answer to the Teryn. You know the rules well enough, Gilmore."
"I know but you can find some reason for these changes. The Arlessa is no longer a child and has the right to choose her own guards based on the level of security she now requires. That shouldn't be a problem for you. As for the doors leading in? I do not desire to find myself in constant conflicts between my own guards and that of Highever's.
I know Charles will be a problem to me. We are trying to keep our peace with the Teryn during these sorrowful days. Yet, you know full well the conflicts from the past between these two siblings. I just don't need Charles instigating more trouble between the two of them. Fergus couldn't wait one single day before calling up Lady Tara to give her the "what for" once again just after our arrival. She will not bend if he means to try to overshadow her authority. He knows she has the favor of the king. If he tries to demand too much from her, she will merely walk away from him and such a gap between the two of them will not help matters for either one of them.
Lady Cousland is full aware she will be stepping in a territory where many will mock her and some will make attempts against her very life to try to save the honor of their fallen ruler."
"That is utter nonsense if you ask me!"
"A fruitless venture that will only earn the scorn of a woman who still feels the sting from their swords from the siege of Highever. It will not go in their favor to anger her at all. Though I know, it is her wish to be fair to all of those who willingly change their allegiance and vow only to serve and honor their commitments to Fereldon. Not to dead Arl."
"This is going to be a rough sea we have here with these two under the same roof then isn't it?"
"Only if the Teryn tries to overstep his boundaries. They need each other. Fergus want's Charles at the door to report directly to him and Charles is always so eager for the favors of those nobles eager to put coin into his waiting pockets. You must know this about the man already?"
"I know the Teryn favors him and I try to stay on the man's good side. Though as you say, Charles is a bit of a slimy snitch, he is loyal in everything that is asked of him to do."
"Then his loyalty will lead him to not grumble too much if you ask him to serve in some other comfortable doorway rather then the one I must pass through from time to time. If the Teryn grows concerned with our coming and going he can address us personally. Neither Lady Tara or I shy away from such inquiries. We understand it is best though that we handle matters directly with the Teryn rather then let him stew over our own affairs.
We understand that right now Lord Fergus is going through a difficult time. So too are we. This castles haunts us both from days long ago. It is my challenge to try not to let it upset our princess as much as I can help it.
Not to mention that those who are disgruntled with my place can easily turn their resentment back upon her. I'll not risk her safety to satisfy a few unnerved nobles"
"I see …."
"Listen, the Teryn trusts your decisions does he not?"
"With little question that he does."
"In your position he better. I do not mean to share all of what the two of us have agreed upon for our security, as well as the importance of the people who will reside at Highever to formalize this coming event. It is only my wish that we be able to move about here unhindered while we are visiting here.
My Lady and I would appreciate your willingness to endure any inconveniences that doing so might bring upon you."
"You better because the Teryn will notice my making such a move. He knows his knights and this is bound to catch notice by him."
"A sudden case of the flu or an unplanned social event coming up should be enough of an explanation. I know he doesn't tolerate too much any sort of excuses but we are hoping that with all that is happening around here he will be less concerned with any changes. As long as his replacement is capable in his position."
"Is this to be the case for your entire stay here in Highever?"
"Until Lady Oriana's parents do arrive here. Then we will, that is she will probably use other accommodations. It is not our desire to upset anything while they are here. We would expect the Teryn to be more diligent when his in-laws are present here."
"So that means you our guards will follow suit, am I correct? And my guards will not be guarding the Arlessa during this time? That brings concerns of my own as far as the princess herself is concerned."
"Just run your patrols as you are use to doing. No one is getting past my guards without a serious fight. Then they have to deal with the two of us. We have conquered giant Orcs, huge spiders, hundreds of darkspawn, why even the undead tremble when the two of us draw up our swords I promise you."
"Such words. Nothing has changed about you has it? Except now our young Lady is too much a part of your ceaseless adventuring. This still does not sit well with the Teryn. Best not stir up too much trouble while you are out here. I have no idea how he would react to seeing his own sister put to such a test."
"Maker help us if she is forced to take up arms. I assure you she is not so eager to prove her worth. Here at least. But she will not shy away from any fight if she feels threatened in any way. We all know the fate of women who cannot defend themselves. She knows this better then anyone. For this reason she must fight if she is live on to rule in her own right.
She has proven herself worthy in my eyes. I also had to come to face the fact that even I could not hold her back from her own destiny. Not if I wish to stay in her favor."
"She has always been very headstrong, that one. The old teryn felt constantly challenged by her ways, that he did tell me often enough. Still, I doubt he would have predicted her coming to rule over in Amaranthine as it were either."
"Of course she was his only daughter. He wanted to keep her safe but as we all were forced to learn, me especially, nothing can keep us from our fate or protect us from evil but the choices that we make in times of great threat.
Even as I suffered under the torture of Howe's dogs, I was forced to wonder if our princess had safely escaped here with her life. To be so helpless … some hours I found it difficult to reason why I must keep suffering for all of this. But just the hope that she made it free and taking in her own courage, her sacrifice for our people? How could I falter seeing such courage in a wee lass? I had to admit I was made of much stronger stuff.
I only wish I could have done so sooner. But I was in and out of consciousness. I could not free myself so it seemed soon enough to save any of my friends lives. Or the staff who suffered for no reason except that they were faithful to our great teryn and his household."
"It is a terrible blotch on the history of Highever and all of Fereldon. But you two did set things right. I hope under this new King we will fight better in the first place, rather then always seem like we are initially an easy target or harbor lazy armies."
"I can see your point there. Nothing could be done of it back then. This is why the King finds it vital to keep his inner circle close to him and tight knit. Especially because of appearances."
"But no matter how much metal you choose to stitch up around our princess she is still a woman. Our enemies will see that as a hidden advantage."
"Maybe it is time we see and train woman to not be such easy victims to the whims of men. Not to mention the spoils of war."
"That might rob a few soldiers of their incentive to want to have to fight."
"Come now! We are speaking of Fereldon's here! Put a sword within their reach and they will do their duty. Enough of them have wives, intended and mistress' enough to want to keep their homes safe from any harm."
"Not to mention a few who are more then happy to suit up here rather then twiddle their thumbs with little or nothing useful to do with their time."
"Right you are! I can deal with my father's lands and the people who chose such work to make it prosper. For myself at least, given the opportunity I much rather be put to good use in the battle field or well on the road enjoying the adventure of it all."
"And for this reason you have wooed the one woman who is sure to always have her skirts in a bind or in great need of knights who can do their duties with honor?"
"Precisely! That really is just an added bonus. I didn't fall in love with her because she was a princess and so high above me. It was much simpler then that. Many of us young knights did come to admire her for her many assets. I just happen to be the lucky one that she happened to fall in love with.
I know in part because she knows I am capable of protecting her and smart enough to know my place when necessary. Besides I am not jealous of all that she has. I have what I need and want, so what need have I to make myself an even more ready target then I already am now, right?"
"Beats me? I've witnessed all types in my time. All I can say is you better keep Lady Cousland safe, Gilmore. The wolves are already baring their teeth, eager to put you aside to have at her. With her parents dead and buried some see this as a clear opportunity to play out their hands when before they had her father to stand in the way of their desires. Any harm that comes to her will be judged with the harshest of measures. Especially taking into consideration you look more like the culprit who is compromising our methods of protecting her. I want to make sure you are aware of the risks you are taking here, even with your own life."
"I cannot fathom any such punishments that I have not already been through in the last year and not seen my way through. I have the most reason to want our Arlessa to keep on living. I am well aware of what I am doing and so far, so good. We will only be here but a short time. Then you may go back to your knitting or whatever it is you do for real entertainment around here when the threats to the teryn's rule are not so formidable."
"That day doesn't exist around here but I will do my best to imagine away the threats here, at least on those days I am granted the freedom to visit with my own family."
"That is difficult. I can imagine. I am grateful to have my own close at hand. I can't imagine how much I would worry about her if I was always kept away from her too much. That is but one reason why I have not returned ot service here. She needs me and I need her to keep my sanity. Building up an order of Grey Wardens will not be an easy task. Right now I rather I be the one testing out potential recruits rather then have her out there always having to prove why she did put down the archdemon."
"Still so hard to believe that one. I will sort of miss seeing how far her progress has taken her. I still am not pursuing women to fill my ranks. I see in the Bannorn that isn't the case."
"Women suffer a great harm if they are unable to defend themselves. Men cannot always keep them in lofty towers or behind castle strongholds. I learned that in the very worst of ways. So if any woman steps forward willing to learn how to successfully wield up a sword or bow, my Lady will not hesitate or ask of them to do so with enough skill to defend themselves as well as any children that might fall under their care."
"So you say. Women are dangerous enough as they are I say. But I do see her point and yours. It is a question we must all ponder well I think.
Just mind your place here because the Teryn does not favor your match so well as the two of you seem to."
"I do not need constant reminding of what will become of me if I dare to give the Teryn any formidable reason to turn against me. Our old friendship it seems is not enough to put him at ease. He has to face the reality that few men are even capable of keeping our princess safe from harm."
"Seeing how she actually has always sought out such dangers on that I must agree with you with. Sadly I witnessed no noble person who could put you down, saving her own father but he too was growing old."
"It is her wish as is that of her brother, to secure our Country. As a woman, I have heard her say that her love, like that of Andraste, of her people and her strong desire to see them to a peaceful life as much as can be, is incentive enough to push her onwards to stand up and defend her Country from any great wrongs others will try to bring up against us.
I admit it is uncommon in a woman to have such thoughts but a she often reminds me, if she was forced to take up the rule of Highever, how could she master that if she was not respected or experienced enough in the ways of war? I mean she looked toward Queen Anora, with all of her ignorance and lack of authority over her overbearing father with such disdain. She could clearly see her immaturity even at her young age."
"Queen Anora was a fair judge but you are quite right as to her vast weakness in the ways of war."
"More dangerous was she because she saw those of us who do fight as acceptable losses. I believe she would have put our princess and the rightful King to death without any consideration for the lives they lead or the people who loved them."
"Really? You trusted her that little did you now?"
"Yes, with good reason. When we were faced with the challenge put before us by Ser Cautherin, the Queen, who was supposed to be our currant ruler, did not order her party to step down but did lie to secure her own escape. After acquiring the knowledge that we did ourselves just out down Arl Howe and a house full of armed soldiers. She showed no concern either for her own army or ours. We accomplished what she wanted of us to do for her and now we were expendable to her. Even knowing the princess was a royal heir. It was her duty as Queen to protect her successor not to lay waste to her or put her in chains.
All I can say is I hope she is enjoying the fate she dared to put upon one that I love. It was a painful and difficult task to take on. Just as it was with Howe's men, these were men I had come to know some. Now they were to be my enemies. It was such a harsh time to have to fight through. I can imagine our enemies took much enjoyment over all of our in fighting."
"Disgraceful on all accounts, Ser Gilmore. I do realize it is a miracle upon miracles that our Lady still lives and breathes. Still it is my duty and my honor to keep her safe while she is here. As well as to not upset our good Teryn while he makes his way through these dark days.
I would rather you not go around trying to test him so much. He is much like his father before him. It will not take much to bring his anger your way if you get too uppity or forget your place here among these high nobles."
"We will remember your kindness and understanding in these trying times. Let us just go about our own business here. Do not feed an already burning flame if at all possible. Lady Cousland has already informed me that she will leave prematurely if her brother does try to hold her down too much.
It is my duty to make her stay here bearable. It would not look so well to see these two at odds with one another. Not when our King's goal is to present an aura of unity among his high nobles and a tight, well controlled defense.
We have to accomplish this peace between us. Our defense are not so strong and until we have trained up the next generation, we are vulnerable. It is enough that we have both inside and outside forces plotting against us. It is our goal to make our people less of an attractive target to others who like that fool Howe, want "more" without going through the trouble of actually earning such a right."
"So it will always be, Roland. But I too do not wish more animosity between the two siblings if at all possible. Your being so familiar with Lady Tara will do nothing to mend that wound however. I just hope that your friendship was enough to put him off. He doesn't need any more strife from the nobles around here because his sister is consorting with a mere knight."
"It is something he will have to bear and he really has no choice in the matter. He need only refer such citizens to the two of us. We are adept at presenting the case for our relationship. He need not trouble himself with our affairs as long as we carry out our duties well.
I have matters well set-up in the Bannorn, at least our region of it that is. Now we are ready to do the same on a much larger scale in Amaranthine. It helps that Lady Tara has a good eye for recruits. Even better then my own it would seem. Some of her choices did raise my eyebrow more then some. But then they did prove their worth under her command. She is quite impressive. And she still practices her skills. She is not lazy or feels so protected, even by me, to allow that to happen to her."
"That is a relief of sorts. Even though it grieves me to live through such times when a woman must don heavy armor and fight for her own life. It was not as the Maker meant for it to be. It's a wonder any woman here in Fereldon can carry on about her business without feeling too bothered by those who gather up around us all."
"I know. It is the curse of their sex. But we added to their suffering by ignoring the fact that they too must be strong to fight their own enemies. I did fight with a few women and I am grateful for their service. As well as their own abilities to keep themselves alive to see the end of the Blight."
"So say we all then. These measures that you are going to. To risk the Teryn's wraith. This does give way to some of the rumors of what has transpired more between the two of you. I do not see all of this attention on your part as not part of your own desire to ensure you have plenty of time alone with the Arlessa for yourself."
"I am not at liberty to discuss what the future will bring to the two of us. You know better then to badger me with such inquiries. Not to mention the terrors that the two of us had to live through during the siege. We two find ourselves haunted by those whose spirits must walk these halls late at night. We might have put down their enemies but that does not bring back the lives we lost or the memories that scar our minds from that tragic night."
"No, I think I understand you better now. How can these souls find rest, even as we are at a time of peace? It grieves me now to think our Lady cannot walk or trip through these halls as she once did as a joyful and a little mischievous little girl that she once was."
"We all did come to admire her and her brother very much didn't we? I only hope I can remind her better of those times in her memories. I promise my own eulogy will be of pleasanter times when we all lived here in the springtime of our lives. We will have rainbows again. This is my promise to you given a little time. We had to get past this event before we can see that hope is not out of our reach once more."
"Seeing all of his darkspawn mess cleaned up will be a good start to it. What a mess we were met with when we finally made our way back to Highever."
"I can imagine but we have seen sights, gruesome sights, too difficult to really want to remember much as descriptions want to go that is. I did my best to bring her some relief from all of that misery. Knowing this time will be hard for her. I thank you for your part in understanding the challenge of getting her through all of this without allowing her grief to overwhelm her too much.
What we will have to face up to Amaranthine will be equally as hard as it must be for the Teryn here to answer to the tragedy that followed with his departure here from Highever on that fateful day."
"True enough. Many find it was a bad call on the old Teryn's part. They look to Lord Fergus for restitution for their own losses. Often forgetting his own personal loss of his parents and close friends because of the massacre."
"Such is the lives of peasants. I realize the burden here is great for the loss was of such a magnitude. Let's us be at peace and keep the peace to the best of our abilities shall we then?"
"I realize what you must have been through. Though a fools journey to be sure you seem to have held things together between the two of you. Without bringing down a holy terror upon yourself. That is some feat I must admit to."
"We both understand that there is no greater burden except for those who must guard the King then those who answer themselves to serve a Cousland."
"They are a hearty bunch that they are. And they have devoted their kin to building good relations well enough throughout all of good Fereldon."
"Just an excuse I assure you to get out on the road to ease the restlessness within their hearts."
"Does this factor make them the best to rule though?"
"Of course it does! Couslands have proven to be very wise in their decisions and pursuits have they not? And their courage is not to be questioned in any reputable court. They did not come upon their title by sitting idle while the Country fell apart around their feet. I assure you the Teryn fought his enemies with a courage few can brag about. And in the end even our Teryna did raise her sword with my own Lady anxious to put down our attackers with no thoughts to their own safety except in the knowing that it would not come if they did cower in their rooms or hide themselves along with such fears of the end. It took all that was in Lady Tara to walk away from the fight here. It was only to honor her father's dying wish and to see her brother fight at her side to return order back to Highever did she finally turn away. But not before vowing to join up with the Grey Wardens to make it all happen."
"But she did not return to her brother. Then again I understand all of that better now."
"If we did not put down the Blight we would have nothing left to rule over, Whitmore. But enough of all of this. Just try to accept the fact that with my help our Lady is here safe and sound. I only brought some of this up to reassure you that I am quite capable of keeping her this way. As long as none of you get in my way of doing so. She is the hope of Highever now. I'm afraid some of my duty falls on keeping a close eye on her to prevent her from taking on too much alone on her own. She is so determined to be so independent but we both can clearly see she is still a woman. And here in this place she is at a greater risk of harm. I do realize that as a target myself I puts her at some risk but better I fight off my own foes with her good eye to see myself through as well.
You missed it or did you see how quickly she did pull out her bow and shoot an arrow at that would-be-assassin did you not?"
"I was coming up at the Teryn's side as it did take place. I will admit I was impressed. A well thought out shot for it did retard the assailant's ability to aim at you once again."
"And you wonder why I am willing to risk my own life to be one with her own?"
"It is as foolish a pursuit as ever there was one but that didn't slow you down too much. I know you love her and will protect her. I try to keep reminding myself of this when I now see you two walk the halls together. To the same woman you so eagerly bowed down to whenever the occasion called upon you to do so."
"We all serve our spouses in one way or the other do we not? I'm afraid I do not do such things as much as I formerly have done. She was very adamant of only requesting those who annoyed her tp do so and was very put out if those we did fight with tried to do so."
"But it was their place to do so was it not?"
"True but it can get in the way when your fellow soldiers could build up a resentment toward you for it and well, we lived, slept, in the same camps. There really was no place for such formalities when under such fierce attacks. She served as any knight in good standing would serve and considering the array of people that served along with our party. Let's just say the lack of formalities allowed us to work in peace most of the time."
"It is a difficult situation to imagine but then our own Teryn and his son did work among us when we were on the road much of our travels abroad."
"That they did for we did live and some of us died for that honor and to earn the praise that followed our reputation."
"That we did and some of us still do."
"It is in their honor that we do still serve. Our Lady did say that we lived to fight to preserve their honor. It was our duty to do well in their stead. For they did give their very lives to keep us free. We owed it to those who put their trust in us to overcome whatever was being put before us, bravely. I can only tell you how impressed I have been seeing Lady Tara face creatures even I grew a little concerned for our final outcome. We just put hose fears aside for our foolish belief that there was nothing we could no overcome as long as our courage to win, won out. It became a wicked game we were playing. Too much like children who had no fears because we were silly enough to think there was nothing we could not conquer or overcome."
"I hope a good amount of strategy when along with all of that bravado."
"It did and I did spend many, many nights up late going over books written by those who did overcome past Blights as well as those we were instructed to review to renew our knowledge of what it took to win in a fight. As well as the many mistakes others made in the heat of a fight. Our Lady did much of the same and was an active part of our conversations when our battle plans were being discussed. She would not tolerate our doing so without her being present."
"A far cry from life here at the castle no doubt. It is is reassuring to know she did take to that all when called upon to do so."
"She was always that way though in our lessons. Then, I might confess she was very eager to play out such fights to prove her theory or to better understand why something did or didn't work for those caught up in a serious fight. It served us both well when you better know what the right moves are for mistakes in judgment will be the end of you. We all know this to be true."
"Too well I'm afraid. I've lost a few I can honestly say I still grieve their losses. Their bravery is not to be questioned as well as their sacrifices to save us from further harm or a negative shift in the battle that would have cost us all our very lives."
"Yes, we have come here to honor their bravery. This eulogy will not be an easy one for me. It is good to meet up once more with those of you who did survive the Blight. I never imagined my future to being both so grim, yet still filled with so many blessings giving me a good reason to to carry on with my life."
"Time you see life for what it is. I only hope you've the stomach for all of it."
"I've been hardened by the very worst to be had. I should be grateful not to have had to vanquish more of my friends. Some who I know fell victim to the mindless plots of wicked mages who would not even allow them to rest after they dead to the rest of us."
"Wicked business that is. I haven't seen any of that sort of thing. Though some nights, well, never mind it all. I heard tales of what awaited some in Redcliffe during those days that the old Arl did lay almost beyond any type of earthy healings."
"Aye we did. Even then after meeting up with the spirits and a few rotting corpse of long dead Grey Wardens. Who by the way did have a woman who lead their order in those days."
"Best not to be reminding people of any of that. They did come to some dishonor and you don't want any of that being heaped upon our own Lady if at all possible."
"You have a point. There is some controversy over whether their attempts were to overthrow an unjust kingdom. We haven't much to go by of those days so let me not be the judge of these affairs. Only to say we are in agreement with the King's direction and hope that the Maker guilds our King's hand to a more righteous rule over Fereldon."
"Sounds grisly to me. Damn mages! Why can't those bloody Templars keep them at bay? It's their duty to put down those renegades. Not much else they are good for now is it?"
"It's a struggle. I say that lyrium does them in some. Makes them more susceptible to the ways of apostates. Still just as all mages can be honed for their skills so too, can it be said that all of us can be honorable and useful when faced with a great threat that needs to be overcome."
"So says you! As for you! I'd wager the stories you have to share will fill up volumes. You should join with us later at the tavern. Many here are eager to hear how the Blight was turned over and the Arlessa did slay such a beast that even seasoned Grey Wardens did fail at on their turn to take it down. You are sure to find an attentive audience eager to fill your mug if you are willing to share the details in for them all."
"No doubt. Better that then to find myself always being cut down by the Teryn's sharp tongue is that your logic here with such words?"
"I'd wager it being so. If what I have heard of your other pursuits holds to be the truth."
"I will have to discuss this with my Lady. If not this very night perhaps on another one. We have only just arrived here this day. I need to get all of us settled here before taking on anything so demanding as a crowd of druken soldiers and wayfarer travels this evening."
"Surely you are not solely beholden to serve at all hours of the day now are you?"
"No, not so much as you are implying. My concerns and my reasons for such diligent service is not the same as it is for the rest of you."
"No, that must be the case."
"I am not so burdened by it. I will hopefully have more free time once our affairs are better situated here. Remember I serve more as Lord Oliver does then all of you. As a personal bodyguard as well as an advisor there are few times I am not in the company of the Arlessa."
"No that makes some sense. But it goes even further beyond that even as far as your affairs go."
"That is true. And so I have done what needs to be accomplished out here so I need to move on and I am sure I am keeping you from your own duties here as well."
Roland left the Captain to return to see how his family was settling in. He still had hardly set foot in to his own room that is. Before doing just that he went to see how his father was getting along since he knew Tara would be busy being annoyed by her brother's many request of her free time. If only to eliminate as much of her free time to spend exclusively in his own company.
No, he smiled, that was being unfair. There really must be all sorts of concerns that follow such events. So best he take care of his own business then thwart her from her own duties here.
He came upon his own father to find him making his way to leave his room in that moment.
"What is this? Where are you off to father at this hour?"
A meeting with the Teryn of course. I've been summoned, so Fredrick has informed me. Not that it isn't protocol for me to address my host in a timely manner. Such formalities are to be expected."
"Shall I accompany you then? It was a long journey out and I do not want to see you further taxed when you must be weary from our travels out here."
"Did the Teryn stat a preference, Fredrick for this audience?"
"He was specific with his invitation my Bann. I doubt it was to slight you, Ser. It should only take a short while for us to report on news from Hunter Fell. This is all to be expected, Lord Roland."
"So it goes."
"You've hardly been to your own room, Roland. You must get changed. Better to find something more becoming to wear around here. That is unless it is your will to be a menacing force here to unsettle those who must work all day around the while you roam these halls."
"I can not guarantee what I might find in the more hidden rooms of this castle. It has more unfamiliar faces then I care to mention."
"Enough of such talk the two of you. Get along and make yourself presentable for you Lady and the Lord of the castle. I would not have you accompany me dressed like this even if it was my desire to make your presence here officially known."
"I don't doubt that the Teryn is well aware of my presence here. He did speak with his sister well before he called upon you. I can only imagine how he must have bent her ear all out of shape in doing so."
"Good that you did not accompany her with any of that business as well! I'll not have you strutting around here as the proud rooster crowing about your new found status. It isn't honorable, Roland."
"Now father I am hardly such a braggart as you put me out to be. I have my own business to tend to our here. I am more at home here then you are so rest easy. Many of the men here know of me and we have served well together. Do not trouble yourself either with my affairs with Lady Cousland. These are our affairs and should not so of those of Hunter Fell or your own burden to have to bear."
"Not so easily brushed aside my son. Just do not cause any more trouble around here. It is my wish that all goes will with your engagment. Do not turn the Teryn more against your favor then you already have. Being so familiar with his sister cannot sit well with him as their people make them have to answer for all that they have suffered during that Civil War."
"You speak as if we brought that upon ourselves by our actions. That is not the case. It was pure greed that pushed Howe over the edge. That and an opportunity to separate our army that never should have been but many where the times Lord Fergus did take our a part of us on his own. So it was not to be expected even under those circumstances, father."
"The war must have stirred up old feelings of resentment for the man. But Loghain had to have his own hand in the pot for how else would Howe escape retribution from his superiors without it? All dreadful times. And now my own son does work to lift himself right into the middle of it all!
Come along Fredrick, let us be on our way. Go about your business, Roland and heed my words well."
"As you wish father. Don't let the Teryn muddle your thinking or have you believing my intentions are anything but honorable by his sister's hand."
"I won't. I have my own families' honor to think about and I hold that above all else as you know full well."
"All's well young squire, so run along!" Fredrick instructed his old ward so he could move the old Bann onto his appointed business. He could see that Roland was not at ease with any conversation between his father and the Teryn without his being there to steer the conversation. Though Fredrick understood that it would be difficult for Roland to accept the move his father was forced to make to ease his son's way in the direction he was so stubbornly set upon at this time.
"Do you think he suspect our business with the Teryn?"
"He is a bright boy. Not so much in his choosing of a bride but never the less what's done is done. I'm convinced this audience si to prove my son worthy of such a wife."
"I've little doubt of that, my Bann. Do not worry yourself over that issue, Rodrick. If anything Roland has done himself and your family proud. He managed to not only get the young princess through the worst the Blight had to offer up to us. She came through it all with honors."
"If only he could have done so without so much impropriety. I'd be dishonest if I said I did not wish they at least wed while they were out there. They had plenty of opportunities from the accounts we have been given from the two of them."
"Possibly so but your son did confess it was the wish of his future wife. He was left with the possibility that she might have been convinced to change her mind once they made it all through such a time. He always knew the risk he confessed that she would be persuaded to answer to her station.
He felt he could not ask her not to do what she felt was right. Even if that meant she would turn her love from him for duty. Maybe he doubted he was worthy of her hand in marriage."
"That sounds like the case but it didn't stop him from taking advantage of her affections toward him. He knew that would have a serious impact on her status and ability to marry with certain honors. And if a child resulted in such an affair, as it did, in this case. How could the boy bear thinking another would be raising up his own child if she dared to claim another was its sire instead?"
"I don't know what he though would be the case if such a thing were to happen. Some, especially those who find themselves in an affair with one is unhappily wed, find just knowing they share that child together feel it is enough for them. Giving the child a more certain future."
"I cannot fathom such things, Fredrick. My heir in the hands of another man's keeping?"
"We risk a lot for the love of a woman do we not? Our hearts are not so much our own are they not? For him it was enough just to know she would have him at her side when her life was at its most precarious. I think it was something he needed just as much. Those days must have been so difficult for them everyday not knowing what they would come to face next?
To find some comfort from someone you love so much must have meant everything to two of them back then. Don't take my saying this as my accepting that they have put off marriage. I'm not too sure this young woman was thinking as clearly as one would under less stressful circumstances. Even in death I believe our good boy would be heartbroken to think his child might grow up not knowing or his mother not carrying around his name as his widow. Who could die facing such an end?"
"I know I could not. But I can see, whether I like it or not, the two of them are devoted to each other. Roland assured me if the Teryn were to stand in their way they would leave Fereldon if need to be to raise their child together."
"As it should be, Bann. Let us hope that Lord Fergus is not so hard hearted from his trials in the past. To try to separate them at this point is fruitless. Our Roland has proven he at least father a child if only our Lady can deliver it to them safely enough. In these days when many, even those of noble birth, have lost their lives or been so wounded by it, all other improprieties should be overlooked I think."
"At least he has shown some desire to return to Hunter Fell in the future. Did you see what he put into motion before our leaving the Bannorn."
"Are you referring to the renovations he did draw up and implement I would think."
"The very same! Not even legally wed or officially engaged and already I must make way for her royal highness!"
"Such are the ways with ladies of the Court, my lord. There is a heir to think of and rejoice over in the future. The plans did not appear to be too outlandish for one of her station? Roland's room would hardly accommodate both her and a young child in her keeping. She will ask for and be given a handmaiden as well. A nurse perhaps and or a nanny for the child a well? A lot comes from raising a child of such notoriety you see."
"I hope I can bear it all. We never did do much with the second level of our home. With only one child it didn't seem necessary. All of that room, if finished up only invited more unwelcome guests as far as I was concerned. I though maybe once Roland left us I might harbor others who might need my attention but fate would have it that my son was too busy chasing the skirts of the most dangerous woman in all of Fereldon, rather than a nice girl of the Bannorn."
"Does that surprise you too much my Bann? Roland has always challenged himself so. He only showed a passing interest in all of the lasses that did follow after him for he was more interested, so he said, in achieving his goal to be the Captain of all of the guards in the Bannorn. Maybe even of Thedas. Once he slayed all of his make believe dragons that is. He told me it was near impossible to accomplish such tasks with any girls always bothering you with tea parties. They just had not idea what it took for a man to make a name for himself and to be presented with the honors he should hold dear to his heart."
"That all is very noble of him. Which makes his falling so hard for this one girl such a shock to me as it were. Granted she is beautiful but there are many beautiful girls to be had in all of Thedas I would imagine? One though that clearly caused him to stumble greatly from the path he carved so neatly out for himself."
"He was at the right age to notice girls don't you think? And she is quite lovely. All of her fancy dresses, dainty manners, if she too took a liking to him early on what defense did he have against such charms?"
"None so it would seem. When they were separated I thought he finally came to is senses."
"He has told me she wasn't just a pretty girl who set her cap for him. She was quite adventurous. Very bright in her studies and a bit of a tomboy. It was her desire too to woo him with all that she possessed to convince him into training her to fight once her parents felt she had enough of all of that out of fear that she would lose all of the mannerisms necessary for a lady of the Court to impress a desired suitor."
"As I said the poor boy didn't have a chance. Let this all turn out well enough to save my son's honor."
"Will you give in if the Teryn refuses to give his blessing on their union?"
"With a child and heir on he way, not on my life or the life of my son! He will settle on having a Gilmore as his brother-in-law or none at all. I can see only blackmail as a means to change his sister's direction and at this point, face it Fredrick. We cannot even keep the two of them to their own bedchambers. Do you think anything the Teryn has to offer to me is going to change the course of things right now?"
"No and he cannot risk his denial leading to her becoming so unstable that she take her own life in the conflict. I see no definite prospects in front of the Teryn at this point. Though I do not doubt his remarrying, Fereldon needs her cooperation. As you said they will both flee and leave all of this behind if he goes against their wishes. We must stand firm and behind the honor of your son. At least those are my thoughts on the matter. Please don't let my temperament influence your won choices."
"I have always felt your advice or opinion as worthy of my attention, Fredrick. You know me well enough to know I have my own thoughts to guide me but I appreciate a wise perspective from those I trust and you of course is one those people."
"Thank you."
"This will still be quite a change for us old man."
"Let's hope that once all is accomplished this day that we will see more of the two of them. I like seeing them together. It reminds me of when we were young and our wives were there to keep us company."
"Those were good times. I just want my son to be well taken care of. She seems affectionate enough with him. It is somewhat out of character for most noble women to act in this way but they are still young."
"That they are and Roland is so taken by her that we can hope that there will be a few heirs if she live to bear them."
"We will have to endure yet another birthing though, Fredrick."
"That is true. I have a good feeling about this one at least. She is tough. That has to be to her advantage some don't you think?"
"No one knows for sure what a birthing will bring with it."
"That is true. I hope you understand that I have been more tolerate of the boy's behavior of late because of her condition. They have hardly been a couple long enough to enjoy the benefits of living in marital bliss."
"Should have married sooner then if that is their choice of lifestyles. But I know what you mean. If I made too much out of it all he would have just left and put them both in a more dangerous predicament. Though there were days I was just waiting for the Teryn's men to come and fetch her up and put her in her place. And Maker's only knows what the old Teryn would have done to my boy had he survived it all and found them as they were. Not to mention what he would heap upon me for allowing such things to go on in my own home."
"But you would not have acted any different. Not when you could see as I did how happy they were together. Just to see our boy as a young man enjoying all that comes with it. I know he will do what is right by her.
I know you will do everything that you can to lure these two to stay in your home and to see your first grandchild finally. I know you have been longing to see your son wed and happy. If anything to see ourselves from a different perspective is an amazing perspective isn't it?"
"Perhaps you are right. I was so amazed over my son. That Sheila made it through all of that to give us such a gift. Such a handsome lad too! Is it any wonder even the Teryn's own daughter found herself so overcome by him. I know my Sheila had to be dragged literally from his side so taken was she by this little charmer of hers was she."
"And with good reason, my Bann. She is a good woman. We are fortunate that she loves your son so much. Let us keep these happy memories with us while you deal with the Teryn's own misfortunes in his own life."
"Just please don't let this by my son's fate. I fear he loves this woman too much rather then too little. That alone can get a man killed."
"So many things risk a man's life. Let us let love serve them while it is there for them to be had."
" ..sigh…just please Maker let her make it through. He deserves to be loved finally by the one he has longed for, for too many years now."
"I think Ser Roland's instructions have had a good effect on our soldiers in the Fell. Lady Cousland has taken a fancy to Maurice and Patrice don't you think as well?"
"At least we have found two of our guards that Lady Cousland will tolerate! I only hope this mood will last. It was rather intimidating having those knights from Highever show up for our escort. All of this will take some getting use to."
"The carriage was comfortable wasn't it? I heard Roland say he will be sure to nab one of the better ones for his Lady's use while traveling around Fereldon. She however tells me she detests the things and much rather ride alongside Roland on horseback then the tedious ride found in a carriage."
"She will need to get use to such travel. We cannot risk her losing the baby if her horse happens to react to something along the rode. She is too easy a target riding upon a horse anyways."
"It is a trial for Roland so he says. Hopefully these modified carriages offer a better ride then what she has traveled in previously. I will take it upon myself to work with our own smithy to see if we can come up with anything to improve her traveling situation."
"No cure for holes or ditches in the roads. We fill up our own as we encounter said problems along our own roads. But bandits and their likes are notorious for creating such diversion to ply their own mischief. It is one of the many hazards of traveling. Hopefully, Roland can cool her heels for awhile as we await the birthing to take place."
"It is more of a dream I'm afraid. I believe they do not even plan to return with us to Hunter Fell. They must make way for Amarathine next. She has to establish her order out there and her time is so limited now.
It is still their hope that she can do this and still return back to our home in time for the birth."
"I hope you are right. They do still have plans for wedding sometime soon within this time frame are they not?"
"Of course my Bann. And you know she has said that she now favors the Bannorn over Highever. That is a great success if we can keep it as such. Many of our friends would like to see your son happily wed. Lady Tara feels such a remote location may not be so attractive to her disgruntled would-be suitors. Many will shun the location for its' obscurity. At least that is her hopes."
"We will see if that sticks. There are many who will bring trouble to my boy in the future I suspect."
"What troubles you so much. You must have someone in mind to be so troubled like this."
"Howes. I know the worst of them have been put down but he had two son's. One we know is no more but the other one and his sister must still live somewhere in Amaranthine doesn't she?"
"I would not know but yes, this is something to be concerned about and a subject to broach with the Teryn."
"Too many enemies. Here we have had so many deaths during this period and yet my son is still a target for others."
"This meeting with the Teryn is well timed. I'm sure you have been eager to address these issue with him."
"I feared I might not live to see the day."
"It is good to see things otherwise than."
The two made their way up to the Teryn's private study. Situated in a backroom so that they could discuss such family matters better in a private location.
Meeting up with Lord Oliver they were shown their assigned seating in this grand room so full of books they lined all of the walls from practically floor to ceiling. The rich wood bookcases gave off a warm aroma of well seasoned wood and the scent of years of good brandy also filled up the room's comfortable surroundings.
Once the men were seated, Teryn Fergus rose from his seat to address them formally. It was clear though he meant to give off the feeling that he was surely the one in authority over the two seated men who shrunk now under his intent a gaze over them.
"It is good to see you once more at Highever, Bann Gilmore. And this man is ….?"
"My manservant and longtime fellow soldier who fought bravely alongside me during my days in the field during the Orlesian War and my time after that. He is Frederick Burrow my Lord Cousland."
"Then allow me to extend my greetings to a fellow soldier Master Burrows."
"Thank you, Teryn Cousland it is an honor to be here."
"As it is for me to return once more to Highever. I apologize that it has taken me so long to return here once more."
"No need for any of that. I fear you left us with more then we expected upon your last visit to us as I recall."
"That may very well have been. My son and I exchanged many letters over his years here in service. I hope you can remember him as a worthy asset to your fighting forces here in Highever."
"It was a mixed blessing of sorts to be sure. I hope you have found your accommodation here comfortable. If you have any needs please refer to my staff to make your stay here acceptable to your needs while you are my guest."
"We are comfortable enough. Thank you for your hospitality. It is very appreciated. We of course offer our condolences to you at this sad time in your families life."
"Thank you for your concern and the flowers were thoughtful. My parents were a large part of our lives. We were such a close family. That might have been because the old wars kept us apart from our father for many years when we were very young. Their absence is deeply felt I know on both mine and my sister's part. It is good that you honor their passing with your presence here. I know they would have appreciated your concern for their well-being."
"Do you expect many guests this time around?"
"More then I can keep count. I let Lord Oliver here keep account of all of that. I busy myself with the affairs of the people trying to put their lives back together after all of the hell that wrecked upon Highever by our enemies. Though Howe was not here for a very long period of time it seems he had all sorts of plans for what he expected to do with the property of those who supported our causes and rule over here. So we have been busy evicting those who unlawfully took gains from my people and trying to restore their properties back to them or their relatives.
Many of these noble people found themselves murdered by these fiends. It has been quite a mess all of this going on around here. We consider ourselves fortunate that more wasn't accomplished by the tyrant since he was so eager to move onto Denerim to loot that which belonged to Arl Eamon."
"And Loghain tolerated all of this?"
"Apparently so since he did nothing to stop it. Even let him watch over his daughter or so she said. My sister now wonders if it was a set-up to capture her and her party. She told me Eamon was suspicious of her actions but felt we needed her approval to win over those nobles who still looked to her as being their Queen in a time of such upset."
"Yes, my son told me how she abandoned both Princess Tara and Prince Alistair over to the Teryn's army. I wonder what she thought would become of them in such a place? After what they did to my son he was not going to tolerate such a move being made against those whose station was above such treatment."
"After such treason I am eternally grateful my sister did not dare to put her faith into those men's hands."
"And this king, being as he were, so untested as it were, my son would not dare depend on him to protect her in such a place. How could he if they had gotten separated."
"Enough with all of that. I have more then even my soul can bear of it for now."
"Yes, so have I. My son informs me that until their accounts can be put to book he will forever be plagued to have repeat tales he says he is better off forgetting except for in times that it would be deemed appropriate in the discussion of battle or other plans for warfare.
Now I am prepared for what I think you want from me this time."
"Let us hope that is the case then. You have spoken to your son in regards to my concerns over my sister's situation and her future here in Fereldon?"
"So I have."
"And has he come to some resolution I hope?"
"Nothing has changed, my Lord."
"That is a matter of perspectives as far as I am concerned. Her making such a choice means everything to her safety and her future here in Fereldon. I cannot understand her resistance in all of this. Even after all that has happened here while she was out roaming the world as it were."
"I understand and share your concerns for their safety the same as you do. However there will be no undoing of what has already taken place between the two of them. Shall we move forward with this then?"
"As you wish. I will not, as I hope you understand, see my sister married to a mere squire."
"We have come to this same conclusion, my Teryn."
"Good. So there will be no trouble upon my promoting your son as I retire you to an allowance equal to your station and your service to us. Out of respect of course in response to your son's involvement with my sister."
"As her spouse that is."
"As her spouse. I'm sure you are well award of the many obstacles, as well as the many offers still on the table for my sister's hand in marriage."
"All others seem to be disagreeable to our Lady except for my son. Whose proposal of marriage she willingly accepted so I have been informed and she herself has confirmed that this is her wish to marry with him."
"So it would seem and I have found no method to convince her otherwise of her choice. Do not think I mean to be so cruel with my words. He is as worthy a Knight as any other who have served us up here in Highever."
"I understand your concerns. I also realize my position in the kingdom does no offer up the financial security you would normally seek for such a hand in marriage. But consider that many who are of noble birth have lost much due to the Blight. Our lands were not so disrupted and hold great potential because of our more fortunate circumstance. I could profit more because of these advantages but it is my wish to see our Country out of this depression as a whole. So I have held my prices down to a fair market value rather then profit unfairly from my neighbors misfortunes."
"I appreciate your character in this regard. It is as you say for many of my friends or allies who were hit more directly then we were. Howe did confiscate or destroy many of our more precious assets. We were more fortunate because he didn't have enough time to profit from his thievery and we should recover a fair amount of our belongings. Those that were not so well coveted by others that is. I pity any who purposely took possession of my belongings without returning said articles back to where they rightfully belong. Already I have soldiers who were close to me doing just that from the homes of looters.
We were also fortunate that my sister did have the opportunity to confiscate at least my mother's jewelry and some of our treasured artifacts much to Howe's disgrace. As well are much of his own wealth upon her adventures as well as looting his own wares in retaliation for his crimes against my family.
Of course the jewel in the crown so to speak is his castle and land holdings as compensation for our families devastating losses at the hands of his faithful renegades. I only hope my sister and your son did deliver to them all that they wrecked upon my people and their loved ones here at Highever."
"From what was told to me. They did inact a swift dispatch of all of those who dwelled within Denerim's house short of the common staff who would not raise a sword against them. I have no reports of any sort of brutality of the kind put upon those innocents at Highever. Which I myself am grateful and would find such behavior beneath any soldier of my own in service to me and my own."
"What good would it accomplish any ways I suppose. All of this going on between my sister and your son did hamper any attempts my parents made in trying to find a suitable suitor for my sister's affections.
He knew his actions were strictly forbidden to act upon and yet it did not prevent his actions or behavior toward my own sister."
"I assure you it was a constant struggle for him to maintain his feelings in regards to your sister. I find it without merit though to accuse my son of preventing her from taking on a more noble suitor as you say. He suffered much in an attempt to allow just that to take place for her. He also wanted her to have all that she deserved for herself.
These feelings that they share for each other are hardly to be said to be a fleeting affair coming from only the stress and fear that surrounds us all when our very lives hang everyday on just a thread. We have both been in such situations ourselves. More then a few times I can say for myself and my friend here by my side.
Though I would also wish for my son to not put himself into such a precarious situation it is for the future of their child and the desire of a much needed heir for the Cousland family that I hope you have come to accept things as they stand right now."
"Accept is a hard word to swallow even now as I stand before you. I cannot argue the facts or risk any harm coming to my sister if I continue to ignore her wishes for her happiness. Happiness seems so foreign to me in these trying days right now. The need for a royal heir right now is more important to the people and my family more then it ever has been in the past.
My father lost all of his immediate family fighting during the Orlesian Wars. My mother had her aging parents for awhile but they passed on and her sister was wed to another who no longer finds comfort living in Fereldon. Hopefully this will change but as of now my aunt feels this is for the best and I have no good argument to convince her otherwise. She is elderly and doesn't need this kind of blackness to ruin what little life she still has left to her."
"I was not aware that the Arlessa had a surviving aunt on her mother's side of the family. I understand her feelings and of course respect her choice.
Gilmore's themselves, we are a hearty stock. Roland's distant relatives I presume are still among those left in what was once Nevarra. I have little contact with part of our family. Being consumed with my work out here and with only my son left to me that is my own. His service to the Cousland family is beyond reproach. I know he has achieved much in his service here."
"He has been a credit to us at times I admit that much as being true. As for "beyond reproach", I must question such an assessment based on our own system of what behavior we find as valuable and honorable. Under my father's rule you do realize your son's actions would be deemed as treason and we would have hanged him for such behavior do you not?"
"How can you utter such words when I know my son has saved your own life at least once, possibly more then you give him credit for!"
"I do not deny this as being a fact. It is for this very reason that he is still walking alive before us. You did not come to me for my parents blessing did you now?"
"No, but your parents are no more. Will you turn your back now on your sister knowing what she sacrificed to save us all from the devastation the Blight brought to our homes?"
"No, I am not so vain or so heartless. Maybe even my parents would have a change of heart after acknowledging what I know to be the truth. My sister would not have survived the Blight had Ser Gilmore not been there to protect her from all of the enemies we had set upon us. I really cannot say for he was a soldier I good standing even when he did ask at first for my father's blessing for their to be married. And I know my parents soundly rejected such a match from taking place.
So I am unable to speak or give my parents blessing to such a union but they no longer have a say in the matter from where they are as of now.
The question I had to ask myself is would my sister have behaved in such a way if my parents did not meet up with such a dreadful fate?"
"And what did you conclude from that pondering?"
"That she did what she did not merely because of the Blight but because the opportunity to live her life as she wanted to it be. I thought is was all over but what good will come of my turning my back on her or shaming her for her choice?
Nothing comes to mind and I run the risk of losing her forever which is something I do not want to do. So, my reward for my sister restoring my rightful place here in Highever as well as her restoring honor back to our family once more is to allow this wedding to take place.
Do not expect me to give you or your son my blessing. It is beyond to do such a thing. I have simply found my rebellious sister has a mind of her own and I am at a loss over how to prevent her from such an action or to deny her the right to bear her child to its legitimate father if that is her wish to do so. Many also will grumble and some will try to rid her of obsession with this wayward knight but I will not tolerate such acts taking place in my presence or here in Highever if can prevent such a move or prosecute any and all who I find who would act against her good will.
I hope that satisfies your conscious as far as this matter is concerned."
"And you still refuse your consent even after all that my son has done for you and for all of Highever? He was tortured to an inch of life and still he didn't give Howe's men any information that would have helped him bring harm to either you or your sister's good will."
"I cannot and you know why that is. I will not stand in their way but I must remain as I am to keep the peace."
"Do you not rule here in Highever now or do you answer to ghosts here now?"
"That is not fair and you know that! I rule on the precipice right now. My high nobles will not sit well with this arrangement no matter how nice I package it all up with. I can only bribe others so much. Many are resentful that my sister has refused their offers for marriage. These are the same people or families I must depend on to pay their taxes and maintain their property at a level of profit to keep Highever afloat.
I am a new and younger teryn. Which means I must win the respect of many men and women who are my seniors and some who will argue I am not experienced or fit to hold such a high office. It is all petty dealings but you deal with the same affairs I'm sure in the Bannorn among your own co-owners do you not?"
"Not over such matters as this one seems to bring up. That is why we maintain our collective. To avoid such trivial matters as this one is. All that should matter is, is my son a good and honorable man. One who will support and give your sister a good life. And that I know he will. Maybe not so high up as you must stand but they have Amaranthine which is well above many of those who would squawk at my son's humble beginnings. My family was no so low but highly honored in our own lands. It was unfortunate that Fereldon failed to answer our call to arms when we came to you to seek your aid but that was a long time ago and many wars have followed since then."
"A blot on our history, yes, I understand your point. Even we could not stand up against the Orlesians onslaught over time back then."
"Which is why this union is so damned important to Fereldon as a whole."
"But try to see my position at least for now. I must remain silent but I have consented to announce their wedding as it tradition. Even if I must say that it is as it stands and I have no say on the matter for now. It is the best I can offer to you right now.
My sister did confer with me in regards to her dowry. Lord Oliver had drawn up the conditions of such a contract for me. As long as all of our terms are met in regards to her safety and the well-being of her offspring and the allocations of her assets we will honor our end of the bargain. Our parent's will was very specific, so I know what it was in their wish that was to be exclusively my sister's as well as some property we will share in joint ownership as per our parents wishes. A copy of all of that is included in this agreement. Along with copies that will be given to her for her lawyer to keep safe for her well-being.
From these assets I will determine what her allowance will be. Taking into consideration her income and assets that have come to her as a result of her commission as the new Arlessa of Amaranthine and her allowance for her service to the Crown due to her as her reward as the Heroine of Fereldon.
So you can see that my sister is wealthy woman now in her own right. It is for this reason why she had suddenly gathered up even more who are eager to gain her attention and affections. Best your son keep that in mind and mind his place. I know the King is very watchful of the movement going on between his high nobles and those of his Court."
"Let it be so! My son is no blackguard. He only played the part you forced upon him to stay in your good favor. I expect it will be some time before the arlessa can turn a decent profit due to the many expenses that will be put upon her in raising up an order of Grey Wardens."
"As I said I will take all of her assets and expenditures into consideration. The Grey Wardens, so I have been informed, will find some funds from Weisshaupt and a small income from vendor sales, rents from their property at Soldier's Peak. It will be some time I'm afraid before we can fairly decided whether it is in our best interest to keep it as it is or to sell it off since its' locations is so remote. Supporting two such structures may not be in our own best interest. It is not of any immediate concern of ours as we try to unravel the web of problems I have right here for the nonce."
"Then I have no reason to contest any of your conclusions save for the one I have already voiced my complaint under. As for their engagement?"
"We've settled on our final formal supper, following the putting down of those we have lost to us. I hope you find that to be reasonable?"
"When will my son receive his promotion then?"
"After the funeral is it not Lord Oliver?" Fergus now turned to his secretary for confirmation of this fact."
"The following day of said event. It seemed proper that the Bann be presented to our allies as you have arrived to us here. There will be plenty in attendance still to recognize the changing of the guard so to speak."
"There will be enough guffaws to that mood I'm sure. Better to save any of that though for after my parents are put to rest I say. If only out of respect for their memory and their wishes."
"As you say then. I'm sure my son will be caught up in the days event to care one way or the other as far as all of this goes. He still grieves quietly those friends who were close to him. Not to mention the horrors he was forced to have to endure while he faded in and out of consciousness."
"It's amazing that he survived it all. I am not so bitter that it was my sister who did help to tend to him as he did recover from his wounds. He saved her life. I do not take that lightly. And I know what you want to say but I have also shared more then I cared to do this day also." He held up his hand to stop the Bann from voicing once more his own objection to his son not having the honor of the families blessing at this crucial time in his life.
"You've brought along the proper papers, income reports, property holdings, all of the papers I need to make a fair assessment of my sister's situation in marrying into such a family as your own."
"Fredrick here has what you will need."
"Good. Then upon your signiture and then that of your son's we will have all of the details finalized to procedure forward with our affairs here."
"I hope so. I only ask that my son be treated here with the respect he has earned based on his good merit, as well as his years of service to the Crown during both the Civil War and the Blight.
I know, Highever did fall that fateful night but he had but a sampling of the entire force under your father's service. And with the knowledge that he did all that he could to correct the damage done that night as well as bring down those who did this terrible wrong in the first place. For all of that he deserves to be see as a hero instead of some thief who stole the heart of fair princess."
"That is a quaint way of putting it don't you think, Oliver? I'm sure our historians will find that fact amusing in their accounting of all that took place around here in these trying times.
Ser Glimore has already been deemed a honorary member of the Knights of Highever of the highest order. Which does allow him to collect a small pension as per our bylaws if that is his wish. He will be honored as will all of our knights who did serve us during the Blight. And I suppose we must come up with something for his putting down Howe. Though he must share that honor with my sister since he did not achieve that honor by himself.
I hope that is enough to satisfy you for the time being."
"Then I am satisfied."
"Let the record show, Lord Oliver that our business here has been successfully concluded and all parties are in agreement with the terms of said agreements as it stands this day."
"It is so written Teryn Cousland, as you have commanded it to be."
"Excuse me, Teryn. We were concerned over the results of the man that was arrested who did make an attempt on my son's life."
"He is being processed by my men. We will extract what we can from him before he meets his inevitable demise. Any attack made against either a noble of house Cousland or one of my Knights of Highever must result in death of course. You must be informed as to how we rule here at Highever are you not?"
"I am. If there is to be any inquiry my manservant and I would like to be privy of it. If that is at all possible."
"I don't know if it will come to any of that. Though he may be holding some sort of noble standing himself I suppose then we at least have to make a show of it before we hang the man. But we cannot delay proceedings to suit your own schedule. I will send word that you are interested in such matters. I hope that is enough?"
"Fair enough. I have no immediate appointments at this point that should delay my availability to be present for such an event."
"Very well. Now is there anything I have forgotten to address that you wish to discuss, Bann Gilmore?"
"No. I appreciate all that is being done to give my son the honor due to him. That is all that I have to say."
"Just make sure my own guards are well met whenever they are called upon in service to my sibling."
"It can be no other way in Hunter Fell."
"My sister begs to differ on the matter as far as she was concerned. Hopefully you have dealt firmly with that problem least my own men will act according to our laws and Fereldon's rules over any of them who thinks to disrespect any members of my family or those in good service to me. You make sure personally to see that it is done."
"I have already addressed that problem in Hunter Fell but I will keep your words in mind when addressing my own soldiers under my care."
"See that you do. You are both dismissed." Fergus ordered before returning to his secretary to review the business he had for the day.
The gentlemen rose from their seats and Fredrick quickly assisted his charge to help him out of the Teryn's study.
"That wasn't too difficult."
"In a matter of speaking. I can plainly see and it was abundantly clear, my son may walk besides the Arlessa of Amaranthine but I will always be as her shadow, not situated well by her side."
"So it is, my Bann. Though Roland appears settled on the matter. He has a strong character and I'd wager that even in the company of great men, his presence still demands a level of respect. He is polite enough however to not offend so easily those who demand that he kow his own place I things."
"I haven't actually seen him in too much in the company of his superiors to confirm your assessment as being true for my son."
"Since Roland has endured this long and he is notably in our Lady's good favor, is it not wise to trust all of this is the truth?"
"He's so determined, Fredrick to have his way though! I can only wish that all of this will turn out for the good? We are here for only a day and already the wolves come calling for him. The wedding fo a noble princess is serious business. Those silly fairytales of men winning over the hearts and hands of fair princess' with only a sword and a sworn oath! This is the result of such tales isn't it?"
"It might have had some influence my Bann but our squire is hardly that gullible. He is known to be a scholar in his own right I have been reassured from such reports from his teachers. An honor and somewhat of a challenge to those who have taught him through he years. Not all of the Teryn's charges were given such a good education I am told."
"No that much is true. Its' just the Teryn is well within his right and I could not argue well with him. Roland did defy the old Teryn's orders. That cannot be presented as an honorable act when so many others did honor his request. Now, thanks to the outcome of the Blight or those who will find themselves disenfranchised due to their association with either Howe or Loghain's plans to overthrow the Crown, some will try to seek out the princess' favor to overcome their apparent losses."
"What is important is what the arlessa wants. Between the two of them, why I feel they are ready to put down anyone who would dare to get it the way of their own happiness. Do you not think it is a good match?"
"They seem to think so don't they?"
"What do you think?"
"I think we will know little peace from this union. It is as you say though. They think they can take on the world and rightly have, as far as they are concerned."
"I feel certain that your son will continue to prove his worth here in Fereldon. If they birth a son, brighter things are inevitable for them both. Don't you agree?"
"If they can keep him that is."
"I know, she has to survive the birth. Who knows who will step in to lay claim to the child if she doesn't. I could not bear what my son would put himself through to prevent such an event from taking place if that did come to pass."
"We will deal with any of that if it happens at all. A son will be an important asset for your son."
"That is where he can prove his worth then? More than any other thing he has accomplished, to father a son will somehow prove our families worth finally to the royalty of Fereldon?
After all that we two have fought for together. Both of us have been challenged in many ways few men have been tested. We will do what is needed to help these two succeed. Am I right?"
"So it has always been."
"Good! Now let us take a turn around the grounds shall we? It will do us both some good to walk around after all of drama taking place in there."
"I do agree with you on that at least old friend."
Soon the evening rolled around and finally Ser Gilmore found himself striding purposefully down a hallway he has passed along many times before. He only stopped when greeted by the two castle guards as he stood before the royal quarters.
"Who have we here now?" Oliphant asked mockingly in jest.
"You know who I am, Oliphant. Don't pretend otherwise."
"What business do you have stopping here in front of these doors I will ask of you."
"Come, come now men. Who are you? Felix is it now?"
"Wrong, Conners sir."
"Sir is it now? I feel so important now."
'I would think that pulling me off of my comfortable old watch to have to babysit the Teryn's residence has your name all over it."
"He doesn't seem too pleased with you, Gilmore."
"I didn't choose you in particular if that makes it any better for you."
"I'm here however."
"I guess you are the unfortunate one then. But there are worse posts to find oneself stationed at right?"
"That may be so."
"You both should know me well enough to see why I had to make this request of you? It had to be this way if we are to have any peace of mind during our visit out here this time."
"I only know that I have a nice, comfortable bed getting all lonely because I now have to stand watch here. Can you not take your personal business somewhere else?"
"Did I hear you correctly, knight? It is an honor to hold this post in direct service to the royal family. Our Lady is here to see that all of the funeral arrangements are run in an orderly manner. I realize, the two of you were spared the carnage that took place during those dark days when Highever Castle was over-run by the vile Arl Howe. I myself was not so fortunate. And before you start to yapping about how I lost the fight that day, foolishly I might add, you both know I was left with so few to fight against so many. They did take even Teryn Bryce by surprise and then proceeded to slaughter the rest of the royal family. It was by the will of the Maker that Lady Cousland and I did survive such a fight. I did only barely but I hope by now you both know the story.
This is painful for the two of us as I am sure know it is for the new Teryn as well. Lady Cousland must not only pick up the work of her now deceased mother but also the tasks that usually Lady Oriana would have mustered up to take over had she but survived the onslaught."
"That goes without words. it's the part where you come in that is gumming up the works, Ser Gilmore."
"My part is none of your business."
"Then I guess you'll be moving along here and not bothering the two of us for your sport."
"I am here to escort Lady Cousland to dinner. If you have any concerns over this invitation I suggest you take them up with our new arlessa."
"She's in a might bit of a twitchy mood, she is lately. I'll not do everything to bring that wraith down upon myself. Finding either one of us locked up tight in a prison cell for our trouble."
"Oh no, not me either. By the way, thank you for putting more into harm's way."
"Marvelous then gentle knights. Now if you will let me pass I assure you that my Lady will improve with my good company for the rest of the evening. You have my assurance on that event."
"Good company he says! What with those two stooges standing watch over her door? Personally where did those two come from anyways?"
"They aren't one of our own, either one of them that I know of! And I am suppose to trust them to watch over our princess?"
"No, they are two of my own. Hand picked from Hunter Fell as it were."
"Hunter's fell where? What's that got to do with their menacing us with their menacing looks?"
"Hunter Fell is my home. A province of the Bannorn. It really doesn't matter right now. Let me pass or face the consequences! I haven't the patience to go around with you two all evening."
"Best to let him then. He may be carrying the taint you know. From that Blight thing. I'll not run him through unless the Lady orders me to do so."
"All I can say is she better be expecting you to bother with her because if your are just here to cause trouble? We have a real nice cure for that kind of ailment. Don't we now Peter?"
"That we do. Move along soldier …"
The guards moved each to opposite sides of double door way. Each opening one side to allow the bann to make his way into the large corridor that led to the royal bedchambers within. Then closing the doors securely behind him as he did pass by them.
Rory noted as the two of them grunted almost in echo in disgust before coming up to his own guards standing outside dutifully at Lady Cousland's bedroom entrance. "Finally!" was all that he uttered himself in exasperation
"Couple of winners we've got there, Squire."
"And we were given words over our behavior in the Bannorn?"
"I know. Have they been giving you as much trouble as they have me?"
"Only just as much, Ser."
"Lady Cousland herself had words with them to vouch for us. Even then they deemed to protest her authority. So then she did threaten them with punishment most severe and they then choose to back down to leave us to our duties here at this post."
"I apologize for all of that. Hopefully all is made right now. Obviously this is a vital post and they are not use to any of these kind of arrangements."
"And you had no visitors to Highever who did insist on their own security in the past?"
"No, it is not a common practice here in Highever. But with all that is at stake right now I refuse to take any chances. Lady Tara trusts the two of you and so do I. After what happened that night when last we were here how can I not want and it be expected of me to do all that I can to ensure her security."
"Do you not know these knights of yours?"
"It has been some time since I have been here. And I was not seen as a person to be trusted around the princess in those days. At one point I was literally banned completely to even walk the inner corridors of Highever Castle."
"That bad was it? What did you do that would merit such a punishment of one so loyal to the Teryn and his family?"
"I got too close personally to the princess. This was not allowed under any circumstances."
"Did you do her any great harm, my Squire?"
"That doesn't seem to be in your nature but then we haven't seen you for many years of course."
"If falling in love with each other is a great harm then yes, I am guilty of that. I did not seduce her or lure her to such a state. I am no lecher. We are but two years apart in age and our being students in all things did bring us together like that."
"But if it was forbidden why put yourself into such a place?"
"Who chooses to put themselves in to such places? Honestly? I did try my best to distract her from such feelings but when you fall in love with someone, it seems everything that you do turns out to be some kind of flirtation it seems?"
"If one has a mind to see things in that way I suppose I understand."
"They are together now are they not, Patrice? Can anyone of us dare to challenge the Maker without dire consequences? Would you dare say that these two are not as thick as butter?"
"Like bees to honey, right?"
"If that is so then I assure you both I am stuck into it, good or bad, it is my lot in life."
"Are you so contrary to such a match?"
"Me? Oh no. It was just a long journey to reach this point in my life and we still are not well settled."
"No, not until your nuptials is it now? But that is all settled is it not?"
"We have to get past this event do we not? Really, no need to go over any of his right now. How is my Lady? Has her mood soured so much due to all of these disruptions?"
"Nothing I'm sure that you haven't a remedy for."
"Maury, mind your place!"
"What? It's the truth is it not?"
"Let us just hope you are correct, Maury. Try to keep things here quiet while we are here. I don't want to have to draw up swords with the Teryn over my Lady's security issues. Least the Teryn himself chooses to interfere with our terms here and muddle up what I know is right for the time being."
"We're not here to cause you any trouble. You may rest assure that we will do our part to keep the peace between us. Just foreigners in a foreign land we are in this place."
"And yet still the same Country are we not? When is the Teryn's other relatives due here?"
"They are expected in two days time. It is when the King's guards arrive that things will get interesting around here."
"Ah yes, the real Royal Elite Guards! Then we are sure to be the Country bumpkins around here."
"Things will get very crowded around here that is true. But we have a plan of our own to try to keep all that is our own well out of the way of most of that. For already we have schemed to hide away in my own quarters. They seem to have put me, as I hope you now know well down the hall from these rooms. So it is there where we will hide from all that will be taking place here when they do arrive."
"That will be allowed by the Teryn of his sister?"
"There will be so much going on that he will hardly take any notice of it and we do plan on being as discreet as possible. It would much more difficult for us to carry on as we do under both the nose of the families distant relatives, the Teryn and then the King himself?"
"We can't get hanged for such a move can we now?"
"No, not if we commanded that it be so. You worry too much you two."
"Now I have tarried this long and I have seen no either come of go from this room of hers. She is present and her ladies are helping her with her preparations are they not?"
"They are. Just knock before you enter, if only to avoid any flying about that is bound to going on if she is still in the process of getting dressed I'd imagine."
"Fair warning."
Reaching for the door handle turning it to open the door before him then carefully pushing open the heavy door slowly, trying not to hit anyone who might be moving their way around the inside room.
"What? I mean who? Rory! I'm sorry. We are just trying to finish up my preparations in here right now. Please, Annette, Lily, we are finished up in now. You can go about your own work ladies." She told them and they dutifully left her alone with her escort.
"I'm keeping you waiting too long on my preparations." Tara spoke as she finished with her make-up.
"No worries here my love. I was just eager to see you once more."
"Here I am! What do you think? Do I look appropriate? Tara turned to rise from her seat to rise up to meet her beloved.
Donned in a black silk gown. It had a vertical pleats running horizontally, criss crossing each other across her bodice. This pattern also accented the top of her sleeves following plainly as they continued to run down her slim arms stopping just at her wrists bones. There each bottom of her two sleeves had a braided trim aligning each one of them. This included a full loosely tailored skirt that left her with room to grow; some.
Her hair was only slightly teased up over her head. Large curls were trailing down the back of her head meeting to the small of her back. Tiny blue flowered pins were clipped to the side of her head.
All of this made a pretty pictures out of her. She had adorned around her neck a jeweled diamond necklace. From her mother's collection. Diamond earrings and two matching bracelets, one on each of her wrists. Complimented with lace woven gloves upon her hands.
"You take my breath away. In a black gown still you glitter and shine before me." He came to her, stopping to face her and reaching out his hand to cup the side of her face to steady her head while he kissed her to prove his approval of her appearance.
"I am happy to see you approve." She smiled back staring now deep into his emerald colored eyes with such deep admiration even he could not resist to urge to wallow in such a stare for a little while at least.
"I see you have your tiara out. Do you meant to wear that as well?"
"The thought did cross my mind some. This isn't a formal dinner so it is probably too much."
"It has been some time since I have even seen it upon your pretty head. You can wear when I get my new title perhaps?"
"So, it is done then? You are to be named the new Bann in your father's stead."
"It will be so."
"When then?"
"The day after the funeral I am told. It was more respectful to allow my father to retain his title for that event. Which is fine by me. I prefer to address it as I was, merely a Knight of Highever. Under that title I did take on my worst of challenges and somehow survived it."
"I understand. I also know that you had to survive for I would know none of the happiness we now share if you didn't. I am sure I would be very sad. Never would I stay here again for all it would bring me is more sorry then I really could bear."
"But I did make it through. Just with the hope that so did you. I didn't even imagine, really, that we might ever fall in love again. Only that I might one day see you smiling or even melancholy, it didn't matter. Just to see you, know that you were still alive and had a life yet to live. That would make it all worth while.
I know it sounds ridiculous doesn't it?"
"No, not to me at least. We bring happiness to each other every day."
"That is good to hear. Even without your tiara you still appear ready for a Ball. Is this going to work for me here?"
"Just …wait a moment ….I need to adjust this coat at the shoulders a bit more. There! I don't often think of wearing black as something festive enough for any sort of formal occasion other then a funeral. At least that is the etiquette of things out here.
Earlier this evening, before reaching my own room, I took a turn out on the terrace to overlook the view of the entire valley beyond things here.
I wasn't too happy about dressing up all in black. My mood has been very sedate ever since we approached the castle gates here. To put on such clothes, the thought brought my mood, darker still. But then I chanced to look up into the darkening sky. Already stars were starting to take shape. How they seem almost lost out there in the clear night sky don't they? At least until others start to show up. Then they seem to glitter so brightly between themselves. Some seem almost trying their best to outshine one another. Why would they need to do such a thing?"
"Some are closer to us then others I believe. I would think the farther away a light is, the more difficult it is to see it so clearly."
"That must be it. Maybe it is their size or shape as well? I wonder if to those out there we too sparkle ever so brightly? I'd like to think that we might.
It was just calming to me somehow. They would not stand out if not for the blackness of the night. So maybe it is for the living to outshine those that have gone from us. If doesn't have to be seen so morbidly does it?
I only wish that it all wasn't done the way that it was, Rory. But I suppose all of those who we lost or who have passed on wish the same things?
I should be grateful that we even had a chance to share our lives with them for as long as we could. It would have been a much poorer one without them I feel if we didn't."
"I think you are right in saying that. It will just be hard for us for a little while longer. Once we leave here new plans will soon take shape and soon we will have a child of our own. We must not allow the tragedy of those days mar us from the joy a new life will bring with it don't you agree?"
"Of course I do. There is some great demand that instructs us to be more quiet, purposely more subdued, during a time of mourning. I don't even know where that comes from except upon having to visit too often with such grief."
"I know what you are saying. How can one even imagine a joyful celebration without the company of our nearest and dearest of friends, right?"
"Something like that I think. Still, something wicked inside of me rather think of all of those stars, shining in the sky. A new day and a new dawn will follow us out of the darkness. So, when I spied upon my mother's diamond jewelry I did say to myself, even in such sadness I must bring in some light, some hope for all of us that we will carry on and do what is expected of us to have to do."
"Ah, so that is why you choose to wear these things. It did surprise me to see that you made this choice at first."
"I will not be taking all of this jewelry along with to Amaranthine of course. Many of the pieces really will remain more a part of the Cousland Collection. Left safe in my brother's hands for safe keeping. Only a few are exclusively mine to keep as my own personal collection. Just what was willed to me from my parents. I much rather it be this way. So that too was something I took into consideration. This is much to flamboyant or bright maybe for such a solumn occasion as a funeral represents."
"Some might see it as your flaunting their acquired wealth as some sort of status symbol possibly."
"That is how I see it anyways. And I do mean to gloat or stand-up so too much in their faces. I feel I am still too young to play the brooding matriarch don't you feel?"
"I do believe we should have a least a few grown children before I retire you to such an elevated status."
"Listen to you! I believe one should reach a certain age for that honor at the very least. No, I have yet to graduate from the promising young princess who is rising above her own station to greedily take whatever she can put her hands upon."
"At least that title suits you better don't you think?"
"I do believe you are right! I can only imagine what the nobles will be gossiping about as far as I am concerned. And as for you! Rising so as you are! We are sure to be seen as two of the most ungrateful, status seeking, young upstarts they have ever laid their eyes upon."
"Quite the honor if I do say so for myself."
"Listen to you crow now! I need no pride for you are too full up with enough for the two us as it stands."
"Now my Lady, don't be so quick to judge. I wish they would see us both in a better light but we are coming out of the rubble of a time that will not be remembered well. As long as we stay together through all of this we might just make it to the dinner and have our marriage plans announce for us. At least I see that is reason enough to fight my way past all of those who will be snickering and glaring down upon with their stern, scrunched up faces and an evil eye here or there."
'At least we both will share in that honor won't we? It almost seems as if I should present myself as if I was some grand old maid who does look down upon my subjects. Pausing here or there to make sure they bow down sufficiently before addressing me formally."
"That would be a site to see out of you."
"Or should I don my best armor as I did in Denerim? Stomp my boots readily down through the procession as if the very ground beneath my boots did tremble also in my wake?"
"Why not conjure up a few griffon while you are at? Fly the banners of Highever and have trumpets blowing out hot air along with it."
"That all sounds ….so …so …utterly ridiculous doesn't it? Yet it much describe our time in Denerim does it not?"
"At least more for you then it was for me."
"They did praise you well enough for your service to the Crown."
"Not anywhere close to how they were so eager to bow before their new found goddess."
"You do have a point. Why even you, I seem to recall were on your knees to me even still."
"Begging for your hand in marriage, yes, I do remember. It feel rather foolish in the moment but my proclamation was sincere."
"I know that it was and I was very willing to accept you as my own. I was very touched by it. Wondering if and when you were finally going to propose to me. I was so afraid it might have ended up being someone else instead."
"Why is that, my love? Everyone in the crowd was too afraid to risk your rejection. How you did shine though and all of the crowd did look to you for you were a savior to all of those who suffered and a comfort for those who never lived to see our victory."
"Too much sadness here, Rory."
"They do seem to be in competition with each other today don't they?"
"So it seems. How did your conversation turn out with your brother this afternoon?"
"As we expected it would be. Nothing was left out as far I as I can remember."
"Then he is well enough with our situation?"
"For the most part he is. It is good that we are here. I can see that all of the arrangements have be started up. This is too much work for the man in these sad times. So I am grateful to pick up at least this burden from him.
I went over preparations, viewed the mapped out arrangements and such. Examined the cost estimates and made my suggestion where they seem necessary that I do. Just to guarantee that expense do not overrun us and they keep to a proper schedule for what had to be finished soon. I hope they will follow my instructions. For the most part though everything looks as it should be. With a new staff I felt the need to review everything to see that it was in the proper order that my own mother would insist that it be in."
"She was a very successful entertainer I do remember."
"I think so. And I hope I remembered enough of her lessons to pull us all through well enough."
"I'm not worried. I rather though concentrate on our own affairs more right now. Is there any pressing matters that we must attend to this evening?"
"No, I have heard of nothing that is happening this evening. We will have entertainers, musicians, arrive soon to help keep our guests happy I hope. But that should not start for two more days. That is the plan at least."
"That is a relief. I was invited out tonight but I rather we take things slow and just spend our time together without any unwanted company. How does that sound to you?"
"Like mischief in the making my lord. I did notice a changing of the guards this evening. Was that your doing there? You know my brother is going to notice this soon."
"Do you feel he will call you out on it?"
"He might question the Captain for doing so? If it is one who has routinely stood guard here maybe he won't? If he gets suspicious since we have changed the guards at my own doors. No doubt unfortunately that he will do so."
"And ….?"
"And what?"
"What do you mean to say about any of it?"
"It is my security. All of the outer guards must meet with his requirements as per rank and position. If any changes were made and any one of them does not meet with his approval that is for him to decide.
I am grateful not to see Captain Wilton standing guard over me at least. Keep him at a fair distance and we both are sure to be pleased. Is he to guard you or your father?"
"My father of course. I do not feel the need for such security. Only when I have you in my company. Then, so too will your present guards move along with you. I believe you approve at least of Ser Maurice and Ser Patrice is that not so?"
"Well enough. So that settles that I hope. It will be interesting to see how this evening all plays out for us."
'As long as your brother minds his place, I will keep to my own. If not we might have to end up staying in town instead."
"Listen to you! It will be for the best that we stay here for as long as you can endure. I much rather be here at least until this event is finished. To move now elsewhere will appear as a slight to my brother that others will talk too much about."
"And it would be by his hand whether we are to stay or go. I am not wishing this upon us either. Let's not allow your brother to interfere with our plans for this visit. I won't allow him to interfere in our relationship."
"Shouldn't we make some allowances for all that he has already put himself through with the loss of his family?"
"We've at least agreed to give the appearance of separate rooms. It is he who is putting off the announcement of our formal engagement not I have already done my part. Putting off that announcement will only lead other to think we are not settled on the matter. Which in turn offer us both up as ready targets for others who will like to think and believe of us otherwise not so committed."
"I am aware of that problem also. It should be an event all itself don't you think?"
"So you are saying we must take care of this ceremony before I am worthy enough to be your groom?"
"No, I mean in my eyes we are already married. We live our lives as married people do."
"That is so but it could be announced during my ceremony after I am made into a Bann, can it not be?"
"I hadn't really thought of that but itis worth bringing up in discussion if that would please you."
"It at least will be an improvement. We will still have to deal with the problems all of these rumors are bringing to us."
"I know. I just want the two of you to get along if at all possible."
"Your brother is the least of my concerns if I must fight your rejected suitors all of the while."
"As you said, the privilege of being a princess."
"My concern is with your well-being. That is what I am going to concentrate on for the time being. How have you been handling everything that is being put upon you so far?"
"I've accomplished some of what needs to be done around here. The rest will just come with time."
"Yes, you did mention this but it is how you are really feeling emotionally that I am more concerned about."
"I am trying to maintain my sense of calm."
"I have been feeling unsettled at best. I will learn to cope with these feelings as they come up."
"That is exactly why we must adhere to our original planning, my love. Putting our own life so much on hold for Fergus at the expense means our method of copying with this is all wrong. If I can overcome the grim realty left to us so must he move forward. I do not see your parents passing as a means to bring us down so low. It wouldn't be your father's way."
"I really cannot comment fairly as to how my father would view our present relationship."
"I meant in general that is. We already know how your parents felt about our relationship."
"It would have changed once we were married."
"Possibly. I find your brother is doing a fine job of taking your parents position on our marrying."
"At least he has not tried to punish you for your actions. He did broach the subject with me but I have the Maker on my side this time. Even despite the meeting the trials of Andraste."
"I am grateful that we have been blessed with a coming child. It at least makes it much harder for your brother to reject my proposal."
"Well, the topic did come up, about what price you should pay for your forwardness. I told him none of his assumptions held any water."
"I appreciate your support. Thankfully we need an heir. I feel I too must have the Maker on our side."
"We are fortunate in that way, yes. Should we wait upon your father Rory before making our appearance for dinner?"
"I don't see that it will be necessary. Have you any word on when the King is expected to arrive here?"
"Any day I would imagine. I am grateful that my in-laws will be delayed for another day at least. At least we have tonight to spend alone."
"I hope so. Best you not let your brother, anyone, for that matter to take up your time and steal it away from me."
"I will do my best, my love. I will ask the same of you as well. We both get easily distracted when others are all about."
"That, I'm afraid I am guilty of. We've been away from here for so long haven't we?"
"It couldn't be helped. I'm rather fond of our new life right now. Though I'll admit the part of me that knows we will eventually be parents tells me I must not tarry any where too long. Least I not be ready or fit to take in the care of an infant.
"It hardly seems like the right moment in time does it? With so many loose ends that need tidying up"
"I'm constantly asking myself now is this good for me to do? Am I putting our child at any great risk by doing this or that?"
"I understand. I ask myself those same questions as well. I am adapting also. Once we were finally a couple I realized I played my part in our relationship. No longer can I just have at whatever gets my fancy. "
"I see little change in your regular activities."
"Oh no? Is this so? No longer do I haunt these old halls late at night or order around a lot of young men to and fro through the long evenings."
"I was just thinking you still play the guard and find yourself foolishly challenged in bar fights."
"I'd ask that you not so antagonize guest at the local tavern the way that you do but it helps make up for the days I spent sparring with fellow knights instead."
"At least the knights and squires have some sense of chivalry."
"That maybe so but the Chasin, Mages, Highway bandits, lack greatly in those manners so. I enter most fights expecting more of the later. My main concern right now is keeping you out of the fight.
I'm grateful that you have taken to Partrice and Maurice. I feel less concerned knowing you have two companions who can hold you back some now for our own good."
"Babysitting. I try not to see the, as such. Least I feel tempted to shed their implied discipline."
"Now is not the time for any of that my love."
"I am honored by these words coming from you. However many of the problems or duties that fall into my lap. There is not need for you to bore yourself with these things. We will have to divide up one workload more as your time approaches. It is my desire that you have some time to tend to our child without the constant demands for your presence if at all possible."
"Our poor child"
"Come, come, now, don't be worried. Let us go about our meal so that we can move forward with the rest of our evening."
"I didn't mean to delay us. Let me escort you my Lady."
They continued on to the evening meal held in the main dining room down the hall from where they stood.
An hour and half following their dinner Roland and Tara made their departure to join together and proceed with their late evening plans.
"I think we made it through all of that the best that can be expected don't you?"
"We made it! It will be a little disappointing that we couldn't put off our dessert to enjoy alone together."
"With a good bottle of wine or two, yes, I can imagine that being very inviting. I'm afraid we are a bit limited in how much we can plan seeing how we are more like the guests in our old home."
"It is how it is I'm afraid. But it would seemed suspicious if we both turned down dessert this evening. Anything too out of the ordinary will make our plans that much more transparent don't you think?"
"It could be? But you love this kind of intrigue do you not?"
"More then I should care to admit. Especially to you. I was just thinking we should take on a change of clothes."
"Why? What you are wearing is good enough? I don't see we should bother. Then again …."
"Is it coming to you now? If we are too be outside in the late evening it would be best. We've both only one outfit that is suitable for the weeks events. If we spoil them we are sure to stand out but not in respectable way."
"That is true. There would be no end to the conversations about how poor off we must have become after the Blight."
"It would look poorly on my brother I fear. They will either assure he is punishing me financially for our folly or I am just a poor manager of my allowances that I can't even afford a respectable wardrobe."
"Neither situation it to be pursued if we do not want to bring even more attention to ourselves."
"At least more negative attention. It might serve us well that at least some of the high nobles will view our situation in a more romantic light. Or simply that for our service, it is best that they make this allowance to settle the matter once and for all."
"I am welcome to any and all praise where ever it happens to come to us by."
"So am I. Ah, now you have me thinking how wonderful it would be to have the evening to woo you into my arms. That seems more natural an approach to such an evening as this one. One I have been looking forward to for a good portion of my life."
"We both have. So you run along and find something on the dark side but nothing too nice if we are not have to be worried over the state of our dress tonight. What you choose to wear on the outside will be of little interest to me this night at least."
"Such provocative words my dear. Shall we meet each other on the terrace then?"
"The terrace it is then. Now let me go so we can finally get started!" Tara reached up and her fiance leaned down to meet her lips to finalize their agreement before moving forward to their own assigned rooms for this evening.
"My Lady! I didn't expect to find you back here this early. What can I do for you now?" Annette asked feeling very confused by her mistress' appearance.
"Nothing is wrong is there? I mean with you and Squire is there?"
"Why would you say that? No, never mind, it really isn't important. I need to change out of this gown and into something dark but from one gown I did make good use of during my stay at Bannorn. You can help me, Lily since you have seen me on more then a few different occasions."
"Oh, yes I have. And I do remember some of what you liked to wear out there. But why would you make such a change at this hour?"
"Never you mind. It would do well for the two of you not to question my requests. I would only disappoint you for my affairs are just that. My own, now please, Annette, I haven't all evening here. Help me get out of this dress while Lily finds me something more appropriate to wear out tonight."
"Very well, Milady. Forgive me. I'm still trying to fit in around here."
"All is forgiven. If you can quickly get me changed up and out of here as soon as possible."
"We'll do our best for you." Annette told her temporary mistress as she commenced with the untying of her currant dress.
"Soon she was changed and eagerly she moved to leave her room, making her way into the corridor between their private chambers.
"My Lady Cousland. Are you leaving us here this evening?" Ser Patrice inquired as she saw her now making her way out of her room.
"I am not leaving the grounds, per se. Ser Gilmore and I are just going out for a stroll in the garden and probably walk toward our favorite waterfall along the riverbed."
"I see …is this really such a safe move? Haven't you already met up with an assassin upon your arrival here?"
"Now, don't be a spoil sport, Patrice. As long as you stay on castle grounds the danger should be minimal at best. You don't mind too much if the two of us tag along. At a safe distance of course. It is not our intention to ruin your quiet evening back."
"I rather that you didn't this time. We really rather be alone this time. I think since I will be accompanied by Ser Gilmore that we feel protected enough for something as simple as an outing on very familiar territory.
"As you wish, my Lady. We will tarry along outside then. Just in case we suspect anything is amiss and one of you calls out for our aid."
"As you wish. Might as well pick up a snack if you feel like it. We will be awhile out this time."
"Just don't hesitate to call us if we are needed."
"Of course we will. So please don't worry about us. We have faced our share of mortal enemies. What could go wrong out here anyways? We been out and about on these grounds, well all of my life and a good portion of Roland's life also."
"We only care for your safety. That is all."
"And it is your duty to do so. So far I am pleased with your service. So not to worry. We just want some time alone. I'm sure you both understand how we feel about these kind of things."
"It doesn't take too much imagination. Even for someone as pent-up as Ser Patrice happens to be."
"Stick to your own agenda, Ser Maurice, for I assure you, I've no difficulties' with my own. We will do as he says. Please do not let us delay you an further from the Squire for no doubt he must be waiting upon you by now."
"You must be right. I need to catch up with him now. Excuse me."
Tara left her two personal guards to their own affairs while she made her way to the terrace where she promised to meet up with Roland Gilmore.
She walked to the courtyard in a rush but then slowed her pace once she reached close enough to their meeting place.
Spying to see if her lover was close at hand she cautiously walked now trying not to make her footsteps loud enough to be a distraction. She soon spied her intended standing about looking out into the vast horizon waiting on her to meet him out there.
The rogue in her couldn't resist the opportunity to sneak up on him. Just to see how far she really could get before he noticed her close to him.
This was not an easy task since a seasonal storm had left a fair amount of debris scattered about along her path to him. So carefully she did step, using various fixtures to hide her presence when Roland routinely turned in her direction to look to see if she was approaching him from the obvious direction. To do so without falling prey to the predictable foil of randomly mis-stepping onto something that might "snap" or "crinkle" when stepping recklessly upon it. So she needed to be hyperaware of her environment to do so. Enjoying the challenge was enough fun to suit her in the moment and she had succeeded so far in not being discovered.
A squirrel was perched on a branch was staring at the might tree in the center of the courtyard longingly and the assassin stood patiently waiting for it to make it's move across the patio to it's certain destination.
Roland was lost in his own thoughts. The temptation to want to go and rush her along was there but he resisted the urge this time. He didn't want to risk setting off her brother if he happened by before they had a chance to further along their own agenda. As well as start up a conversation over his changing of the guards. Dinner was enough of a trial for them all to make their way through.
He felt safe standing outside here at least. Though he could, if he wanted to, imagine that it wasn't probably for some of those attempting to leave the scene of the crime. Still he was holed up in the dungeon while any of that was going on. Now he felt at fortunate that at least the memories of the vast garden out before him was not tainted by the painful memories from their past.
Then again? It was filled with both pleasure and pain wasn't it? A sharp crunching noise caught his attention making him turn quickly to see if his intended was finally making her entrance but instead it was just a squirrel making its move to the nearby oak tree. At least he couldn't resist the urge to laugh at himself over his sudden uneasiness.
Tara took this planned opportunity to reach up and tap him on his opposite shoulder just to watch him switch around in a jerking move causing her to take her turn at laughing at his unsteadiness.
"What? Tara? Is this the right time to playing this type of game with me?"
"You are nervous aren't you? So steady you are. I have to be patient to catch you off of your guard I know."
"Is tonight really the best night to play this game?"
"It is difficult to resist playing games with you, Rory."
"I'm sorry."
"No, I need to get better at judging your feelings. I thought it might make you laugh."
"The squirrel stole your stage."
"And left me with only the encore. I assure you that you are the lucky one tonight. The squirrel's working with me. Just a decoy to make my act look all the more better. Remember, I at least know enough about you to think you wouldn't catch me sneaking up on you if I didn't have something to distract you with. You are just too good to be snuck up on without one.
I was just fortunate our friend was set on his course to get back home. I could see that even though he was weary of you, the little twitching motion told me there was a brave little heart in there just looking for an opportunity to make his move."
"And that was when you could make yours, right? I need to remember to look all around and not go for the obvious distraction."
"You do need to look out for that move. Especially when you know I might be around."
"Especially when I know you might be around. When you aren't with me, which is as rarely as I can make that happen, it is hard to not to be thinking about when we can next be together."
"I find that hard to be. I can't imagine nor do I want you to be so obsessive as far as I am concerned. It is nice to know you are thinking about me. As opposed to any other woman, unless you have some good reason to be doing so. I know you do not create romantic notions in regards to all of the women you encounter. At least I hope you are being honest with me in that regard."
"Maker no! One romantic interest is more then enough trouble for me, in this lifetime, I think. So no, I do not see all women as such."
"Good, You know I am not fond of any kind of competition."
"I am well aware of that. As I am, many might say foolishly, also aware how now more then ever if I dare to rouse your anger against me."
"You think that if you so much as bruise my feelings I would bring down all of Fereldon against you? I suppose I am that influential at this point in my life. It would probably take just that to do so.
I would not however make such a grand move against you."
"Why not? If I deserve such punishment."
"Why do you think my heart is so vicious? Such a wrong is something I would find bearing up in silence or confined to my own space. I could not see harming you in such a way as revenge if your own heart led you somewhere else. I would grieve as I have been through these latest of tragedies."
"I'm disappointed to hear this? If I was so cruel after all of this time we have spend together I'd feel I at least deserved some measure of your anger towards me for such a crime."
"Then you are not measuring how much I truly love you wisely. To bring harm intentionally to you will trouble my heart more then it would if I let you be. Does that sound weak to you in some instance?"
"Just a bit surprising to hear I think. I rather like the idea of doing some penance for my accumulated sins."
"I do not view our relationship so much as being something so unholy, do you?"
"The situation we find ourselves in isn't something I had planed out for the two of us."
"Maybe not but it is how things have to be right now. Are you worried that something might go wrong? Something that will prevent us from getting married."
"Despite my difficult behavior just a moment ago and I am not testing how far you will allow me to get away with being disrespectful. Or by Andraste's sword of truth, disreputable by any means. I just don't want to forget that I am not a well appreciated suitor for your hand in marriage."
"I find you to be all that I was dreaming for. I don't know what you are speaking of?"
"I know, listen to me. Just being here right now makes me imagine how times once were."
"Which is a very good reason why I have chosen not to settle down back here. Even if ghosts might not be real there is still too many reason why we both deserve a happier place to bring up our child.
I know that though I would not be able to bring myself to harm you in any way. If you do try to hurt me it will probably be my brother who might not find it so difficult to act against you."
"I think it would take very little to inspire him to think on such thoughts. Even though we have been friends for many years. I think I always knew because of rank and station it would get in the way of our actually forming the kind of friendship Swindon and I had."
"He has a lot of responsibility placed upon him. He might not have wanted to put you into a position where you would feel so easily judged. It could also be he was distancing himself from you because of my attraction to you. Knowing if it brought trouble to you it might also do the same for him?"
"That is possible? I can see how it was important for him to make powerful allies as he grew older because he needs their support. When I was finally brought down by your parents, such associations might look poorly on his own judgment. I can't say that Oriana took much of a liking to me either."
"No, I wouldn't imagine that she would. She didn't think too much of me either for that matter. I wouldn't be hard on yourself as far as she was concerned. You know she often viewed us all as simple barbarians. Out swinging around our swords in every which way. So uncivilized. Especially for those of the court."
"Who is she to judge us so harshly?"
"Sadly and even my brother is hard pressed to disagree with me on this point. Her views cost her and my nephew their lives. For my mother and I did survive, at least at the time, because we could do just that. I hate to see what they would have done to either one of us if we couldn't."
"It is hard to imagine it and I rather not. You mentioned that as far as you noticed they took down you brother's wife and your nephew right away, right?"
"As far as I could tell in the moment. I would think if anything else had happened it would have gotten my attention sooner. They could have used her just as they could any one of us as a ransom pursuit I imagine? So I do not want to think about it right now. Or anytime soon while we are out here, Rory."
"It wasn't my intention either to bring it all up. Come closer to me my love. Funny, I still feel kind of guilty just being out here with you. All of this should pass once I have you as my wife." He gently stroked her head as if trying to comfort her when actually it was his own heart that was ill at ease right now.
"I'm not sure others will find our behavior any better whether we are married or not? I don't want to bother with what other people might be thinking when it should be no concern of theirs to begin with.
It is our life, Rory isn't it? I hope I will do nothing to ever turn your heart out of favor with my own. I really do. I hope our love will give you the strength and desire to preserve all that we have built up together. That is my fondest of wishes.
You know, even when we first were reunited, did I behave like some spurned woman out to humiliate you or to spoil your character so much?"
"I believe Alistair did bring up, on more then a few instances, that I was not worthy of any of your attention due to our past liaisons."
"He can be overprotective at times can't he? That I am afraid was unavoidable. He was just trying to protect me."
"He has a crush on you, you mean."
"Maybe so? He apparently hasn't had the opportunity to meet many women his own age."
"Especially getting himself lost in with those Templars. It is hard even for me to think he didn't have the opportunity to avoid something like that."
"He did. When Duncan arrived to offer him a better life. If being a Templar was what he actually wanted for himself then he wouldn't give up that role to accept another one that expected so much of him in return."
"I cannot question his bravery or resilience in the face of our enemies. Do not however think I will give you up, even for the hand of a king."
"Perish the thought!"
"Just in case he brings to you any offers that might feel tempting to you."
"It might require of you to be very attentive of me. So fewer opportunities exist where I might be approached by such an offer."
"As you have already said, I needn't be so obsessive of you all throughout my days. Have you changed your mind on this subject?"
"No, I have not. Nor am I looking for that much of your attention. Tonight and the many nights I hope are following this one for the two of us, I do expect your thoughts and actions will be solely focused on only me."
"How can I not? I cannot even keep my hands off of you. But tell me, are you so weak that another man can turn your head? Even with our own child on the way?"
"See? It is too easy to get you riled up this way. It is a wicked game to play but I'm disappointed that you still don't trust me enough. It troubles my heart some you know?"
"It should. I've played this game before with you and this time the stakes are much higher."
"This time you better not give up on me. Even back then I promised to leave Highever, whatever it takes to keep the two of us together don't you remember my own words? They were spoken to you in earnest."
"I haven't forgotten what you told me. We were still young. With so much against us I was convinced it was too selfish for me to condemn you to alienation from your parents."
"Are you going to let my brother's feelings now cloud your mind of your own judgment this time too?"
"No Tara. Not this time. I know you too well to ever forget you. As long as you will have me I am yours."
"All mine?"
"As much as you are mine."
"I like that."
"I hope so. Now come along. I want to go out to the waterfall. I recall it as a pleasant trip the last time we had a chance to visit with one only recently."
"We did, didn't we? Hopefully we will not encounter any rumors of those Drows hiding somewhere underground out here."
"There have been no reports or sighting of such. I would think, taking into consideration how well we soldiers patrol the areas around Highever."
"That is true. I'm sure a group of elves who despise the human race would rather shun us then fight with us. Whose to say most of us would really understand them all?
Come along. I want to think of elves in a happier situation. I cannot even imagine, well, the dwarves seem to have done well for themselves. At least by their own standards of living I imagine. So maybe it is the same for these rows? I think we could live quite nicely in kingdom with such beautiful gardens to surround ourselves by."
"The grounds here are not so different are they? I mean they do show some signs of neglect but for the most part it looks like Fergus has some people looking after it now that he has returned to Highever."
"It is sad to think it suffered any neglect at all isn't it? But you are right and we are all the better for it. I hope we can do more at your father's place in Hunter Fell."
"No doubt you will see to all of that. Do with it what you will. I trust that you will make whatever necessary changed needed to make my place more like home."
"I will do my best, my love. It was a good idea that we changed our clothing. Though I was very fond of what you were wearing earlier."
"I'm happy that you liked it. I hope you will show that you like me more in whatever I am stuck wearing about me in the moment."
"It's what's underneath that really counts is that it?"
"That was the point I was trying make."
"Point well taken then. Move along now. It does look a bit blustery out tonight. I may get my wish that the weather fit the mood."
"Could be? I will not let it deter me from this evenings agenda."
"I didn't imagine that you would. I would then be forced to scheme some other way to lure you into keeping me company later tonight."
"That sounds even more promising to me. I'm not going to put off my plans to find out but we can discuss any more games later this evening if you would like?"
"That is very kind of you. So how are we to play this one right now?"
"Just out enjoying a delightful stroll around the garden, down the river with someone that I love and admire spending some time with."
"That is very kind of you to say. I feel truly honored to find myself in your company exclusively once more. I would love to speak of the vast beauty of the distant sky but as you say, clouds are finding their way to steal away our stellar view."
"That is very unkind. It might hamper some of our evening activities but hopefully none of the ones we have planned for indoors will it?"
"No, not at all. I'm afraid I am finding it hard to get in the right frame of mind."
"I should have planned things out better. I've no outwardly romantic gestures to bribe you with this time."
"That's all right. This has been a difficult homecoming for us both this time."
"It has. I was just so anxious to get here and get past it all. Here I have no flowers or gifts to offer up to you this time. Sad, even a silly limerick or romantic poem seems beyond me this evening.
We do have these beautiful gardens do we not? Why don't I just pick you some flowers from in here? I didn't want to give you the burden of having to carry any around that is all." He told her before he let go of her arm to start picking various flowers to create a bouquet of them for her keeping.
"That is too kind of you good Knight. I only have my good favor to bestow upon you at the moment. That is hardly fitting of such a long awaited occasion isn't it?"
"I wasn't expecting anything more special then having you alone with me this night."
"Still, I will go into town in the morrow and I will make it right with you."
"That isn't necessary. I was entertaining the thought of going to the tavern the next day if you don't mind it? You are welcome to join me if you like? As long as you promise not to provoke any fighting."
"That is a promise I may not be able to keep. Shall we wager which one of us find ourselves so burdened over the other?"
"That will be an interesting bet. No matter what the circumstances might be, I cannot allow you to fight. You don't really want to do you?"
"It depends on the situation. You know others try to provoke fights with me to prove something or other."
"I know. It is a weighty reputation to have to carry around with you all of the time isn't it?"
"Moreso because I am a woman. Would that more Fereldon's were with us so that I would not feel so pressured all the time to have to prove my worth to these people."
"We just have to stick together in public as much as possible. I don't mind if you don't?"
"It is just I will grow bored, just waiting and watching you all the while. Not that I don't find you entertaining at times. Even by your side I find others who grow bold enough or is that foolish enough to try to embarrass us with their tirade about this or that. Always trying to win my attention hoping it will carry some kind of reward if they do."
"Pitiful souls aren't they? Well, you may want to think about if your coming alone is the wisest choice for you. I feel I must go out if I am to find more local soldiers who might be interested in our cause. It would be nice to find out if some of our people did escape with their lives while we were so busy fighting."
"I hope so too. That is why I rather come out with you. I need to go into town as it is. I know this is hoping for too much but I want to shop around the market. I might come across something that I once did own. Keep sakes that will have little value to anyone but myself. They might have been easily sold to local merchants by some of those thieves who raided the castle during the fighting."
"At least you were able to get away with the most precious items from you family vault. I'm sure some were very disappointed after the fact."
"I'm sure the question came up somewhere during my interrogation. I did not hold those keys so they could hurt me all that they wanted to. Nothing was going to come of it."
"No, I'm sorry to hear of that. It was bound to come up of course. I only wish I had the time to gather up more of my own belongings, that's all."
"I'm sorry that the opportunity didn't present itself to us. You might be right and we might come across something we have lost. I am just so grateful to have you as a part of my life. All of the other things, as I told you before, we cannot replace these memories but we can make new ones, can't we?"
"Oh, yes, we can and I'm sure that we will. I realize how hard you are trying to do just that for me. For us. To help us both forget what we have lost.
Tell me how can I shed this poor mood of mine? I am ruining your evening as well am I not?"
"No, no not at all. These are just feelings you need to let out. For me, I just look upon all the beauty Highever brings with it. Seeing the river here reminds me how much fun we had swimming it on hot summer days.
You floating along the river in a small boat. Still so finely dressed up you were on a lazy afternoon. Just floating along without a care in the world. So lovely I could not dare to take my eyes off of you least the dream would end and you would be hidden away from me once more."
"And now? You seek out your friends at the tavern to escape my company it would seem?"
"To escape ….? No, that isn't it at all. I only wanted to spare you any embarrassment you might feel if someone challenged you and you were forced to decline such a request due to your condition."
"I might just be so tempted to reveal why I must refrain from such strenuous activities for the time being."
"I'm not sure that is a wise idea thinking that some might find their way in there who might want to do you some harm because of it."
"Such a boring life we lead, Rory. Even this one special joy that we two have brought out of the Blight. Still we cannot celebrate our good fortune."
"Once we are married all will be revealed. We have to keep you safe. By keeping this part quiet it allows you some peace of mind I hope?"
"By the time we are finally married, only the most foolish of souls would question my situation."
"That sounds so ominous, Tara. It also brings an amusing picture of you in my mind with it."
"I think it best to not think too far ahead of myself. Least I lose my courage to see this all through."
"You don't have to fear being with child. Not with me. I know it is a miracle for the two of us to share. To Fereldon's it is what is expected of us but to me it is a gift I don't want to take for granted."
"Neither do I. For me it is a dream come true. Some days I feel so anxious and I want it all to be over soon. On other days? I want to savor all of this and share it with you. Just in case we cannot have any more children between us."
"Perish the thought, my love! I would like to believe we can create one or two more along our journey through life."
"And if we cannot? Will you love me less for it?"
"It isn't possible. I love you. I am almost eager and terrified over how we can possibly do our work while keeping our child safe from harm. But others have succeeded. With these thoughts I also remind myself that you too are strong-willed, as much as I am. We have to believe that will see the two of us through as well as any of our children. Honestly, I cannot ever imagine putting you aside and your being the least bit happy about such a situation."
"I would not in the least. I hope you feel the same way?"
"I do. We are almost at the waterfall. It will be nice to turn our thoughts to happier times. Even happier since I can pull you close and hold you tight if the urge suits me to do so. And I promise that it will."
"And how, Ser Gilmore are we to proceed this evening to please you?"
"Do you think it would be better if I come to your room on my own?"
"That would be interesting. As opposed to our just stumbling into my room together you mean?"
"I'm not letting you get drunk while you are with child. Though we could be laughing, having a good time, just before retiring to our bedchamber."
"I could feign some sort of illness? Creating a need for you to bring me into our bedchamber."
"Then others will be concerned about your maybe feeling ill. No, I think my first idea is the best one."
"It doesn't seem worth the effort to change your mind about it. I will just have to pretend all of the rest of that. Save it for my imagination."
"I'll lift you up and twirl you around when we meet up there if that will help make you feel better."
"That might be some fun? We'll have to see later on shall we?"
"I promise I will be there. You know I wouldn't miss this opportunity."
"I hope nothing comes up this time. We can never be too sure can we around here."
"So do I. If your brother starts to make you feel uneasy use our alternative plan instead."
"What is that again? I think I have already forgotten it."
"Just come to my room. We will make the best of things if we have to."
"If it comes to all of that maybe we should put it off for the night."
"Maker no! I just mean please come and sleep with me."
"You are not afraid of anything that might go bump in the night are you? Seriously?"
"No, none of that. Though would be assassins have been known to do that very thing we have to admit."
"So you are asking me to come and protect you from harm? Not a common request from a big, strong man like you."
"I see you are finding your humorous side despite your many distractions. If claiming that I need you so much to stay by my side, both for very selfish reasons as well as a need for a good second, so be it."
"If I do this for you, then you cannot deny me my right to defend you or myself if someone does get the foolish urge to try to bring you any harm."
"Tara, you have to stay out of the fight."
"Then I am no good to you nor is your offer an honest one to me."
"Do you feel so safe without me then?"
"I just don't want to do anything that will anger you. I cannot be sure of how I might act. I'm sorry, Rory, you are asking too much of me right now in this instance."
"Maybe I am. Please do whatever you feel is best for you. I will understand one way or the other."
"It's just after all that we have been through together. What we were put up against? I cannot imagine myself acting any other way if we are being attacked. I will try to hold back but it all depends on the situation. Can you not at least accept that this is my reality right now?"
"I would probably be proven wrong if I ever thought there would ever come a time when we will really be at peace again."
"And this thought saddens you, doesn't it? It might be that you really would find playing the farmer better to your liking. I could not blame for such a choice. I know I have seen enough death and destruction to last me a lifetime. Here we are bringing another life into this world of ours. Always fraught with danger. I honestly know no other life but there will be moments of peace.
We are so fortunate to not have been born in our parents time. They had little chance at peace either. But in time, the fighting did stop and the warring was put aside for the time being. So too will life be for us as well."
"Huh, ….a farmer! I can see doing some planning here or there. I might be of some help during harvest time. No, my life is the life of a knight and you know this full well about me to even suggest it otherwise."
"I know that you have a gift as a soldier. Few men dare to stand up to you in a fight. Sober at least that is. I also understand that you came to us not so willingly in the beginning."
"That is true but only because I was put into unfamiliar surroundings. Even as young lad it was my wish and I believe my destiny is to be here and to serve you. In whatever way you will allow me to do so."
"And I welcome your service for you have always served me well.
Ah, look at this place? Only the elves themselves could dare to out do our people here."
"This garden here has always been a special place for you hasn't it?"
"I have always been very fond of waterfalls. I would lure you out here just so that we could try to be alone."
"And it worked for us. At least for a time it did. Are those flowers that you are holding for me?" Lady Cousland looked over at her fiancé to see how he would react to her words.
"Yes, of course they are. Not quite so elegant as many of those arrangements you have been given in the past I'm afraid. They are fresh."
"That they are and allow me to give you a kiss in appreciation for such a thoughtful gesture. " Reaching up she kissed him as she promised that she would.
"Very nice. I have been looking forward to kissing you all day long. Come here." Rory pulled her now down onto his lap once he found an old familiar rock that made a suitable seat for him to sit them both down on.
"It is so nice to be here alone with you again. It almost makes me feel like a teenager once more. All of these familiar sounds, sights, smells. I almost wish we could build a cabin for ourselves right out here. Let our grand Teryn preside over his lofty castle. We will build our paradise right here in the heart of the forest.
We will watch our child grow-up learning all it needs to learn about nature and hunting. Why, I'll bathe our child right here under the rushing waters. Neat and tidy. How wonderful that all would be."
"A cabin might be possible. In this location I would think of nothing more then just that. Unfortunately security is always a question we must ask ourselves before laying down our heads, and especially that of our child's late at night."
"Then perhaps a simple hunter's cabin it is."
"It seems there must be some type of permanent shelter to be built all over Fereldon for your comfort."
"Not all over all of Fereldon. Just the parts that have become special to us. That is because as our children grow they will need a nice place to sleep. Always having to lug around a tent and a few bed rooms might be more then we can manage every time."
"It is nice to have fresh bedding when camping out. Even in a hunter's cabin."
"We will bring Beowulf with us. I don't want to put all of the work on you."
"That is nice of you. Maybe I can teach him how to chop wood? That would be useful."
"Good luck with that one, dear. He may fail you in doing that but he might be able to buy you a few hours of restful sleep. He saved my life and that of my mother's."
"I'll give credit where it is due. I could use some of your attention if I can tempt you into doing so."
"You are a very tempting man. I came here to take good care of you."
"I like that. As long as we can agree that we take care of each other."
"We do. And always will."
About a half-an-hour later, it was Roland who felt he should finally speak up. "Come now, Tara, let me help you here. Getting caught out in the rain might have been fun when we were younger but I don't want to risk your getting a cold out here."
"I like the surroundings out here better."
"You really think your brother cares that much about what you might be doing? If that was the case don't you think he'd have the guards and the mabari after us?"
"I don't even know if any of them have yet to survive. They are not so easy to come by even in Fereldon I'm afraid."
"You know what I am implying though right?"
"I know and I rather not think about it right now. He is sure to ruin the mood if he does and I am not ready to let him do just that."
"Which is why I will dutifully escort you to your room and then see you later in the evening."
"Because that won't gain any attention with all of the security we have around here."
"We've already discussed all of this."
"I know. I just like it out here where there is no one here to bother us. It seems so foreign to be treated as such in one's own home."
"Things will be different for us in Amaranthine you will see."
"It would have been easier for us had we delayed more coming out here."
"Maybe for you at least. No, I need to help my brother when he is in need. I cannot expect to gain an allowance if I am to be no help to him at all. It isn't fair."
"Do you really need that money?"
"I can always find some use for it. It is my birthright and I am sure to invest it better then my brother shall. At least until he finds himself a sensible wife that is. Better I be paid too for my trouble rather then go through all of this for naught isn't it?"
"I can't disagree with any of those thoughts. He'll just view me as an opportunist I'd imagine."
"That would be foolish of him to do so. What good will it do him to make my own husband out to be such a man? He cannot escape the fact that I will be his own Arlessa. Whether he is fond of the notion or not, he still must maintain my good reputation, the best that he can."
"Which is why I will see you off when we reach your room. Sneaking about isn't so honorable but at least it offers the appearance of good behavior."
"Appearances are everything are they not?"
"No matter what extent we must go through to uphold them."
"As long as I can laugh off my critics and prove my own worth, the rest is just fodder for the disenchanted. Though it will be helpful when we no longer feel we have to live this way."
"I agree. I'm not sure how long you will be able to bear it though?"
"Why?"
"I have yet to know you when there was not some sort of trouble attached clearly to your own name."
"People do love to talk don't they? They are grateful I at least prove worthy of conversation. I wish I could say the same as honestly for the rest of them."
"It will be quite a challenge won't it, moving round more noble circles that is."
"I expect many an early night for me. I am fortunate to have a child soon as ample excuse for why I can no longer keep them entertained."
"If only I could use that as my excuse."
"You'll think of something. No! It probably is best you not tell me in advance of it."
"Ha, ha, you do have me pegged clearly as a rogue don't you?"
"Only that I am well aware of how much you love attention and how easily you brag about your many adventures."
"And you do not, my Lady?"
"I rather not. That is the difference between us."
"It depends entirely on the company, my dear."
"I've heard enough of it out of you."
"My titles speak for themselves."
"So do mine but still they bother me for details. What is a good knight to do about these situations?"
"Better then discussing politics I imagine?"
"I really do miss the country now more then ever."
"I like it right here. Now I hope you can finally agree with me."
"I wasn't disagreeing with you. Mostly I was trying my best to avoid an embarrassing situation. I mean, I may not be a royal noble and heir to the throne but my dear, you are."
"Since when did that ever stop you from any of your actions?"
"More times then I care to admit right now. But not enough to drive myself mad and put you against me."
"Hardly the case, on both accounts noble knight."
"This really is a difficult relationship isn't it?"
"Only when you disagree with me. On all other accounts we get along very well."
"And everyday I will remind myself to be thankful at least one does stand in your way of reigning supreme."
"Now be nice. I can still change my mind you know,"
"Go ahead! Ruin what is left of my worthless life if it pleases you to do so. What can I do to prevent you from doing just that?"
"A few things come to mind immediately. I cannot understand why you must think so hard to remember what it is I must expect of you to have to do."
"All right, then! You do love playing these silly games don't you?"
"As much as you love taking the bait. Granted you only hold a meager title in the great scheme of it all but as my consort it does give you a better impression over all and I hope, I really do, it will improve upon your manners, at least as far as this topic goes."
"Not in the eyes of the high nobles I'm sure. Will I hold a place in your council?"
"Hum…I haven't really figured that part out just yet. Chances are I will have to improve your holdings in the Bannorn and hopefully they will see you as a leader. With Lord Teagan moving up to Arl that may not be very difficult for you to do."
"It would require more time in the Bannorn at least."
"If our child can be born there, I bet it will improve greatly on how they will view our presence there. If they imagine putting you into such a position will gain them a better voice on counsel? Consider it done."
"I hope you are right."
"Of course I am. It may not take as much of an effort to put you on my council but I'm afraid I can do nothing to improve your status at Highever or the king's court."
"No and I have no ambition there either. I only seek to help keep you out of harms way as much as possible. I know full well Alistair's real feelings are for me."
"All of this male rivalry going on around me! You know I only step-up to keep the peace while all of you boys play silly games to try to keep yourselves amused."
"That is unfair of you to say. At least for right now. I just can't see Alistair so bored that he will start a war just to put another pin on his robe. Nor do I see him so eager either to volunteer any of us for a foreign war unless the need is so dire. Nor do I see him looking at Fereldon and seeing a tiny country in need of more land to have to manage."
"No, I would be more concerned with my brother as far as that goes. Andraste please do not tempt my brother so much! He would have to be convinced it was a noble cause but since when is that so difficult for men who thrive on war and achievements?"
"Right so best we not visit the taverns too much or entertain such topics either so much at court my dear."
"I will keep this in mind. But I think I understand coveting very well."
"Is that so my Lady?"
"Oh, yes, some would call me an expert on the topic. Then again, I only succeeded in my quest because of the Blight. That is hardly circumstances worthy of such praise now is it?"
"Maybe not in the eyes of most. Had you run away and joined the Grey Wardens, been run out of Fereldon or died a martyr, to have me, then those would be considered a lot more impressive."
"I know! Let us remember these words when I am being racked over the coals for my choice in spouses."
"And you would have done it wouldn't you?"
"Done what?"
"Ran away and joined the Grey Wardens. I mean after me."
"I stand before you now a Grey Warden do I not?"
"It is more then I would have ever asked of you to do for me."
"Then you ask too little instead of just enough."
"Maybe so …..but now I am being cheated out of my own destiny!"
"For a better one don't you agree? Or am I not enough for you? Is being a Grey Warden more to you than having me? We need to be very sure of this fact because it isn't easy to put aside your own husband. I'd probably have to kill you and you know how hard that would be on me. What will I tell our child? That its father died because he couldn't join the Grey Wardens or abandoned its loving mother out of spite?"
"That is a lot to have to swallow all in one gulp, Tara."
"It is a choice you have to make. I will promise that I will not dishonor you for such a choice. Only that I may not be able to serve with you after such a move was made. If I must suffer for your own ego, at least, I hope you will forgive me for not having to do so always in your presence."
"Again with this? I just want it to be make known that I am doing this for you, for us I mean. My destiny with the Grey Wardens is secure. You will not always be able to deny me this right. I will wait because I feel I deserve to have both you and my destiny fulfilled. As long as I may serve alongside you with the Grey Wardens I will have to be content. And I will Tara.
This pregnancy is really getting you emotional isn't' it?"
"It serves at least as a convenient explanation for you to have to keep bringing up with me. I witnessed you getting that way earlier in our conversation. Is that some sort of male ailment as of yet to be identified?"
"No, I think we pretty much have those all sorted out. Jealous, anger, frustration over having to keep you calm or from doing things that might get you killed, that sort of thing."
"Life would be so boring without me wouldn't it?"
'It has to be the author of my attraction to you at least."
"It helps. I know that. But that just got your attention. There are other things that keeps it."
"Fair enough. This cursed things called attraction. Really, in my case it is clearly obsessive. I have been told so enough by those who are sure to be experts on the topic more then once."
"Ha, ha, ha, how can I not laugh at that? At least now you cannot claim I am merely a tease or the fisherwoman who is always out there dangling my hook."
"I see little change on that account but it is a relief to not suffer so much because of it. Which means you will give me no trouble tonight. Right?"
"Define trouble?"
"Oh please, Tara, you know what I mean. With our plans for tonight. I have to leave you as soon as we reach your door. I rather not still be holding this conversation where the doormen will be sure to listen in on everything we have to say."
"This security is going to drive me crazy I know it. Those walls are thick enough to at least shield us from the outer guards. The two outside my door way? Not so much but they are yours and if they prove to be a problem? I don't know I'll storm into my brother's rooms if I must and cause such a scene, they will be talking about that and hardly take notice of a funeral."
"Let us hope it will not come to any of that. Though it would fun to see it all happen."
"You know I will do it. I'm rather good at it too!"
"Though a part of me will feel very embarrassed over the whole affair. How could I not turn beet red over it all? I'll need to wear a Templar's helmut just to be able to walk around here without being interrupted by nosey guards all day long."
"Oh, the misery of it all. So you better speak with them and be sure we will not have any difficulties with either one of them. In my state of mind I might just put them in my dungeons. When I am at Highever I still hold some ownership over our properties or at least the right as the Arlessa to imprison anyone that I please. Remind them of this if you think it is necessary."
"I will call them both out for a little chat. Though I really think we have discusses enough between us that they understand our business is our own. They are so cozy with the other guards they have already informed me and by my ousting those who did or were assigned to such a duty I have made no new friends among the rank and file either."
"Well, you did come back here a war hero. Really so much more than that as an honored, retired, Knight of Highever, at such a young age. So few have ever achieved such an honor. Actually, you may be the very first one since ours is a young rule here? Of course some will be jealous."
"So I noticed. Well, enough of that now! I will do what you ask if only to make sure you will not turn me away, this evening."
"I wouldn't dare to try it! Surely you would take it our on me in some sinful manner that I am sure to regret later."
"I would be very disappointed but at this point, I am not so foolish to lose all that I have gained for an act that would be done out of revenge. It is never a good reason to embark on such things. Think better of me I hope."
"I'm sorry. You don't deserve that now. I would not act in such a way. Nor have I in the past even though there are times when we can barely speak to each other."
"I know. My advice in those situations that we see we need each then the most. We can be together well without saying a word. Please remember this for it hurts whenever we argue with each other. I can hardly bear the frustration of it all when it does happen."
"We will see about that. I cannot switch moods always so easily. In some instances if I seem unreasonable it is best that I take on some sort of exercise or training rather than use you as my knife dummy. Even if the thought is there in my own mind."
"You have been mad enough at me, I mean since we have been together this time that you actually want to hurt me like that?"
"This cannot be a surprise to you? You have lectured me enough times in such a mood …I can't say I take that very well at all."
"Well, you do toss knives at me when you don't like something I say or how I say it? I just take that as playful teasing for the most part."
"As well as I take being pushed aside by your long arm when you feel I should be. I hope you have at least gotten that out of your head. I do not go running out against a foe unless I am sure it is to my advantage to do so. I can hardly hit a target from behind if I have your largess put in front of me. Nor can I assess the situation fully when you do that."
"I hope I am not that bad now. It took some time before I felt secure enough to not watch what you are doing. It only takes a moment for someone of you weight and size to be overwhelmed by a rampaging Orc.
I still have this instinct, it is from our training, Tara, that I must protect you at all costs. You are our future. Now, more than ever. Just try to forgive me for being so protective. I don't just feel I am protecting your life now you understand right?"
"I do just don't get me killed either or yourself for that matter by being overprotective. Trust too that I think enough like you do to save myself and sometimes even you too."
"Let's just get past this shall we? I don't think it will be a an easy ride either way ….what is it Tara?" Rory turned quickly to see what had her move so suddenly.
"Did you hear that?"
"Maybe? What do you see?"
"I can't make it out, really …just a shadow of it. Back there by the river."
"Are you sure?"
"It was so far from us now. I'll just ask the Sergeant-at-arms to run a sweep out there." Tara said out loud to him.
"No, let me do it. You just get to your room where I know you will be safe. I'm here and I did promise and little lecture before I left here."
"Best to not let that part go. Maybe it was nothing important. Just the movement was so strange? Never mind. I am getting tired now. I'll let you do what must be done."
"Don't worry. I will ask for the sweep. They do that usually at night before changing the guards so we will be safe for now."
The two of them then made their long walk down the hallway leading to the royal chambers.
"Good evening to you, our Lady Cousland. Ser Gilmore. Getting a little windy out there isn't it?"
"Yes, but at least in here that shouldn't bother any of you."
"We get some of the draft if the winds are bellowing but for the most part we are safe and sound."
"Has my brother retired yet for the evening?"
"Oh, no! The Teryn usually is up late either business or pleasure but business for the most part."
"He spends some time with his elite guards but you must know that Lady Tara. Not much has changed on that account."
"That all depends on perspectives I suppose. To me, everything has changed here. I fear it will never be as it once was. I know my brother works harder then ever, as if that will prevent what happened before from ever happening here again."
"In that case, you are right, Lady Cousland. The Teryn doesn't like us to speak much of it so we keep it mum for the most part. Won't even enter into that room in there. Says all it does is bring him to anger and then he must spend hours sometimes trying to vent it all. Pitiful isn't it?"
"Sadness, anger, it never really leaves you. We work to keep it in it's rightful place. It is good to at least hear he has found a useful way to deal with it all. If you have any question regarding the Princess' families arrangement please come see me. My brother has enough on his mind right now. I am here to deal with the more mundane tasks of the day. Please make a note of that.
Oh, and since you are some of our most cherished of knights, I mean to guard the teryn is an honor few will have. He must trust you beyond reason does he not?"
"That he does, Lady Cousland."
"Good. Then I must trust you also and know that I am now the Arlessa or soon to be officially so, and that I too have the authority to put your arses into a Highever cell if you betray my trust. Is that part understood?"
"I believe so!"
"And for you, knight?"
"Yes, Lady Cousland."
"Then know this and I do not want such news spread all over the castle here. Not even Annette is privy to all of my affairs nor many others either. I have accepted Lord Gilmore's proposal of marriage. All of this will be made public in a few days time."
"Lord Gilmore is it now? Do we have to bow to him as well now, my Lady?"
"That is up to him to decide. He is to officially become the Bann of Hunter Fell but more importantly the consort of the Arlessa of Amaranthine once our marriage takes place. So I expect him to be treated here with the respect he has earned. As a Hero of the Blight, he too holds great honor in our Country for services rendered. I could not have achieved all that I did had I not had Ser Gilmore by my side and that is the truth."
"Come now, what did he do? Hold your sword for you?"
"Watch your tongue man! She's a Grey Warden to boot or have you been living inside of a well these days?"
"Either way a Knight of Highever understands never to question the word of his superiors, Conner. I hope I do not need to remind you of this again."
"Very well. I sincerely apologize for my outburst, Lady Cousland. It was completely out of line and I know it. Just slipped that's all."
"I do not ever want to hear that either of you are giving my knight and yes, he answers directly to me, any trouble when he comes to visit me here. I apologize for not making this perfectly clear before hand.
He has stood many nights right where you two stand in our service. To the Cousland family, we owe much of our survival as a House of Cousland to his good service. So remember these words.
I also know that you two were part of my brother's party and did fight to keep him alive. For bringing him back to us, I thank you whole-heartedly. You have my gratitude."
"Thank-you, Lady Cousland. That is very nice of you to say that."
"Yes, thank you. Coming from you is an honor. I only wish we weren't sent away too soon. We all lost friends here. I lost my cousin, Bertie. He was just a young lad. Barely starting out and all. I'm sorry I didn't get to at least tell him good bye."
"I'm so sorry. We fought for as long as we could. I was forced to leave or I wouldn't have. It was the hardest choice I ever had to make. But my father insisted. I loved my parents dearly. I wanted to defy them, I really did that night. But had I done so, none of us would have survived the Blight."
"We understand, Lady Cousland. Joining up with the Grey Wardens just to save our sorry butts, it's more then any of us deserved. Still we are grateful for what you did."
"Highever will rise from the ashes. Already you have a good start. Now I need to see my Lady to bed.
Oh, and keep alert will you two? Lady Tara noticed something odd in the fields out near the river. We did not see more movement so I will alert the guards. It may just be some village folks up to some mischief but best to be sure right? We've already had a visit from an unwelcome guests."
"Yeah, we heard about that one. Got the Teryn's hair all prickled and all but he doesn't seem too bothered by it all right now."
"Got him all locked up tidy and all that he does. When they aren't given him the business that is. Poor bloke but he guess he thought he was going to get lucky didn't he?"
"No shortage of fools even in Fereldon I'm afraid. We've our share of foreigners as well who might be looking for some extra cash."
"Either way he's a dead man. Life is cheap for some people I suppose? I mean taking on you after the archdemon and all?"
"Well, it had to be done. Just remember that when I tell you something that I mean it and I can back up my words."
"Don't I know it! Uhm ….Lady Cousland, can I speak to you privately for a moment? Just a tiny one it is, please?"
"Very well but know I do not keep secrets from my fiancé."
"Just come here, please."
"You have my ear now get to it."
"It is just with the Squire and all here and what you just told us? You see, you got some real nice presents in there and I don't know how jealous he is, you know what I mean? I mean they told us about it when we came on duty but what were we suppose to do about it?"
"I see. Do you happen to know who this benefactor might be? He didn't show up here I person did he?"
"Oh no! Who would dare! I didn't go into to your room to inspect it all. Had Annette go over things, make sure nothing suspicious was inside of it and all. Seems harmless enough except maybe to Ser Gilmore."
"When will this ever end with these nobles! I can handle Ser Gilmore. Don't worry about it."
"What news did he share that has you upset, Tara?" He asked feeling concerned over her reaction to his news.
"I will deal with it. Don't worry. Just let us move forward. I need to see what has been done to my room in my absence from here." She announced as she turned open the latch leading into the main hallway to their rooms.
Roland followed behind her perplexed over what had her so upset but knowing it was soon to be revealed. To make her this mad? He didn't expect an uninvited guest? A message of some kind? He just wasn't sure.
"Good evening, Lady Cousland. I hope you are well?" Ser Patrice spoke out upon seeing her mistress.
"I cannot say for sure, Ser Patrice, Ser Maurice, that is until I see what is my room that is."
"Oh, that well ….Ser Gilmore it might be best that you allow the Lady a moment to gather up her thoughts on the matter before finding yourself in the middle of it all." Maury told him wisely.
"What is it that has her so upset, Maury?"
"You will see soon enough. Just hold back some if these things you know make her upset."
"I still don't have a clue what you are referring me to? Tara, are you all right in there?"
"Again, define being, "all right, please?" if you will. How long must I go through with this!" Was all she said as she pushed through a large basket of very nicely arranged flowers trying to find a card or something to identify the fiend who is trying to disrupt her life intentionally."
"Look at all of this? What kind of fool ….." she stopped talking as soon flowers were being tossed purposefully out of her room as she grew frustrated in her search for some identity to pin her wraith upon."
"Tara, please, here, use this can to put them all in. Creating a mess of things in the hallway will only upset your brother."
"Does he know of this fool? Lily! Annette ! Do you know of Lillian's whereabouts right now?"
"She should be in her room. I'll go and fetch her up for you!" The castle maid offered quite eager to be away from this woman lest she blame them for this thing."
"You know you still aren't doing a fair job at hitting the bucket over here."
"I care not. Look! Nothing! No card or note! This cannot be from you is it?"
"No, I'm afraid not. If I did I probably wouldn't be pleased to see you toss such flowers out about your room as you have in here."
"Oh! I am making such a mess of things here am I not? I cannot even tolerate daisies at all. They do smell rancid to me. And these carnations! Where does one even find flowers such as these?"
"The gladiolas are kind of nice? They must be in season. So with all of that effort still no card to be found?"
"None that I could find. Here look about the room. See if a note came with them and I missed it. I can't say such a thing is so pleasant to find after having someone try to murder you right before my eyes."
"No but we do not know the are connected. Not with you, as it were. You really do have too many admirers Tara. I don't know what to do with you."
"Just help me pick these flowers up. There! Your's look so much better by my bedside. Would that this rotten soul had learned his lesson the first time. I blame my brother for some of this. Can he not see the last thing I want is to be wooed by some fool? Especially while my parents still lay in wait to have their souls finally put to rest."
"He might not know about this event. We both know also he isn't going to interfere in any of this. Not when you are so insistent that your affairs are your own."
"I hear the irony in your words. Ser Gilmore. Well, it is all done and over with now, isn't it!"
"So this is what you were so warned about earlier."
"Yes, it was. And he thought you would be upset over it all. Are you sorry you disappointed him?"
"I can careless what they think about me. I don't appreciate this fool any more then you do though. News of our affair has to be all through out the circle of nobles by now at least. So this is just to mock me. Can none of them dare to do so to my face?"
"They all tremble at just such a thought, dear knight. Even I have been known to tremble around you, now and then." Tara put her arms around his neck at just the remembrance of such a thing happening to her."
"I do have that effect sometimes. Even you can make me do so likewise, my love. Which few, if any that I can remember ever could? It is an exciting feeling when it happens but I cannot help but feel a little uneasy about it. It just feels so wrong to do in the moment doesn't it some how?"
"It is usually unexpected but I don't mind it. But I bet this noble does. It is unkind of such a man to not at least give me the privilege of a response to such a kind and unwelcome gesture."
"He wouldn't dare risk my anger. No, this one thinks he go in between us. Stupid fool. As if I would let such a man even near enough to speak with you let alone find yourself left in such company."
"No, not you."
Just then Lily shows up at her door nervously waiting for her cue to speak up to her mistress.
"Ah, Lily, there you are! Do you have any idea how these flowers made their way into my room here?"
"Uhm …well, the ones there aren't the ones I saw come in here earlier, Lady Cousland."
"No, I suppose not. I know where those came from. It the other ones that I am questioning here."
"I understand your question." Lily found herself moved to pick up what flowers the two others had inadvertently missed in their attempt to be rid of them all, "I was just asked to see them put out for your return back here."
"I ..I ..waited to see if the boys who made the delivery had a card or anything else, I mean isn't this enough? But then nothing more I'm afraid."
"Did you seek out a care on your own? I could find none here. And I assure you my search, though I know was a bit out of sorts, nothing was to be found here at least among them. We searched out the room here and I found no note either to that effect."
"I'm truly sorry. Had I known they were not from the squire himself, I would have inquired further with the boy. I think he mentioned he was from some place out to sea?"
"Waking Sea was it then?"
"It could be or just by the sea, really, I'm sorry, he didn't say much and I didn't press him for anything more. It didn't seem proper you see, to be so nosey and all. Amelia was very strict in telling me to mind my own affairs and not trouble myself over your own. So too did Selina when we last spoke to each other before I left with my father for this place.
Are you mad at me for not doing so?"
"No, of course not. I just have had too much going on with my life to see something like this. You see even though many know I am set to marry with the Squire here, still they send me things like this? The man didn't even bother to tell me his name so how am I suppose to return it back to him?
Here, take this. It is yours now."
"This …this must be expensive isn't it? I could never take anything from you like this at least."
"I am a royal princess, Lily. Gifts like this come to me quire frequently and not at all solicited. So I feel no guilt you giving it to you. I can already see you will at least appreciate it better then I ever would. So go on take it. Put it somewhere safe. I do not know the people who are about here now since I had nothing to do with their being hired. I trust my brother's judgment in these affairs but still it pays to be careful."
"It is a very lovely gift. I don't know where I will ever be able to wear them to?"
"At my wedding of course! For if I have my own way, and it would take the might of Andraste now to make me change my mind about it, I will stage it at Hunter Fell. So you will be asked a lot to help me get ready for such an important event. So you see? You will earn it in time. Best not to wear it here though at least. I know not who it came from so I have no idea if he would take out his disappointment on you over it. This I will not tolerate. But I am very busy right now and would rather not be distracted by such fools right now."
"It is a poor thing for any man to invite this type of trouble. Or insult a future groom in such a way. How dreadful this all must be for you? I cannot even imagine having any amount of suitors so interested in me. Even then only one of them would interest me if they did."
"That is good to hear, Lily. It is dangerous to play men against each other when the heart is concerned. This weasel didn't send a card because he must already know I will see to it that he gets his reply from me that is."
"Oh, Ser! What will you do about it all? Are you really going to take such a man down for this?"
"If need be? If you are lucky you might catch the fight. I much rather handle things civilly but often it comes to a fight and I welcome it when it happens."
"Don't tease her so much, Rory. She's just a girl."
"I know but I'm serious. No man deserves so much strife from his fellow man over such things. I wouldn't worry too much either over suitors, Lily. Your father holds a lot of attention in Hunter Fell. Even here, you better be on your guard, lest a Knight of Highever steals it right from you. If you aren't being careful."
"Now, listen to you, Ser Gilmore! I may be young but I'm not so young to think you are telling me this just to fool with me now."
"Is he? This knight here did steal my heart and only by marrying him will he give it back to me. I was helpless to refuse to I assure you. I think you already know that I adore him very much. So you are young but it would not be such a poor thing to have your heart stolen by such a man. Just be careful, that is all. As you can see, I did not want for any suitor but it takes some time to know their true intentions. Don't go against your father if you can avoid it. Though trust your own judgment too. Ser Wilton being your father and all."
"True. I can't imagine him liking anyone I dared to bring home. He'll not let anyone court me now. Says I'm still a child but I'm not. Still, I'm in no rush either for any of that kind of life just yet."
"And you mean to stand here before me and tell me you have no good lad that has caught up your fancy for him? I don't believe it is possible."
"Not like that. I mean someone I know I will marry. I know boys and they are good. Well, just being or saying you are good doesn't make it so, right?"
"It doesn't?"
"Rory …there isn't much good about him. He will say the same about me but I know his heart is good and that he loves me. That is what really counts. I know and he has proven to me many times that I can put my life into his hands for he will catch me when or if I fall. Few are the men I can say I trust as much as I do that of him."
"And I do it out of love not just duty. I have sworn to protect her because she is my princess. I serve always by her side because I know soon she will also be my wife. It is a great honor you see, Lily. For she is a royal princess. There are many, like this poor fool would feel this is wrong for us to do. I have loved her for many years. Since she was still but a child. A very beautiful and fun child to be around. She even is kind some times but I know I must watch myself for she has somewhat of a temper. She is quick enough to respond if she feels she has been wronged in some way. Knowing that she also is a well trained assassin, keeps me on alert, I'd say when she is around."
"Listen to him talk! Don't worry about any of that. I save my temper for those who have earned my scorn. He will do just about anything to get my attention unfortunately. I promise you anything I ever did to him in revenge was easily laughed over at my expense."
"What a way to fall in love. Just to say it does make me happy some. I can see you both like each other very much and it does seem you have some fun still in the meantime. Though I can't figure why such a Lady would want to go out and fight such nasty creatures. Not when you do not have to."
"Someone has to do it. Some of what I had to do, saved my brother's life. It is right that we follow our good father after all of this that has happened here. I, like any other Knight of Highever only did my duty. And as a Grey Warden? That too requires one to be their very best. In time I hope you will understand all of this and why it must take place. We Cousland's now are but the two of us. So we both must fight for what is right for Fereldon. Though as you say, it is not so much place, as many in society must think of me but in the place that I must stand up tall, I did what was required of me to do. I did so without too many questions.
Many of my family fell in fighting to make Fereldon free from tyranny once more. My life and my service is just as needed as that of my brother in his place. If I shied away from such a calling who would follow me when I asked for their allegiance and for them to raise up their sword, if not to do so with me rather then just for me? Think about it? What do men respect the most? A powerful and wise leader. I hope I have done honor to my family's name."
"No doubt about all of that. Except many feel a woman is not wise to do so."
"Let them talk. I was there and it takes a lot to win over my confidence in any soldier. She did train with me many times. I was not easy on her and she was so determined to learn well how to fight our enemies."
"And is it not so that I still am not considered an honorary Knight of Highever, even now?"
"Have you spoken of this again with your brother? I do not see it is even necessary with all of the titles you already carry around with you now is it?"
"I think so. It will have to wait even longer so it would seem. Already our plates are so full, it would be selfish for me to bring it up now."
"In time it should happen."
"Are you not the Heroine of Fereldon? That is what my father has said. If he didn't sound all impressed by it."
"I am not at all surprised. Now I hope he is better convinced of that fact as being true. And yes, I hold that distinction and I did kill off the archdemon for only a Grey Warden is capable of doing such a deed. Any others will not work so we have been taught and that is part of the purpose and our training in Amaranthine."
"I thought so. Are you ready to make ready for the end of this day, my Lady? I do not see Annette around. I think you spooked her some. She said you were tossing about all of these pretty flowers mad as an old hen you were. I say so what? It is none of our affairs what she does with her flowers, so there!"
"I like you already, Lily."
"As much as I am sure he is being honest with you. Just give us a moment to say goodbye and then I will be ready to change here."
"As you say then, Lady Cousland."
"You may just call me Lady Tara. Except in the presence of any other nobles. They will look down upon you if you don't and I do not want anyone to treat you poorly for it. I like you too so far." Tara told her honestly, then she turned once more to try to speak quiet enough that only he could hear her words. "I do realize here, privacy is more wishful thinking. I must let you go though I really don't want to, too much. My preparation for bed are very boring. I'm sure you will find speaking to those guards of yours much more entertaining."
"Then being here with you? Not quite as much but do remember to speak also with your own maid, so that there will not be any early morning surprises like we had the last time."
"Ser Wilton will not approve will he? Nothing can be done about any of that. He has his own wife and family to deal with. I will speak to her though. She is young but not too young to understand the two of us. Annette is the one I feel I must be more stern with but I will tell her that I will call on her I the morning when she is needed."
"She won't like that very much will she?"
"I do not care. You are enough of a flirt. I do not feel the need to encourage such behavior from you for my own entertainment."
"You aren't jealous are you? Of a maid?"
"I am not but let us not go into any of that now. Go on now. Let me go about my duties here will you please?"
"I am well rehearsed in all of your duties my love. Let us leave it at that." He bent down to kiss her lovingly. Taking just enough time to make sure he left her longing for more of them for later.
Roland left her to her room and Lily closed the door quietly behind him.
"It must be hard for you, I mean, do you even have any real privacy around here? This is nothing like things are in Hunter Fell. Even in all of the Bannorn. Though I have not seen all but maybe half of that even."
"I am use to it. I have to have such security about me for my enemies, they do accumulate."
"Why? What have you done that has so wronged any of them. At least enough to make them want to murder you, even in your sleep?"
"Just by being born I have put many out of succession. Then I did not choose to accept an arranged marriage. Had I not been my father's only daughter it would not have been so. And though Roland will soon be a Bann in his father's footsteps many still will see our match as advantageous to their affairs and pocketbooks."
"Then you say, you are very wealthy then? You do not live as such to me? I'd imagine you to be so much more like the princess' we read of in storybook. That is all I am saying."
"My life before the Blight was much like the ones you read in storybook I suppose. But understand our castle was ransacked by criminals. It will take months, maybe even years for my brother to recover all that was taken from us. My wardrobe, as you can see, is hardly much to speak of, true. Only because I left here during a very fierce battle that you know took the very lives of my own parents. So as did many of our tapestry, paintings and such so too apparently went our clothing.
I was rather busy you know fighting the Blight and all. I do have some very impressive armor to show off. As far as clothing in general goes I am slowly acquiring what I need to present myself as a proper noble woman. I will need your help in acquiring such things after we are settled finally in Amaranthine. I might bother our tailor here. If we can find the time to do so but I expect it won't be until our arrival in Amaranthine before there will be much of that going on."
"Then you mean to have me go with you to Amaranthine? Why I've never been so far from my home."
"That is up to you and how well you fit in here. Your father does not seem very impressed with the idea. But it was he that recommended you for service. It will still be up to you to decide if you are up to all that I must go through to live up to my many duties here in Fereldon."
"Thank you. I mean for letting me have such a choice. I hope you will tell me if I do something wrong. I have only helped my own mother. I have a good many brothers and sisters after me so I know my way around a house fairly well. I'm told I am good with hair and I do enjoy working with yours."
"I am glad someone is. Now I do not want to wear this nightdress. It is dreadfully plain isn't it? I didn't have much of a choice at the time. No, I rather this one here. A friend of ours acquired it for me along our travels. He does have good taste, even in women's clothing, doesn't he?"
"I've not seen anything like this. Do you know such a man though? I mean who would gift you such a gown like this one."
"I hope so since it was a gift. Antivan's are, especially the elvish kind, notorious for being deadly assassin's and incurable flirts. So watch out for them. Still this one is an ally and friend to Fereldon. He meant no disrespect, well as far as a Crow would go, by his gift. I was already well with Ser Gilmore and he knew this as being a fact. He can be crude but for the most part I will say he is gentleman."
"If he wasn't I'm sure Ser Roland would have straightened him out for good!'
"You are right about that. He is no different then any other man. As faithful as my mabari, Beowulf. Who you will soon meet up with when the King decides to make his way out to here.
But he is my mabari. And he is very dangerous to people he does not know well around me. So be warned that you not approach him except in my presence until he trusts you. That will take a little time but he is obedient. For the most part. We just felt he needed the rest and it is good for him to be around others of his own breed for a time or two."
"I haven't seen many of that breed. There now, look at you!"
"Well, let us get my hair down right. There is something else I must tell you and I would like you not to get into a discussion with your father about this, please. Do I have your word on this?"
"Of course you do. I do speak to my father but always about such mundane things of no real interest to me most of the time."
"This he will not feel so easy about I'm afraid. Ser Gilmore and I have been living as husband and wife for some time now."
"Then you are already married to him? No wonder you were not pleased with those flowers then. My father would be in such a tizzy if my mother got flowers from another man who was out courting."
"Actually, no, we are not officially married. There are reasons for this that many will not understand. For my part of it, I honestly didn't believe I could put down the archdemon and spare my own life. A Grey Warden of great strength and wisdom about such creatures did die trying to do just that. It was painful to have to watch from afar and know I was too overwhelmed myself to prevent it from taking place. He confronted the creature alone, to spare the King and I of such a fight but he did fail.
You see, once I went through the ritual, that all Grey Wardens must endure or fail to their deaths if we cannot pass it, the thought of binding someone I love to me in such way only to make him a widower, was more then even I could bear to do to him. You know the old Bann, he never remarried after Roland's mother passed on. They are fiercely loyal in love. I would expect nothing less of any man I would too call my husband. He is still so young. Why would I put him through all of that and condemn him to such a life? How could I be so selfish to even try?"
"Then why would you not walk away from him? Give him a chance at living a noble life? I don't understand?'
"I said this wouldn't be easy for you to understand. I tried that but when you are destined to be together, if only for a short time, your heart will teach you that love is so precious, to waste it is more of a sin then to give in to it. This was more my doing then just his. In time once you are wed you will understand what I mean better then.
It is right that we be married in a formal ceremony for my station. The people of Fereldon will forgive me for my impatience as long as I marry him and live a respectable life. There is certain protocols all nobles must honor if they are to rule. So too must I follow them as well.
Which no, doesn't usually include our being so familiar with each other but holding a ceremony when your kingdom is in such array seems less then proper. But we knew we were to be together. To put my fiancé off even longer when he did promise himself to me many years before was more then I could bear."
"You were promised but did not wed? Why not then"
"My parents did not approve of our match. So you see? Our marrying before their deaths was almost impossible had they not passed on. Not that I ever wanted or wished for their untimely deaths. Perish such thoughts further from your mind. It is just now that it has come to pass, it is best that we put off our wedding until after we have laid the rest of our family to rest. We do this out of respect to their memories. It is the proper way to handle such situations as well."
"How can it proper for a man to behave in such a way without being married that is?"
"Wars do funny things to us I guess? What matters is that we will be wed. I must get past my duties here at Highever. Then onto what must be done in Amaranthine. Then I can finally be wed and no longer will our being lovers now interfere with any of that."
"So why are you telling me these things. Is there something more I need to know? I feel like I am somewhere that I do not belong right now."
"I must warn you to not come to my chambers any earlier then I ask of you. Do not be disturbed that … this is difficult or delicate to have to share with one at your age but I know I must. We are lovers in every sense of the word. There! I have said it now do you understand?"
"I think so! So you are trying to tell me that I might find that you are not alone when you are here in your room is that right?"
"That is true. And you must not call on me unless you are instructed to do so. Things will be rather difficult for us here. Of course my brother sees his little sister as his pet. So he does not approve of our relationship as it is."
"No, I can understand why. This is troubling news. Yet the squire I can see is quite fond and protective of you. That must be why he feels he must be around here more often that is it am I right?"
"Yes, this too is true of his behavior. He has told me he doesn't dare leave me alone even late at night least someone try and well, I have been attacked here in this very room in the middle of the night so you can imagine that I must allow him to stay with me, for his own peace of mind. It is the only way I can be sure that he gets any sleep at all. It is not good for him to be awake so much in the middle of night."
"No that cannot be good for any man. Unless he is on duty of course. And if you cannot be safe even with so many guards all about? I guess I too would welcome my fiancé to spend as much time in my company as possible too?
Aren't you afraid of ghosts? I mean a lot of people died here on that night so it has been told."
"I am haunted by memories. Anything else? Is still left to my imagination so far. So you will not over react if you see Roland here in the early hours of the morning?"
"It is not my duty to judge you or interfere any at all in the affairs of nobles. I was taught this when I was still very young. It might surprise me some but I will try my best to mind my manners and keep my place.
Will that do?"
"It will. Hopefully he will not linger here too long but his sleep is important to me and he finds it hard to, even when he is with me or I with him so sometimes I do allow him to sleep in. Just mind my instructions and all will go well. My brother has agreed to announce our engagement officially in a few nights from now. So please many will press you for information. I cannot keep you if you gossip about our relationship. It is a private affair and we would like to keep it that way as much as possible."
"I understand. Now look at your hair. You want to keep it this way as opposed to my tying it all up and braiding it out for you?"
"Yes, for tonight. That will not always be the case but for tonight I want it just this way."
"Very well is there anything else I can do for you this evening."
"No and thank you for understanding this as much as you can. I love him very much. Part of that requires that I be here when he needs me and really I need him. His love to keep up my strength to do all that is being asked of me to have to do."
"Upstairs Roland had just finished cleaning up. He put on fresh clothes, combed out his hair, even splashed some cologne on. She seemed to like it whenever he did. He chuckled some at that thought. It didn't really matter all that much but it just seemed like a nice thing to do. Fortunately even hot and sweaty he didn't seem to offend her too much. At least she hasn't complained yet. She has mentioned the cologne though. Especially if she wasn't too fond of it he recalled.
Moving forward he went to a sack he used for traveling to put in some clean underclothes. He'd just put back on what he is wearing tonight in the morning. No need to pack for a trip right now.
A gentle knock on his door caught his attention so he turned around to see who it was.
"Come in."
"Excuse me, Roland. Your father is asking after you. What is all of this? Light packing so I am to assume that you don't plan to go very far."
"Not too far."
"Pack your robe, if you haven't already."
"I was going to pack light, Fredrick."
"Might come in handy if you are up to what I think you are. Never know when you might have to make yourself decent at a moment's notice."
"Fine. Better to be polite. What does my father want from me?"
"Just to see you I believe."
"I think I have all that I need to bring with me."
"Are you reading this book still"
"I am but I rather not ….I won't need it. Just leave it by my bed."
"Then I'll just clean up some around here while you speak with your father."
Walking out of his borrowed room, he thought for a moment, dropped his dufflebag near his doorway before entering into his father's nearby bedchamber He knocked and waited for his father's word.
"Enter." was all that he heard before opening the door and going inside.
"Father, you asked to speak with me now?"
"I just wanted to know where you were? We haven't seen you after dinner."
"I took Tara out for a walk around the garden. It is a place she likes to visit."
"At night? In the dark? You didn't even take our guards out with you. If you want to take foolish chances with your life? I'd like to remind you, son, I only have one heir. It doesn't please me when you risk your life so needlessly. It is unforgivable that you put Lady Cousland at such a risk."
"Father, we know these woods out here. I would never put her in any serious risk. We were not far from the castle and she is always armed. You need to learn to trust the two of us together. She needs to feel that she has some control over her life. Her choices. It is the healthy option to make for her to do. Our coming back here brings back some fond memories of our growing up together out here. It also, is very emotional, for us both.
She doesn't feel comfortable always under constant guard. This was the best way I could think of to ease her mind this evening."
"You take too many chances, Roland. This adventuring of yours, it isn't made for women. And in her condition? Are you mad son?"
"She isn't an invalid, father. It isn't fair to compare her to my mother. She is as worthy a knight as ever there was one. The taint, it also gives her more stamina. Believe me when I say to you, to try to keep her locked up, especially in here? Is a lot more dangerous.
It took some pulling just to convince her to come back inside as it was."
"Such a stubborn woman. High nobles do tend to be more volatile I've noticed."
"Would you say such a thing about Teryn Eamon?"
"No, he is the only one who does make much sense in these trying times."
"And Tara will play her part well. We have to give her room to do just that. I think if you perceive nobles as so differently, it is wise to look at what is asked of them to have to do. Every choice they make must be weighed and measured. All the while factions are always coming to you from opposite sides of the issue. I keep these pressures in mind when I think about what is good for her.
She did say she saw something strange or out of the ordinary farther out towards the river when we approached the read castle entrance."
"Did she say what it was or is?"
"Too distant to identify who or what it was. I left word with the guard house to sweep the perimeters."
"That's right. At least I wasn't the only one who thought I saw something strange. I reported to the Captain, or really I set Fredrick to it."
"This late at night? Could have just some village kids out scouting or drinking. Sometimes they get curious about place out here and come snooping along. There were not threatening gestures being made am I right?"
"No."
"And was he casing the place? Anything suspicious?"
"Being out that late at night? Just trouble waiting to happen."
"We were out at night. If there is a problem I'll here about it."
"And where will I find you? Or how for that matter."
"You know where I will be."
"I thought that might be the case."
"Father, she almost died here. I almost died here. I'm not leaving her alone."
"She has four guards does she not?"
"She had four that night as well. I have faith in myself. If a fight starts, only I will be able to keep her from it. Her training has become instinct. Tara will only listen to me. She would be too afraid to listen to anyone else. If I am there she won't have to."
"Don't upset the Teryn. I can only do so much. Without his consent things will be hard for both of you."
"He cannot stand in our way. Not this time. This time, he needs us more then we need him."
"It's not just him. The whole royal court will soon be here. Why must you take such risks? Here of all places?"
"I told you, I am not leaving her alone here. She doesn't even have ladies-in-waiting any longer here. We've thought this whole thing through father. I'm not flaunting our affair. We are being discreet. Now I have kept her waiting long enough. She'll think something is wrong and come looking for me if I don't show up.
Just please, father. Let it rest." Roland told his father as he paused for a moment as if frozen in space. Then he turned and left him to his evening plans. It was very late and he wasn't sure what trouble the night watch might have in store for him.
Running the gauntlet. Wasn't that a game they made up in training? Learning to fight your way down a pathway of foes to reach the finish line.
Well, at least he couldn't say he didn't have enough experience doing just that.
