Elissa could hear her mother talking as she climbed up the stairs. "And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king." Elissa shook her head and her mother caught sight of her. "Ah, here is my lovely daughter. I take it by the presence of the troubling hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"
Elissa nodded. "Nan's head exploded and my hound ate the kitchen staff."
"Well, at least one of us will have a decent dinner," her mother replied. Barkspawn barked happily. "Perhaps you're hound left something I can feed my guests. Darling, you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?"
Lady Landra gave her a friendly smile. "I think we last met at your mother's spring salon."
"Of course," said Elissa returning the smile. "It is good to see you again, my lady."
Lady Landra's smile became very mischievous. "You're too kind, my dear. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"
Behind her, her son, Dairren, rolled his eyes. "And made a very poor case of it, I might add."
"You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either."
Dairren sighed. "Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever."
"You're looking handsome, yourself," said Elissa slyly causing him to blush uncontrollably.
"And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona." Landra gestured to an elven woman. "Do say something dear."
Iona smiled demurely. "It's a great pressure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother described."
"You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult," her mother said teasingly.
"Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your ladyship. You should be proud," said Dairren.
Her mother shook her head. "Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren."
Elissa sighed. "I can handle my own affairs, thank you."
"All evidence to the contrary."
Landra shook her head. "I think perhaps I should rest now, my dear. Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."
Dairren nodded. "Perhaps we retired to the study for now."
"Good evening, your ladyship," Landra said and the two women walked off.
Elissa had decided to go to the study. She had a brief chat with Aldous, letting him draw her into discussion of family history.
She found it hard to believe that her family and once opposed the monarchy, of course it was in the days of King Calenhad before there was even a monarchy. Once they were done she heard him muttering on and on about young people.
She entered into the small study hall off the main library. Dairren was looking through a pile of books. He smiled at her when he saw her coming. "Hello, again. Your castle's study is wonderful. Might I ask whose collection is this?"
"It's my grandfathers, but I often come here to read." She left out that she did more than read in the library.
"So would I," said Dairren enthusiastically. "Do you have a favourite book?"
Elissa pondered for a moment before saying, "'The Art of Passionate Love' by Brother Capria."
He actually turned red. "Oh… that was banned by the Chantry, wasn't it? Quite…" He paused trying to find the right word. "Provocative, I understand. I've, ah, never read it, myself."
She then leaned in closer to him. "I could show you what I learned," she said seductively.
"Oh. That sounds… interesting." A slow smile appeared on his face. "Um… here?"
"You going to ride with my father tomorrow?" She waited for him to nod, then smiled. "Why don't you come to my room later tonight?"
"I…" He laid a hand on top of hers. "Suppose I could see you once everyone's asleep, for something of a more… intimate nature. If that is what you mean?"
A seductive smile appeared on a face. "Is that what you want?"
He smiled. "I think I do."
"Then I'll see you tonight," she said moving away.
"I look forward to it," he said. "I shall see you then."
She smiled to herself as she left the room.
She eventually found her brother talking to her sister-in-law and nephew, he was looking very excited. Fergus was already wearing his armour.
"If there really gonna be a war, papa? Will you bring me a sward?" Oren asked excitedly.
Fergus ruffled his hair. "That's 'sword,' Oren. And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise. I'll be back before you know it."
Oriana watched quietly. "I wish that you was indeed certain. My heart is… disquiet."
He gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry the boy, love. I speak the truth." He then noticed Elissa was standing in the doorway. "And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love and wish me well." He raised her chin and bent down to kiss.
Elissa made a playful gagging sound. "Just let me know when you two are finished."
Fergus immediately broke away. "Ha! When there's a man in your life, you'll understand."
She crossed her arms. "Who said I don't have one now?"
Fergus laughed. "Bold words, little sister. I mean a real man, not a turn in the straw."
Oriana glared at him. "Fergus! Language!"
Elissa was about to respond to Fergus remark, but Oren interrupted. "You like to play in the stable too, auntie? I like to hide in the hay."
Oriana gave him a firm look. "Don't you listen to this. If I catch you with your clothes for straw again. I'll send you to Mother Mallol!"
"But mama! She talks forever!" Oren complained.
Elissa shook her head and decided it was best to change the subject and looked at her brother. "I wish I was going with you.
"I wish you could come!" he said seeing the disappointment in her eyes. "It'll be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself."
"In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be… unthinkable," said Oriana in a mixture of puzzlement and disappointment.
"Is that so?" said Fergus as he placed an arm around her waist. "I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous."
"With kindness and poison only, my husband."
"This from the woman who serves me my tea," he chuckled.
"You will be missed, Brother," Elissa assured.
"If it's any consolation, I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe."
Oriana crossed her arms. "I'm positively thrilled that you will be so miserable, husband."
"Did you know there's a Grey Warden and recruits in the castle?" Elissa asked.
Oren looked up rather excitedly. "Really?! Were they riding a griffin?"
"Shush, Oren. Griffins only exist in stories now," said Oriana smoothing her son's hair.
"I'd heard that," said Fergus. "Did they say why they come?"
"The Grey Warden in charge told me he was going to test Sir Gilmore."
"Good for him! I hope he makes it." Fergus then looked over her. "If I were a Grey Warden, though, I'd have my eye on you—not that Father would ever allow it."
"Actually he was interested, but he didn't want to trifle with Father," Elissa explained. "However that's not the reason why I'm here. I bring a message: Father wants you to leave without him."
"Then the Arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards." He sighed and then looked at them all. "Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time! Off we go, then. I'll see you soon, my love."
He then bent down to kiss her and Elissa covered Oren's eyes.
It was then that both her mother and father entered into the room.
"I would hope, dear boy, that you plan to wait for us before taking your leave?" said their father.
Their mother approached Fergus with a worried look on her face. "Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone."
Elissa shook her head, their mother always worried about them. "Fergus will be fine."
"I keep telling you, no darkspawn will best me."
Oriana laid a hand over her heart. "The Maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us."
Fergus then looked up into the sky. "And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it." He then caught the look on Oriana's face. "Uh… for the men, of course." You
"Fergus!" Oriana glared. "You would say this in front of your mother?"
"What's a wench?" Oren asked. "Is that what you pull to get the bucket out of the well?"
Wanting to save his son from the raffle both his mother and wife, their father stepped in. "A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren. Or woman who drinks a lot of ale."
Their mother shook her head fondly. "Bryce! Maker's breath, it's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have a daughter."
Fergus chuckled. "I'll miss you, Mother dear. You take care of her, Sister, won't you?"
"Mother can handle herself. Always has."
"It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the Deep Roads."
"Well, I'm glad you find this so funny," she said crossing her arms and smiling.
Their father laughed. "Enough, enough. Pup, you want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow."
Fergus smiled at Elissa. "Getting sent a bed early, are we?"
"I don't mind," she said with a slow considering smile. "I have someone waiting for me."
"What?" Fergus gaped at before laughing. "You saucy minx!"
"Fergus! Really!" Oriana glared.
"Well, I hope he's worthy of your time, or I'll have a chat with the fellow. Heh. At any rate, I'll miss you. Take care of everyone, and be here when I get back."
Oren grabbed her arm. "Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?"
Elissa sighed. "I wish you wouldn't call me that."
"But you're my auntie! What else should I call you, silly?"
Oriana shook her head. "Your aunt no doubt things it makes her sound too old, Oren."
"But she is old! But not as old as you, mama."
Elissa did her best not to laugh as Oriana glared at her husband. "This is your influence, Fergus."
"What?" he exclaimed as he held his hands up in a warning gesture. "I didn't say anything."
"Are you going to teach me to use a sword, Auntie? Then I can fight evil, too!" Oren began swishing his arms about like he was holding an actual sword. "Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn via my sword of truthiness!"
Elissa looked up at Oriana. "Maybe. Ask your mother."
"I'm thinking no," she said plainly.
"I never get to do anything!" Oren grumbled.
"Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise," Fergus assured.
After parting farewell to her brother, Elissa found Ducan talking to a female dwarf, who she guessed was one of his recruits.
Duncan looked up and saw her. "Ah, your ladyship."
"I trust everything is satisfactory," said Elissa.
"Indeed, I could ask for no more," said Duncan. She then looked at the dwarf next to him. "Ah, yes. May I introduce to you Sereda Aeducan."
"Aeducan?" She stared. "Isn't the King of Orzammar an Aeducan?"
"Yes, I'm his second child," said Sereda and smiled up at her. "Something we have in common."
"How did you end up recruit?" she asked curiously.
"It's a long story, let's say it's family business."
Elissa didn't want to pry and looked up at Duncan. "We have your supplies ready for tomorrow. We've also taken to the account that you may recruit Sir Gilmore."
Duncan nodded. "I have yet to test your knight, but I will inform you if I consider him worthy to join our order."
"Personally, I would join you, but I cannot go against my father's wishes," Elissa said sadly.
"I understand."
"That's another thing we have in common," said Sereda.
