A/N: Happy Anniversary Viscountess Amell! It only seems fitting since this story began here, that I pay a small tribute to it here in Grim Tales. It isn't necessary to read the full Viscountess Amell for this story; this is just a small one shot of an event that happened before the Blight, and Lona meeting a piece of history. To all those Viscountess fans out there, enjoy!

Viscountess Amell: Ships in the Night

Dragon Age: 9:28

"Stop fidgeting dear."

Solona Amell sighed.

"I'm not fidgeting mother."

"Well you certainly aren't standing still," Lady Revka replied, "You wish to make a good impression here don't you? Highever is one of our best trading partners and as Viscountess..."

"I know mother."

I know you know, just…"

"Yes mother," Lona said interrupting her.

"This is important."

"I know Mother."

"Dear…"

"I know mother."

She heard a giggle next to her. She fought the urge not to roll her eyes.

"Don't you start now."

The young boy standing next to her gave her a saucy grin.

"You would not want to embarrass yourself would you sister?" he warned, "All these people, all of Kirkwall depending on you."

All those people she thought, all of Kirkwall, depending on her.

It…it was…

Oh my.

A little whimper escaped the Viscountess' throat.

She could not help it.

Mother shot the boy a cold look.

"Do not tease your sister Daylen, not today."

The boy looked chagrinned, but Solona did not buy it for a second.

The dark haired boy grinned up at her.

"Good luck, sister," he said.

"Quiet Daylen," she murmured.

He fought the urge to laugh.

"Breathe sister, just try to breathe.

"Hush you."

"Children," their mother hissed.

"Yes Mother?" they said in unison.

"Focus."

Both the Viscountess and her brother bowed their heads.

"Sorry Mother." They said in unison.

Lady Revka fell silent, a fact that Solona was extremely grateful for, the next few hours would be hard enough without her mother making her even more nervous.

These negotiations would be hard enough as it was, she did not need to be reminded not to mess this up.

The young Viscountess fidgeted, she…she feared that she would never get used to these damn dress robes. The thick collar, the dour gray and black leather, the corset alone some mornings felt like some cruel torture device.

Yet for her family, for her city, she would endure…

An Amell always endured.

A gentle sea breeze tickled her nose, she resisted the urge to scratch it, she paused, checking her white blonde hair, the tightness of the bun held in place by the ebon crown of Kirkwall. Most days she felt like a prize pony in this outfit, that or some doll in the marketplace. There were those in Kirkwall who no doubt thought that the Viscountess could do whatever she wanted…

They did not understand.

The responsibility of office, the weight of the city, the weight of her entire world, it could be hard to bear sometimes.

The young ruler sighed. At nineteen, she had only been on the throne a little over a year now, but so far, so good. Kirkwall was still standing after all; she had not yet led it into falling into the sea. She tried to keep her head up and remain strong, but sometimes…just sometimes…

It…it was almost too much.

Both her mother and her tutor Brother Alec advised her to give it time. She could not be expected to know everything about Kirkwall in less than a year. After so many years abroad, she still had much to learn about her beloved home, still learning the ins and outs of her city. She was still adjusting to routine of keeping her people happy and safe. Meetings with the Seneschal, formal speeches to the royal court, dealing with the daily complaints leveled against this official or another, not to mention trying to practice her magic in secret, avoiding the prying eyes of both servants and the members of her family.

The Viscountess shook her head.

She stood on the docks with both her family and a full military honor guard, Mother standing to her right, while her little brother Daylen stood to her left, protocol demanded that as Viscountess she receive any visiting dignitary in person, especially given the respect, and coin that was flowing between the two neighbors.

Daylen, having just turned thirteen, looked like he was trying hard not to fall asleep standing up, not that that was possible given the rather intense collar of his dress clothes, starched to the point that it might cut his throat if he turned wrong.

She tried to feel sorry for him, even a smidgen, but could not bring herself to right now, not with all the teasing. Her little brother knew how important this day was, her first official meeting with a noble from a foreign power. Many had come for her coronation a year ago, but that had been just a collection of well-wishers. Now she had to put what she knew about rule into a practice.

It would likely not be easy.

Solona held her hands tightly in front of her, trying hard not shake, focusing on keeping her magic in check. She could feel it now, pounding like fire in her blood. She forced it back, holding it firmly in the grip of her will. It would not do if the Viscountess started spitting snowflakes or flame from her fingers with so many witnesses around…

No it would not do at all.

So far she had managed to keep her secret safe, not an easy thing in city like Kirkwall, the Viscount's keep was large, but it was not that large, her master Alec Meradius helped, but in the end, it fell to her to remain in control.

It was difficult at the best of times, when she was nervous, it was even worse.

So many were watching her, waiting to see if she would fail. Knight-Commander Meredith chief among them, if the woman knew she was a mage…that would be very bad for House Amell. It was just another reason that she could afford no mistakes. For the sake of House Amell, she could not afford them. Her finger drifted to her father's pin, the one he wore every day of his rule, the stylized head of a roaring lion.

She tried to draw strength from that. She was still the daughter of Aristide Amell, the lion of Kirkwall.

She needed to rise to the challenge, despite the desires of her enemies.

Now…Mother had dropped this upon her, this visit from the Teyrn of Highever. Solona had spent the last two days trying to cram everything there was to know about their Southern neighbors in Highever. Teyrn Cousland was a very popular man in the Kingdom of Ferelden, there was even rumors that his allies tried to convince him to be king when good King Maric passed away three years ago. Apparently, the man had rejected that plea, choosing to remain loyal to Cailan, Maric's only son and heir.

That intrigued Solona, to turn down such power, when it was being offered showed that he had great strength of character indeed.

She glanced out over the water, the Ferelden warship that had brought the Teyrn sat anchored in Kirkwall harbor, slowly, the launch from the proud vessel made its way towards the docks. Bryce Cousland sat in the middle surrounded by advisors and bodyguards, the graying nobleman was…

Solona blinked.

Wait? Who was that?

She noticed the young man sitting next to the Teyrn; He was broad shouldered, but did not carry himself like a man of power. Long shoulder length brown hair did not quite hide his features...

…Features so very similar to the Teyrn.

Solona frowned. Something twisted her gut.

Her blue eyes narrowed.

Oh mother, she thought, please tell me you didn't.

As if on que, Lady Revka leaned in close enough to whisper in her daughter's ear. She sounded quite pleased with herself.

"That is Aedan my dear," she murmured, "The Teyrn's youngest; he is about your age if I'm not mistaken."

Solona pursed her lips in a disapproving frown.

"This isn't just about trade negotiations is it?" she said in a cool voice.

Lady Revka noticed the change in her daughter's tone.

Her smile dropped slightly.

"Daughter, I'm only trying to…"

The Viscountess did not give her a chance to finish.

"We shall discuss this later," the ruler of Kirkwall promised.

IOI

Revka blinked, she knew that tone. It was the same tone her husband used when he was not pleased with her.

The fact that her young daughter could use it as well was a bit scary for her.

"Solona…daughter…I…"

"Later," the Viscountess repeated.

Lady Revka winced.

She found herself hoping that young lord Cousland might be able to turn things around for her; hopefully the handsome young lad would be able to cheer her daughter's mood.

She had only been trying to help after all.

Solona might be Viscountess, but she was also alone…so very alone.

Revka knew what that was like; she had seen her Aristide wrestle with the affairs of state. She had done what she could to keep it from becoming too much for him. She had loved her husband very much.

She…she only wanted that for her daughter, a young man to help her bear the weight of her station, help her, and give her the happy family she deserved.

Revka would not deny it. She wished to see her grandchildren, to see them playing in the gardens of the keep. She wanted to watch them grow tall.

Was that so much to ask for?

She did not think so.

The elder noble sighed.

Hopefully, young Aedan could help with that. Teyrn Cousland spoke of his youngest with great respect. The boy was both handsome and a skilled warrior. Such a man would make a fine lord consort for her daughter, and he would be good for Kirkwall, a union between Ferelden and Kirkwall would only strengthen their ties of friendship, and if he and Solona came to love each other, so much the better.

She smiled slightly.

Bryce wanted the best for his son, just as she wanted for her dear Lona.

Well, they had done their part, now it was up to the children and the Maker of course.

She offered up a quick prayer.

Let my daughter find her happiness, oh Maker…

She deserves it, a life of love and happiness. She deserved a life with a family of her own, children of her own.

Revka had been blessed with three strong children, even with dear Marius in the circle, she was happy.

She wished the same for her own family, a strong husband for Solona, and a beautiful wife for Daylen, to insure the future of their family, and see to its continued prosperity.

That was all she wanted.

That is what she prayed for.

The Makers will be done.

IOI

The Teyrn's visit did not go as Lady Revka and Teyrn Cousland had planned.

In fact, in Solona's eyes anyway, it was a disaster.

The trade issues between Kirkwall and Highever that were discussed were minor at best. Any seasoned envoy could have helped Solona deal with them. Teyrn Cousland sang his son's praises during this meeting, hoping to impress the Viscountess with the boy's prowess.

Aedan did not seem to be concerned about that; in fact, he did not seem interested in this meeting in the least.

Solona frowned.

She had spoken to Aedan only a little today, but already she could tell that this would not work out the way her mother had hoped. The young man had been more interested in seeing the chantry and speaking with the Grand Cleric than speaking with her.

She did not appreciate the snub.

When Aedan did speak he did so only to quote the chant of light. The youngest Cousland was an intelligent young man it seemed, but it seemed that his heart already belonged to someone else, the prophet Andraste…

Against faith, Solona knew that she would come in a far second.

The boy mentioned quite candidly that he was considering entering the chantry, taking the vows of a full brother. Mother had nearly choked on her wine after hearing that. Teyrn Cousland tried to do damage control, but it was a little late for that.

The Viscountess shook her head.

It seemed that her mother's attempt to set her up with Aedan Cousland had failed even before they had begun.

Solona did not know if she should be angry or pleased about that.

As the sun set over the City of Chains, Mother and the Teyrn made last one attempt to salvage this travesty, Bryce Cousland suggested that his son take a tour of the Viscount's gardens. Lady Revka volunteered her daughter to conduct him on it.

Solona fought the urge to roll her eyes.

Maker, she thought.

Could this day get any more uncomfortable?

Could it get any worse?

Aedan seemed oblivious to all this of course, so sure in his faith, so confident in the direction that the Maker was directing his life.

The Viscountess shook her head.

She was a little envious of that to be honest.

The two of them walked through the rose gardens, passed the statue and bubbling fountains. The Viscountess' guard kept a respectful distance giving the two young nobles a chance to be alone.

Solona sighed.

She wished that she wasn't alone truth be told.

Alone was not good in this situation.

She glanced at Aedan, despite the noble dress; he seemed unconcerned with matters of the real world.

He must have noticed her attention because he gave her a questioning glance.

She looked away, cursing herself.

The nobleman chuckled.

"I fear our parents will not be happy with us, Your Excellency."

"I fear you are right," the Viscountess admitted, "Plans rarely play out the way you expect themselves to."

"But they do follow the Maker's will I think," he replied.

Again she shrugged.

She wished that she had his confidence.

They were silent for a bit, she too nervous, and he too oblivious.

The Viscountess frowned.

Hopefully Mother would not be too annoyed about this.

Aedan glanced around at the gardens.

"You have a beautiful city, Your Excellency," he said, you should be proud of what you have accomplished."

Lona laughed fatalistically.

Aedan gave her an arched look.

"Did I say something amusing?"

"Ironic," she replied, "I…I can't take credit for Kirkwall's well-being."

"Really and why is that?"

She gave him a sad look.

"My father…he…he built this city. I'm just trying not to ruin everything he spent his whole life building."

Her blue eyes narrowed.

"Viscount Amell, my father was the real architect of this city, he brought peace and freedom. He truly was the lion of Kirkwall. He delivered our home from cruelty and tyranny. The nobles respected him; he was both loved and feared.

She sighed.

"No one trusts me, I'm just trying to do my best and not shame my father's memory. If I fail…then he failed.

"I…I can't let that happen."

Aedan nodded, considering her words.

"You must try to have faith," he said, "Your true place in history is not yet set. You are still young, let your nobles see that you are skilled, their trust and love will come in time. Perhaps you will be able to rule without the need for fear, and as for your legacy well…

He gave her a warm smile.

"You should leave it to the historians to decide your place in history. Trust in the Maker and your own strength and you will be rewarded."

She chuckled mirthlessly.

"You make it sound so easy."

"It won't be," he said with a frown, "Doing what is right is not easy. If the path was easy then the Maker would not have turned his back on us. It is not an easy thing, walking in his light."

The young man sighed.

"I wish my father could understand that."

Solona gave him a sympathetic look.

"He does not approve of your choices?"

"No."

"He does not think that you should join the chantry?"

Aedan shook his head.

"My father," he began with a sigh, "feels that my joining the chantry would be a waste of my talents. I'm a Cousland of Highever; I should work towards advancing the goals of my family."

Solona nodded.

She understood what that was like.

She walked a similar line herself.

She…she had never wanted to be Viscountess. She was an apostate mage in a city surrounded by Templars. One misstep…and it could all come crashing down. She, mother, Daylen, Brother Alec, they were all depending on her.

Yes, she knew what it was like to fear her family's displeasure.

"They say that you are a skilled warrior," she said, "That you have won many tourneys in Highever."

"I have," he admitted, "But even than was to appease my father. I was the second born, the heir. My father wanted me to be strong if something happened to my brother. Fergus is going to be a great Teyrn. I…I don't think that I would, and I feared that that might come to pass."

Aedan's face was troubled, but quickly changed. He smiled slightly.

"I no longer need to concern myself with that. My older brother has produced an heir, my nephew Oren. The Cousland line is secure. Father need no longer worry about my choices. Our family is safe. I can at last follow the path the Maker has set before me."

Solona gave him a wry grin.

"It is still not going to be easy."

"Nothing worth doing ever is, my father thinks that I want to go to the chantry to hide, that I wish to escape my duties, that is simply not so.

"As a brother, I will still be able to help people, while at the same time following my heart. Andraste has my soul, she always has. How can I not offer up my life to her?"

Solona looked down at the cobblestones. The two nobles once again fell into a silence; strangely it was not as uncomfortable as it had been.

Hearing Aedan speak, hearing how he felt, she no longer felt slightest by his lack of interest. He was devoted; he knew what he wanted out of life.

She was envious of that.

She hoped that he would be able to follow his heart.

That he would be able to find everything that he had wanted.

She glanced up at him.

"What are we going to tell our parents?" she asked.

The young nobleman chuckled.

"I would advise that we tell them to have faith, but that might just get us both cuffed."

She laughed lightly.

"Mother will be disappointed," she said, "I did not find a husband here today."

"Nor I a wife," Aedan agreed.

He smiled down at her.

"But…perhaps…perhaps I have found a kindred spirit," he said, "a friend."

The young man offered her his hand. She looked down at it, slightly amused.

"Have I, Your Excellency?" he asked, "Have I found a friend?"

She smiled to herself.

Mother would indeed be disappointed, and no doubt would the Teyrn.

In that moment she found that she did not care.

She still had time to find a husband. One who would accept her for who she was? Aedan's piety would likely have gotten in the way. Clearly his heart belonged to his faith first.

She understood that.

No, they would never be husband and wife, or lovers…

…but a friend?

The Viscountess smiled.

She took his hand in hers.

"Yes, Lord Aedan," she said with a smile…

"I do believe you have."

A/N: If you have read my earlier tales here you know that Aedan did not get what he wanted, but found something else. As for Solona, her tale continued in Viscountess Amell and The Scythe the Ox and the Jackal. For more on the mage Viscountess check those stories out. Once again dear readers, until next time.

Have a Happy Holidays.

DG