Sereda Aeducan was a dwarf that lived deep beneath Frostback Mountains of Ferelden in the largest of the remaining two dwarven cities, Orzammar. And she was no normal dwarf, she was the second child and only daughter of King Endrin of House Aeducan—the ninth Aeducan ruler elected by the Noble Assembly.

Today was a special day, today was a feast celebrating her first military command. She was looking at her reflection in the mirror as she was putting on and strapping her armor. Despite Lord Harrowmont attempts, she refused to wear a silk gown as she fastened the last strap.

Gorim Saelac, her second, entered. "Greetings, my lady. You are dressed and ready. Excellent. I couldn't find the armor's matching dagger, but I scrounge up a fancy longsword. Do you wish to wear your shield to the noble's feast?"

She looked at her reflection as she tied her blazing red hair into a bun and fixing it with an elf-made pin. "Leave it. I don't want to look fearless."

"You can look anything less than beautiful. The armor only accentuates it." Gorim said as he shut the door firmly behind him and looked at her with a with a raised eyebrow. "Although, the side of you charging naked into battle holds a certain appeal."

"Come here, and we'll talk more about charging naked." Sereda teased seductively and Gorim laughed.

"Don't you remember how the game goes? I get undressed, then one of your brothers or cousins appears and thrashes me. I'll take my chances somewhere outside the palace if you don't mind. Perhaps after the feast? Well… thought for late, I suppose." He cleared his throat, trying to be serious now. "Moving onto the business at hand… The King expect you to make an appearance at the feast, but there's no rush. The noble families will spend hours bawling your father with petitions and petty grievances."

"What shall we do in the meantime?"

"As part of the celebration, permits having been auctioned off members of the Merchant Cast who wish to sell wares in the Diamond Quarter. Lord Harrowmont has also opened up the Proving for young warriors to test their mettle before the upcoming battle." He gave her wry look. "Rumor has it Harrowmont hopes you'll be swept off your feet if a well-placed young nobleman wins the Proving in your honor."

"Should we tell him I already have the man I need?" Sereda said, giving him another seductive look.

"Why not? I'll just wear a sign that says, "Assassinate me before Lady Aeducan married beneath herself." Gorim joked. "Better yet, let's just enjoy the time we have before the feast."

"The Proving sounds appealing. Let's go have a look."

"With you as always, my lady. The day is ours until the feast."

She grabbed her sword and shield and strapped them to her back. Then with Gorim they left her room and next thing she knew she saw movement coming from her younger brother Bhelen's room.

A very pretty redhead dwarf servant stepped out of the door. She could tell that she was Casteless, because of the brand on a face. That indicated that one of her ancestors committed a crime so unforgiving that they lost their Cast and practically became nobody.

"My Lord Bhelen?" She said, but the downcast expression turned abruptly to panic. "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry… I'm sorry, your Highness." Covering her mouth with a hand, the young woman fled back into Bhelen's room.

Sereda gave Gorim and amusement glance. Dwarf and girl kept on apologizing as if her life depended on it. She looked as if she wished the Stone would swallow her up where she stood.

"I… I'm sorry. I thought you were Prince Bhelen coming down the hall. I… Forgive me."

Sereda raised hands up trying to calm her down and made her voice as gently as possible. "Who are you?"

Gorim shuffled his feet a moment before the girl responded. "She's… uh… it seems she's one of your brothers Bhelen's newest… um, companions. Prince Bhelen's is attending the feast being held in Lady Aeducan's honor."

"No harm done." Sereda said to the young girl.

The girl shook her head uncontrollably and managed to control her breathing. "I'll show myself out, with your leave, my lady."

Sereda smiled and shook her head in amusement. "Stay, if you and Bhelen would prefer. I'll pretend I didn't see you." She then gestured to Gorim to follow her out of the room and was they were safe distance away from the girl she smiled. "She's… quite pretty."

"I…uh… didn't notice." said Gorim rubbing the core of his armor.

"Sure you didn't."

When they finally got outside of the Royal Palace, they found trouble outside. Lord Vollney, in full armor, was looming over a small dwarf in scholar's robes. Vollney looked as if he was attempting to kill him judging from the way he was holding his Warhammer.

"This doesn't look good." Gorim said.

"What gave it away? The large Warhammer?" Sereda asked.

"Please, Master Vollney." the scholar was saying. "My work is accredited by the Shaper!"

"These books are lies written by the enemy of House Vollney."

"I wrote only what I found in ancient records!" said the scholar. He then noticed Sereda and gave her a pleading look. "Lady Aeducan! You can vouch for my work, can't you? Your father loves my "History of Aeducan: Paragon, King, Peacemaker!""

Seeing that she had no choice, she approached the scholar and Lord Vollney. She placed a pleasant expression on her face and said, "Ah, I greatly enjoyed the book as well."

"This one has written a book that slanders my house!" Vollney thundered.

"That's a serious charge." Sereda responded skeptically.

Vollney continued, apparently mistaking her comment for agreement. "He deserved to die what he has written of Paragon Vollney."

She rubbed her hand against her forehead and sighed. "What exactly has he written, Bruntin?"

The enraged Lord turned to face her, showing an urge not to smash her face in. "He says Vollney—the Paragon who founded my house, known throughout the world as the greatest of men—was a fraud!"

"N-not precisely." the scholar interjected quickly. "When the Assembly names a Paragon, that man or woman is then, by definition, everything one aspires to be in the world. They form our noble houses, and are revered as living ancestors. But Paragons start off as men."

"Vollney was more than a man!" Lord Vollney scoffed, taking a step towards the scholar.

Sereda may have read his books about the Paragons, but she only read about them after they were made Paragons, especially her own house.

"What was Aeducan like before he was a Paragon?" She asked curiously.

"Aeducan was much loved, but he was still a man." said the scholar. "He was plagued by melancholy, and his fervor regarding Orzammar's safety bordered on obsession. When Aeducan was promoted as a Paragon, only one Lord in the Assembly objected. The others savagely hacked him to death. Aeducan's motion passed without a single dissenting vote."

"Unlike Vollney! You mean old man." Lord Vollney sneered.

"Vollney became a Paragon by the narrowest margin in history—one vote. A vote mired in rumors of intimidation, intrigue, and outright bribery. The record of that vote is kept in the Sharperate and are a matter of fact." He then looked at Vollney. "Not liking history doesn't make it any less true!"

"The scholar is right." Sereda said firmly, grabbing his hand before he could lay a hand on the scholar.

Vollney glared at her in fury. "You're taking his side? What if he published a book about your Paragon Aeducan?"

"Aeducan was a great man." Sereda replied proudly.

"And Vollney was not? Must you disparage a Paragon?" said Vollney in rage. He then walked off in a streaming rage. "You've made a huge mistake."

Gorim looked like he wanted to kill Vollney. "That fool has no idea how weak his house is, or how low sits in it. Shall I have him killed, my lady?"

Sereda looked at Vollney then back to Gorim with a firm expression. "Do it, but make it look like an accident."

"Understood." Gorim nodded and left her with the scholar.

"You've shown yourself more daring and aggressive today than most believe in you." the scholar noted. "Someday, I hope to write of the great exploits you are sure to perform."

Gorim then returned. "Word has been sent. He won't live past the hours."

"You've shown House Aeducan a friend to research, history and the glory of our people." said the scholar.

"Carry on, with your work, scholar." she responded, already moved away.

"Of course, I have much to document and organize. Good day, you Highness, and thank you."

Sereda went down the street, observing the merchants, though she didn't buy anything, as she only wanted to let sink in the life of people of Orzammar. Most of the merchants were selling goods from the surface dwellers, such as, silks and perfumes. She even noticed that some of the smith crafters were showing examples of human made swords. The swords were more like greatswords to her and she always found difficult to swing larger weapons.

A young dwarven woman in a dress approached Sereda, greeting her. "Greetings, my lady. May I say you look striking today? Is this your paramour? He wears both his vambraces… unmarried and eligible!"

Sereda seemed amused that Gorim was trying to make himself smaller, to no avail. "I'm flattered my ladies, but I'm not a noble. I'm a knight of the Warrior Caste." Gorim said.

"Warrior Caste, isn't bad…" The young woman tapped her lips thoughtfully, as she gave Gorim an admiring look.

"Teli, we didn't pay gold for permits to take Warrior Caste." The older woman, who was with her, said.

"I guess you're right. Sorry, sir." She said apologetically.

Sereda turned to Gorim in confusion. "What's going on here?"

"They're noble-hunters, my lady." Gorim explained. "Because a man takes his caste from his father, they hope to bear a noble lord's son. If a noble-hunter succeeds, she raised up to join the house concubine to care for the son. It brings new swords to a house, so many nobles look favorably upon such women."

The women started to shift nervously. Sereda gave them an approved smile. "We could always use more Aeducan swords."

"Then perhaps you'll tell your brothers to come say hello." The young woman said breathlessly.

"Teli, mind your manners." The elder woman cautioned, but Sereda didn't miss the hopeful look.

"No, it's all right. I will mention you."

Gorim glanced at Sereda as they walked away, and caught the raised eyebrow. "You'll mention them?"

Sereda smiled. "Anything to calm Trian down and you never know if he had a couple of sons, he may leave the rest of us alone."

Gorim scoffed. "I doubt anything will calm that brother of yours."

"True, he always seems grumpy, I don't know why." Sereda shrugged. "Anyway, now that we are on the topic of women what kind would you want, blonde, brunette?"

"I'm never going to hear the end of this." Gorim groaned.

As they kept walking down, Sereda's brothers Trian and Bhelen appeared as Sereda tried to smile politely, masking the disdainful grin she wanted to give Trian.

"Atrast vala, big sister! How surprising to run into you out among the common folk." Bhelen smiled.

Trian didn't even bother to be polite, glaring at her in disapproval. "Especially since duty requires you attending our King father at the feast today. Have you so little respect for him to disregard his wishes on a day set aside for you?"

Gorim spoke up in Sereda's defense. "Lord Harrowmont told me we wouldn't be needed for hours at least—"

"Silence!" Trian ordered, not even looking at him. "If I wanted the option of my sibling's second, I will ask for it."

"Yes, your Highness." Gorim said as he stepped back nervously.

Sereda gave Bhelen with a pleading look. "Bhelen, help me out here."

"You're on your own." Bhelen held up his hands. "I've been dealing with him all afternoon."

"What exactly is that supposed to mean, little brother?" Trian glared.

"Nothing, Trian." Bhelen replied quickly. "I've been having a great time. The speech you gave to the legless boy about hard work and making something of yourself was fantastic…"

"As heir to the throne, it is my duty to impart wisdom and judgement upon those who need it." Trian said with a note of pride in his voice.

Sereda rolled her eyes. Trian always thought of lower Castes as of beneath him. This behavior was typical of him and that was why she preferred Bhelen, the two of them shared the same ideology, when it came to the lower Castes.

Trian turned to Sereda again. "Now then, you, get to the feast!"

Sereda snorted, her arms crossed. "It's cute how you think you can order me around."

Trian glared, taking a step towards her. "I'd advise you to watch that tongue, dear sibling. Father will not live forever." He huffed and turned around. "Come, Bhelen."

Bhelen sighed, shrugging at his sister before reluctantly following his older brother.

"That was fun. Nothing like being talked down by the next king." Gorim said, once the brothers were out of their earshot.

"Ignore him. It's my day, not his." Sereda said.

"That it is." Gorim nodded. "Let's get back to enjoying it, shall we?"

As they began walking, Sereda looked back. "You know I never mentioned about those two girls."

"Somehow, I think Trian isn't in the mood for that sort of thing now… or ever." Gorim noted, as he looked back too.

They continued walking through the market. Gorim watched as Sereda moved easily through the crowd, smiling and making polite conversations with merchant, noble and guard alike. She also noticed that some had reduced to stammering whenever the Princess smiled at them, and even notice a young boy blushing at the sight of her. He can really blame the kid, it's not every day that the princess smiles at you. They then made their way towards a book displaying a variety of weaponry.

The merchant hesitated, then spoke. "Greetings, My Lady Aeducan. I am… so honored to have you visit my booth. I have… propositions, but I dare not approach."

Gorim step forward, narrowing his eyes. "Yet you dare now?"

Sereda raised a hand in front of him and said calmly, "It's all right. I'll hear him out."

The merchant sighed relief, but he kept his eyes upon Gorim sword, afraid that it will draw it if he said the wrong word. "Um, yes, just so. Here's the thing. What I mean to say is..."

"It's all right." Sereda sighed, she got this a lot.

The merchant blushed slightly. "Sorry. So nervous. I had a dagger made. For you. As a gift for your first command. I, uh, sent a messenger to deliver the dagger to you. Prince Trian had thrown out." He held up his hand as he rushed to reassure the princess. "I know not what offended he caused, but I had beaten him severely."

Sereda extensive glances with Gorim, and he saw the irritation in her eyes before she glanced back at the merchant. "I'm sure Trian had his reasons."

He nodded, clutching an item to her. "Won't you at least look at the dagger?"

"I'll take a look, but no promises."

"Of course! A thousand thanks to you. Here… here it is, your Highness." He held out the dagger as though he was offering his firstborn child.

Gorim couldn't keep the admiration out of his voice. "That's an amazing piece, merchant."

"You do me honor, sir. The blade has been crafted over a period of two years by masters of every art. I wish to bless the Lady's first command, and hope that someday, when she rules, she will wear it." The merchant said.

Suddenly, Gorim's expression turned ice cold and he glared at the merchant. Those were indeed dangerous work to be spoken in a public market. "Trian is heir. He will rule when King Endrin returns the Stone."

"If the assembly wills it. Forgive me, sir, but whispers say the second child of Endrin will be chosen." The merchant said.

"Whispers, indeed. It's a princely gift. If Trian recognizes it, though, it may send the wrong message." Gorim was nearing his hand towards his sword before seeing the face of Sereda. "Or the right one, depending on your view."

"I'll take the dagger." Sereda said.

"Thank you! You bring uncontrollable honor to me." He said as he handed the dagger to her.

"What he means is that you'll bring uncountable gold to him if you wear that peace and public." Gorim whispered.

They kept walking down the market until they reached another booth. The owner of this one was star struck, to say the least.

"Lady Aeducan! Here! In my booth?" he said. "I am so…" He then fainted on the spot.

"He's fainted." Gorim shook his head before he looked at Sereda. "You may quite the impression these days. Is it hard to be the king's child, never able to just blend in?"

Sereda sighed. "Sometimes."

"I see you for you, if that's any consolation. Shall we move along?"

Sereda nodded and hope the next person she spoke to didn't faint at her feet.

They were nearly to the gates when a guard approached them. "My lady. Are you heading to the Proving Area?"

"Yes. I intend to watch the Proving." Sereda smiled.

The guard nodded. "We have been charged with the task of escorting you to the Proving grounds."

Sereda grinned as the phrase "if looks could kill" came to mind before Gorim stepped up. "I clearly forgot about that. Forgive me, I should have informed you sooner. The king decided you are not the travel through the commons and guarded."

"I am quite capable of walking safely to the Proving." Sereda growled angrily as Gorim paled, thinking of trying to find a way out, while the guard felt like if he was shrinking from the glare she was throwing at him.

Gorim cleared his throat. "I did mention the merchants that won permits to show their goods in the Diamond Quarter? There were only so many permits auctioned off, and quite a few were turned away. Your father fears you will be harassed on your way to the Proving."

They noticed the guard sighing in relief as Sereda nodded. "This is silly, but I will comply."

"We will leave then?" The guard asked.

"Yes."

"We are at your command."

Soon, two more guards appeared and escorted Sereda and Gorim towards the Arena gate.

"You do realize this is very unnecessary." Sereda whispered to Gorim.

"I believe your father is worry that you would be drowned by the flood of merchants wishing to sell you wares." Gorim replied. "Though one look from you and they would probably run straight down towards the Deep Roads."

"Surely I'm not as threatening as darkspawn." Sereda teased and Gorim was silent. It was better never to underestimate Sereda's fury, especially, when she wears full body armor and wields a sword to show her skill and wrath.

When they made their way to the proving master, the first thing they saw were two warriors fighting in the arena. However, the match ended quickly with a blonde woman winning and exhorting the cheers of the crowd.

The proving master then saw Sereda and quickly got onto his feet. "Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. Have you come to watch these brave warriors do battle in your honor?"

Sereda looked down at the arena then back to the proving master with a smirk on her face. "No, I've come to fight."

Gorim placed his palm over his face and shook his head. He should have seen this coming; the princess was not one to stand and watch while fighting was going on.

"Your Highness, this Proving is to your honor…"

"Then honor her by doing as she says. Lady Aeducan will fight in this Proving." Gorim said.

"I will honor today's warriors by testing their skills." Sereda said.

"Of course. It is well within your rights." The proving master approached the podium. "Men and women of Orzammar, we have a late entry to the Proving, held on the eve of battle for the honor of House Aeducan. I give you… the lady Aeducan herself."

As Sereda entered into the arena, Gorim tried to keep his excitement as he watched his friend do battle. The two guards next were less restrained and practically yelled there long out as they cheered for the princess.

Her first match was with Aller Bemot, the youngest son of Lord Bemot. Aller charged at her with his hammer but Sereda blocked with her shield. They briefly exchanged strikes but to Sereda it was merely a child's play as she quickly ended the duel by striking the hilt of her sword on his face, causing for him to stagger before she bashed him with her shield and he fell down, ending the duel with Sereda's victory.

Next came her match with Adal Helmi, the eldest daughter of Lady Helmi. She held two short swords in both hands and she was a ferocious fighter. Though most of the crowd were more excited that two beautiful women were fighting each other.

Sereda was able to dodge her strikes and just as she tried to swung one of her swords towards her, she disarmed her with her longsword before she knocked Adal down with her shield.

Her next opponent proved to be tougher. She would be facing against Ser Blackstone, the Deep Road squad leader of the Warrior Caste.

Without a second thought, she charged straight towards him and then he swung his battle-axe towards her. She was able to block it with her shield, but he was strong enough to stagger her back. However, she was able to hold a ground.

He then charged at her by swinging his axe. To everyone's surprise, Sereda knelt so low that the axe flew straight over her and before he had a chance to counter-attack, she rammed her shield into his chest plate, sending him to the ground.

Her next and final match, was against Frandlin Ivo, the second son of Lord Ivo. He would be her toughest opponent yet, considering how the crowd erupted in loud cheer towards Frandlin.

Two warriors charged at each other as soon as the duel had begun. The swords clashed, their shields blocked. It was difficult to tell who the victim would be, it seemed that they were evenly matched, not giving the other the opportunity to gain the other hand.

But as Frandlin backed away and almost tripped, Sereda saw and opening and disarmed him before striking him in the face with the hilt of her sword and Frandlin went down.

Upon seeing this the crowd erupted like a large volcano, Gorim was willing to bet that even the darkspawn will be able to hear those cries.

"Congratulations. Frindlin Ivo is a fierce a competitor as I've ever seen. You're vanquished every warrior of note in today's Proving. The ceremonial helm commissioned by your father for today's winner is yours." The proving master smiled as Sereda returned

Sereda held out her hands, refusing to take the helm. "Send it to Frindlin Ivo. He fought bravely."

The proving master looked surprised, then nodded in approval. "The people will remember your honor and generosity for all time."

Sereda gave him a respectable bow and turned to face her guards. "I am ready to leave."

One of the guards nodded. "Your wish is our command."

The three guards couldn't bottle up their excitement on their way back. They kept replaying the matches over and over again, making Gorim rolling his eyes. Soon she and the guards parted ways, but not before they made the princess promise to watch the next time they fought in their Proving.

Gorim then looked at Sereda. "Things didn't exactly go the way Lord Harrowmont." He then gave her a sly smile. "Which was your plan all along?"

"He could have better luck in putting me in a dress and making me all lady like."

Gorim laughed.