Chapter 18

Araya

I walked through the castle, looking for Aseir. Where has that hound gotten to now? Maker please don't be in the larder, or Nan just might kill me this time. I sighed as I saw one of the servants run up to me.

"Lady Cousland," he says as he catches his breath. "His Lordship, Teyrn Cousland requests your presence in the Main Hall."

I look at him and sigh, "Rolen, I have told you before to just call me Araya. Why does my father wish to see me?"

He looks at me with uncertainty. "I do not know, My… Araya. I just know that he sent me to let you know."

I rub my forehead, "Alright… Also if you see Aseir, please let me know?"

"I will, though if he is in the larder, Nan 'll be mad."

I groan at the thought, "I know, I know…"

I head through the halls towards the Main Hall. As I open the door I hear my father talking to someone. Please don't be Howe…

My father laughs, "At least the smell will be the same." As the door closes my father looks at me. "I'm sorry pup; I didn't see you there. Howe, you remember my daughter?"

Of course it's Howe. As much as he is my father's friend, his son is an entitled prick. At least I don't see his son.

"I see she's become a lovely young woman," Howe says in an almost endearing way. "Pleased to see you again my dear."

"And you, Arl Howe."

"My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."

Ugh… "I've no interest in an arranged marriage." At least it was Thomas and not Nathaniel… But still, he is a few years younger than me.

I hear a small chuckle from my father, "See what I contend with, Howe? There is no telling my fierce girl anything these days, Maker bless her heart." A small smile comes to my face as I hear him say this.

"Mmm," I can hear the condensing tone drip off of his voice. "No doubt because you've trained her as a warrior. How… Unique."

The smile leaves my face as quickly as it came. My mother is a warrior too. She could probably hit you in your eye from 200 feet away, though she would say that she couldn't.

"At any rate, pup, I summoned you here for a your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

"Are you certain?" I questioned him, knowing that he often said that at times I was a little to head strong. "What's involved with such a task?"

"Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?" I nod to my father, understanding my purpose here.

"There's also someone you must meet." My father turns to talk to a guard, "Please… show Duncan in."

I see a tall man, with broad shoulders and well kept beard and hair, walk in. It is easy to tell that he is from some military order. Behind him I catch the glimpse of a woman, but not much else as my attention is drawn away by the conversation.

"It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teryn Cousland." The man, whom I presume to be Duncan, speaks with a gratitude unlike others that I have met. Normally, they tend to have awe in their voice, but he seems to just have genuine gratitude.

"Your Lordship," Howe seems shocked. "You didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present."

"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" It is obvious that my father caught something in Howe's voice… but what?

"Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am… at a disadvantage." Ah… Now I see it, worry. Though I don't think that it is entirely about being improper.

"We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, let alone two. My guards did not inform me that there was another of your order with you Duncan."

"Yes, this is one of our newest recruits. You may introduce yourself." Duncan steps to the side a little and I finally see this woman, and by all definitions she would definitely be considered beautiful.

She is an elven woman with darker skin, leading me to believe she might have been Dailish or descendant from them. Shorter than I am, though her lithe form leads me to believe that she would be faster with a blade. Her hair was pulled in a tight ponytail, the end poofing out just a bit. She was a fighter this was obvious enough, though she does have a small frame. I wonder when was the last time she had something to eat.

"I am Nienna Tabris, it's a pleasure to meet you my lordship, lord and lady." She spoke, bowing slightly as she did out of respect.

My father bows his head slightly to her, then he turns to me. "Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?"

"They're an order of great warriors." Though I don't remember exactly…

"They are the heroes of legend, who ended the Blight and saved us all." My father smiles at me, probably glad that I didn't sleep through all of my lessons. "Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."

"If I might be so bold," Duncan interjects, "I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate." Duncan's words make me stand taller, knowing that this is a great honor.

"Honor though that might be," My father steps in front of me, facing Duncan, "This is my daughter we're talking about."

"Is there a reason I shouldn't join them?"

"You did just finish saying that Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend." Howe supporting my statement is rather odd…

"I've not so many children that I'll gladly see them all off to battle. Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription…?"

"Have no fear," Duncan said, obviously trying to steer the conversation to an amicable agreement. "While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue." He is trying not to step on any toes, and from how my father is acting, this seems like a good idea.

My father moved back, and turned to me. "Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?"

"Of course."

"In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."

"Where is Fergus?"

"Upstairs in his chambers, no doubt, spending some last moments with his wife and my grandson."

"Father, would it be all right for me to show Nienna around while you continue your discussion?"

"I see no issue with it. Duncan?"

"I have no issue with it either. We both need to get more rations and items while we're here." Duncan looked at his recruit and she nodded before stepping over to me.

"Be a good lass and do as I've asked, as well as helping this young lady. We'll talk soon." It is obvious that my father is hinting for me to take my leave from the hall.

I walk out of the hall, quickly adjusting my step for Nienna to keep pace with me.