Chapter Ten

A day in Highever

Bryce had been happy with the news of my engagement. Fergus hadn't been… he still thought I was somehow after the Highever lands and estate. Elissa tolerated me, but it appeared that she didn't really care one way or the other.

That day, though I was pretty sure it was the right day for a week before hand at this point, I was woken to a knocking at my bedroom door.

The maid had told me that we had guests, but she didn't say who. I got dressed in my leathers – I had made them myself using Wolf pelts and rope and such. My leathers made me look slimmer, were styled like Tallis' outfit in DA2, and were comfy enough I didn't even need a chest binding. I liked being in the 'old days' actually – because it meant everything I wore was tailored to fit me so I didn't have that awkward fit that made me look frumpy like with mass produced clothes in America.

I also grabbed 4 daggers remembering that there would be giant rats in the Larder – and Ghost would likely be the one doing it. Elissa had named her Mabari Buster. I put two daggers made of Volcanic Aurum at my hip and two made of Everite in my boot sheathes.

I made my way to the main hall – though I had not been summoned.

I heard people talking as I entered the room.

Bryce was speaking, "I'll send my eldest off with my men. You and I will ride tomorrow just like the old days."

Howe gave a sleazy smirk and replied, "True; though you and I both had less grey in our hair then… and we fought Orlesians not… monsters."

Bryce laughed. "At least the smell will be the same." He glanced at us and I saw surprise flick through his gaze when he saw daggers at my hips.

He didn't comment on it.

Bryce was 6' even with grey and white hair. He didn't look that old – maybe late 40s – and his eyes were also grey, so at least I knew where we got our eye color. He had stubble but nothing full.

Arl Howe was shorter, 5'9. His hair was darker grey and his eyes were green.

"I'm sorry Val, I didn't see you there. Howe you remember my ward, Valeria Vane."

Elissa glanced at me – startled that I had come over here. I spoke, "Oh… I didn't mean to interrupt…"

"I see she's become a lovely young woman… it's lovely to see you again." he bowed to me. As per Cailans' orders, I was to be treated as a Princess – the ass.

I gave a polite smile – shame I couldn't say it was lovely to see the man since I preferred not to lie – to Howe before turning my attention to Bryce.

Elissa spoke up, "And you Arl Howe."

Howe looked to me and said, "My son, Thomas, asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time?"

I gave a smile, "I'm afraid that ship has sailed, Lord Howe – I am engaged to be married already."

Howes' face filled with shock – not just oh, oops shock either. He was pissed.

"Oh… I hadn't heard."

"It's recent – a young Templar she met at the Circle while she was studying." Bryce jumped in. Elissa spoke with a bored tone, "What was his name again?"

"Cullen of Honnleath," I replied with a small smile. I held up my hand, "He was so sweet as to follow traditions from my homeland."

All conversation stopped. Bryce looked confused, "What tradition?"

I explained with excitement and Bryce took my hand to examine the ring. His eyes widened, "How did a Lieutenant get his hands on Volcanic Arum?"

I chuckled, "He said it was a gift from Greagoir when he was recruited."

Howe looked stunned, "He's only a Lieutenant… and you're marrying him?"

"An old-wives' tale from back home is to blame. And anyway, what does his status matter when I have no desire for status at all? Cailan is the one who insists that I be treated by a station I no longer hold."

Elissa laughed, "That's true – whenever he's here, we all do our best to play along, but the minute he's gone, you're back in those odd commoner clothes with your nose in a book."

I smiled, "I love to read and learn. Anyway, I heard you had a special guest today, Father?"

Bryce chuckled; they all knew I could see parts of the future, so none of them questioned me anymore. They just took what I said with a grain of salt and hard shot of the good stuff.

Bryce spoke, "Indeed, pups, I summoned Elissa here for a reason – your sister must have heard from one of the staff. While your elder brother and I are away, I'm leaving you two in charge of the castle."

Elissa stiffened, "You…"

"This is so Elissa gets experience running the Castle when she's Fergus' second, right?"

He nodded, "And because with your background, Cailan likely has something in store for you – lands and Ferelden title at a guess. You will need the experience running things with Elissa just in case."

Elissa groaned, "Fine."

"Now there's someone I want you three to meet… please show them in," he nodded to the guard closest to the door.

That's when I got my first look at the iconic man. His skin was slightly darker than Fergus' and his hair was still black but dusted with grey. He had his iconic beard/mustache combo. His eyes were that beautiful dark gold… he was actually… very handsome.

He spoke and I was captivated by his voice, "It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Tyren Cousland." He looked over Elissa and then me. I blushed lightly, ignoring my Elissas' disbelieving stare as she watched me.

He had someone with him, surprisingly – a female elf with no Dalish markings. The girl was 5'4, like me, with fire-truck red hair down to her mid-back, blue eyes and tan skin – really I was the only pale body in the room, so it wasn't surprising at all. This must be Kallian Tabris and if I was right, she was only 20. I smiled happily and extended my hand to her first, "Hi! My name is Valeria Vane."

She looked stunned – in fact almost everyone looked stunned. Duncan and Elissa (The Rebel Child) looked happily amused.

She grasped my wrist and said, "Kallian Tabris."

"This is Elissa. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Elissa shook the young womans hand with a grin. She flushed.

"Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present."

"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" Bryce seemed to realize Howes' words implied something… worse.

I giggled – I had a tendency to play cute so people would underestimate me. Kallian seemed to catch on to this. I had a nice voice this life too; tinkely and sweet. The air here was so less polluted that my voice didn't have to turn harsh due to dirt in the air. And it even had a nice singing range too – as evidenced by my frequent concerts at the Circle.

"Of course it's not a problem; but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am… at a disadvantage." Howe flushed.

Before Bryce could speak, I did, "Grey Wardens are an Order of outstanding Warriors and Heros of legend who end the blights and save us all. The orders are usually small – by design if I recall. The Warden-Commander coming here likely means recruitment for the battles in the south, correct?"

Duncan looked sharply at me, "Well, you are certainly sharp. I didn't wear the Commander armor. How did you tell?"

Even Kallian looked a little startled at my words – surprised that I knew.

I crossed my arms… I had forgotten that it wasn't exactly common knowledge of who held the title of Commander outside the order – since Wardens did their own thing; most everyone viewed them as a band of independents.

"The way you hold yourself says 'follow me, I know the way'. Your weapons are stamped with the Griffon Symbols and rank stripes. Your armor isn't warden at all and the only way you'd get away with that is if you were high raked in the first place – at least a senior warden, maybe field-commander. I say Commander because of the weapons though. The rank stripes, like I said – but also that they are way too nice for a mere field-commander."

Bryce was smiling proudly and Elissa lifted an eyebrow. "Tell me, what else can you see about me?" Duncan was looking at me with a small smile.

I grinned at Duncans' words. "You're from here – Highever that is, so welcome home. You're accent gives that away. You have both Rivaini and Ferelden heritage from the look of you coloring suggest Rivain, features say Ferelden. Your mannerisms scream both commander and thief, so I would say you were recruited after you stole from the wrong person… possibly you killed your mark on accident – I saw that flash of guilt when I mentioned the theft. You may have been born in Highever but you also carry notes of Orlais and Free Marches so I have to guess you grew up traveling…"

Howe looked horrified, "You're calling the Commander a thief?!"

"She's right. The Wardens take people of all backgrounds. I was a thief before I was recruited… and I did kill my mark – my victim was the betrothed of the same Warden-Commander who conscripted me, actually… it was an accident. You can really see all of that? None of it was guess work?"

I shook my head, "I was positive of everything I said. I do have a few things that I'm not sure of… you're a bastard, aren't you? Noble father is my guess – but I don't think they recognized you." Howe squawked in horror at how plainly I came out with it.

"Fascinating… you're right about that too…"

"Honor though it might be, Duncan, these are my children… and I've not so many that I'd gladly see them all off to war; especially my ward. Unless you plan to invoke…"

"Don't worry so much, Father. He has no intention of forcing the issue and he'd take Lis, not me. I may be a sound strategist and keen minded, but he needs fighters who can do more close combat than farther afield. Granted, if I were a mage, he'd take me in heartbeat." No way was I mentioning my martial arts at the moment.

Duncan laughed, "I wouldn't discount anything she says; she seems to know more than even I do."

"Shall we go tell Fergus that he needs to leave ahead of time, Father?" Elissa asked.

"Yes… can you ensure Duncans requests are seen to while I'm gone?"

I nodded at once, "Of course."

I looked at the Elven woman, "Kallian, do you want to follow us? I'm sure the adults need to discuss things that are not meant for our ears just yet."

She smiled but still looked to Duncan who nodded. I beamed and linked arms with the elf, dragging her with us. When we were out of earshot she unlinked her arms with mine and asked, "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"What? You think I should dislike you just because you killed that no good rapist, Vaughn Kendalls?" I asked. She froze and Elissa looked stunned.

"How do you know about that?"

Elissa looked puzzled, "What… Vaughan Kendells, the Heir to the Arl of Denerim?"

I nodded, "That one – he invaded the Alienage and took several girls from the wedding party, including Kallian here. He'd planned horrible things for them – only managing to do anything to one woman before Kallian… avenged her cousin."

"Seriously, how do you know this?" Kallian was pale. I smiled, "Take a guess."

"You're a damn prophet, is what I think." She grumbled. I snorted, "She guessed, sister."

"Give the woman a prize then. Don't worry, Kallian – the fact that Val trusts you enough for this means we won't be telling anyone a thing – besides, I met the man once and I wanted to stick an arrow in his eye."

She snorted, "Shianni… will she… is she okay…?"

"More than okay – the next time you see her, she'll be leading a growing riot in the Alienage."

My words had a wonderful effect – she beamed. "You're alright for a human. I won't tell anyone about the… you know… thank you."

I beamed and said, "What's your weapon? Sword, dagger, bow, crossbow… staff?"

She laughed, "Daggers – duel wield."

I handed her the two from my boots – she didn't have any weapons right now. She looked suspicious, "Why?"

"Rats in the Larder!" I chuckled. At once she took the two daggers and said, "Well, then I guess I'll need these…"

Elissa sighed and grabbed one of the ones from my waist. Elissa was a sword and shield warrior, but she had a decent grasp of daggers too.

"There you two are. Your mother told me that you'd been summoned by the Tyren so I didn't want to interrupt…" Ser Gilmore was 5'10 with bright red hair, pale skin and green eyes. He was really cute too… the man had eyes for Elissa. Who wouldn't? She was beautiful.

"Dogs got into the Larder again?" I smiled. He blushed as he looked to me after having been caught looking at my sister. "Oh, erm… yes, they did… Nan is… threatening to leave…" aww! He had a crush!

Kallian looked amused as she observed the situation. I smiled.

Elissa sighed in exasperation, "Again?" she had to pretend we didn't already know for the sake of keeping my secret – only the Senior Seekers', Greagoir, Irving and a few others at the Circle knew outside of the Couslands and Cailan.

I chuckled, "Mabari. No matter how the maids try to keep them out, they'll always find a way in."

"Indeed – Buster seems to be the ring-leader this time, Lady Elissa." He was flushed as he looked back to my sister.

I giggled as Elissa groaned. Ser Gilmore smiled, "You know these Mabari hounds, they'll listen to their masters but anyone else risks having their arm bitten off."

"Ghost and Buster know better than to hurt anyone," She whined. Kallian pursed her lips as though to keep from laughing.

"Lis, they're board. Maybe we should take them hunting soon." I sighed. Ser Gilmore nodded, "You're both quite lucky to have Mabari. Smart enough to talk, my father used to say…"

"… And yet, they are clever enough to know not too." I finished. He blushed again and cleared his throat… I couldn't help it, I feigned concern and asked, "Are you feeling alright, Ser Gilmore? You seem flushed…"

"I… erm… I'm feeling fine, My Lady."

"Val… he wants to bed Elissa; as if it wasn't obvious." Kallian teased

Elissa flushed this time, "It's not that!"

Rory shook his head too. I caught on, "Kal – they're already sharing a bed."

Rory stammered and Elissa said, "How… right; never mind."

I giggled, "You aren't exactly quite Lis. I suppose that just means he has some… admirable qualities in that department."

"Can we… go get the…the Dogs?" Gilmore asked with a cough, refusing to look at anyone.

Elissa nodded rapidly, "Yes – let's. Val, if you tell father…"

"I would never – I'm a perfect angel."

Kallian looked confused, "What's an angel?"

"A being of pure innocence," Elissa simplified. I shrugged, "Close, but no dice. More like… they are benevolent celestial intermediaries between God and Humanity. Other roles include protectors and guides for humans, and servants of God… that's a religion from… actually, it's hard to explain. Anyway…"

Kallian whispered to me, "You act so innocent, but you aren't are you?"

I gave her a coy look, "Not at all."

She smirked, "I thought not – the way you walk suggests you've been… deflowered."

"Yeah… the man I'm engaged to – a Templar at Kinlock Hold. I manipulated our first meeting, but it seems I didn't even need to."

She blinked, "You have it all planned out, don't you?"

"No – I can't see everything. If something has to happen, I don't see it until it's too late or as it's happening. I just fear I'm going to lose him when he finally sees Elissa… I'm not really fit to stand beside him. My hair, eyes and chest are my best features – but everything else? Not so attractive… besides, next to Elissa, what man or woman would want me?"

Kallian looked me over, "I don't know – I'd take you to bed if you were an elf. I'll admit that I only do elves, but gender was never a preference for me."

I smiled, "Well, I'll take the compliment. I'm short enough to be an elf, but alas – my ears hold no point! Our love was doomed at the start!" I said dramatically.

Elissa scoffed, "I doubt Cullen would approve anyway."

I gave a wicked grin, "Don't you know? Every man wants to see some girl-on-girl action at least once in their life."

Rory choked on air, confirming my words. Elissas' eyes widened, "Really? I will… remember that."

I smiled, "I got the brains in this family."

Elissa laughed, "You may be younger but you were always more mature. A good thing if you really are the Brains between us all."

I giggled, "Was there ever any doubt to that? I excelled in my teachings."

Kallian giggled, "I'd ask how you managed that, but I think I already know the answer."

"Yup – my perfect memory is to blame. I've never forgotten a single thing in my life – which is why I'm an accomplished survivalist now. I learned so many things growing up that there was almost nothing left to learn. We had an Orlesian man come through last year – I learned his language in less time than it takes to cook a rabbit. He said each word and the translation and by dinner I was fluent. I learned Dwarven, Antivan, Tevene, and Elvhen the same way."

"You know Elvhen?" Kallian asked excitedly. I nodded, "What little is left to know. There's a Dalish tribe in the wooded area around here – the Sabre Tribe – they were hesitant at first to teach me… they're one of the tribes who really don't like humans. They made an exception since I was accompanying one of their sacred Halla. They move a lot, so I rarely get to see them. I hear they're in the area again though."

Elissa chuckled, "I got to go once – but I had to sit and wait in the land-ship she uses while she had her 'lessons' with the keeper – Marethari was the name, I believe."

I nodded, just as we got to the Kitchens.

I caught sight of Nan; she was about 4 or 5 inches taller than me with her grey hair in a tight bun. She had a mole on her face and blue eyes.

"Get those bloody mutts out of the larder!" she shouted. The two elven servents flinched and the female – both had brown hair and green eyes, they looked like siblings – said "But, Mistress, they won't let us near!"

Kallian looked upset but I pranced forward and kissed Nan on the cheek, "I came as soon as I heard Nana; Ghost and Buster are being brutes again?"

She smiled at me – she liked me since I spent a lot of time in the kitchens and I was the only one who could call her 'nana' rather than Nan.

"I'd appreciate it if you could corral those two, Val." She said simply. I was the only one she ever used this soft tone with… everyone knew I was the favorite of all the servants and guards for similar reasons to this.

I nodded, "Of course, Nana – we'll get them right away!"

The Mabari gave me happy looks upon us entering the Larder.

I chuckled, "Did you find Rats, Ghost?"

He nodded with his tongue lolling out as he pawed at the ground. Elissa groaned, "Buster, just once I'd like it if you could bring me flowers instead of rodents – just a little something different is all I'm asking for!" When the rats were dead, I was smiling. "Glad I had the foresight to grab weapons?"

"You know it Val."

Kallian was grinning as she attempted to return my daggers. I shook my head, "Those are a gift to you, Kallian – you're Duncans' recruit, you'll need good weapons."

She looked stunned, "I can really… keep these?"

Gilmore was gaping at me too as I nodded happily, "I'm more of a throwing knife-slash-bow person myself. Those were a gift from that Orlesian man – he was pleased as ever with my quick learning speed."

She smiled and re-sheathed them at her hip, "Then you have my thanks… Val."

I beamed. We began heading out and Nan gave me a glare seeing the dogs covered in blood.

"They got in through the Rat holes this time, Nana. They're all dead."

She jerked as the servants squeaked in terror. Kallian jumped in, "It was odd – the dogs didn't touch the food – just the rats. I guess it's true what they say about Mabari."

"Well… thank you, my lady…" she grumbled and Ghost gave a soft whine and I shook my head, "No you don't. No suckering Nana into bits of pork this time. You messed up her Larder and you want to beg? That isn't how this works."

Nana gave me a small smile before turning to her servents and barking commands while we left.

We continued along again. I made us stop in the study for a moment. Elissa shut the door as I went into my 'Lab' as I affectionately called it. I found the prototype packs I had been working on. The backpacks were imbued with magic as I tailored them so they could fit 60 times as much as a mountain hiking pack as well as not weighing more than a plate of food. There were four of the packs – there was a grey one for me, a black one for Cullen, a white one for Elissa and a blue one because I thought Alistair might find it cool…

It turns out that I could enchant. Apparently, all seekers could – I found an old book about seekers, Templars and tranquil. They just didn't know they could.

I packed everything I thought I would need – flasks, herbs, books and such – into my own grey pack before heading back out. I handed Elissa hers and told her exactly what it was. Kallian gaped, "How did you find something like that?"

"I made it using theory left here by the legendary Flemeth when this castle belonged to Bann Conobar. She could never figure out how to make it work, according to her journals – so I did it. I just need to grab a few books and we can be on our way again."

I grabbed no more than 3 books – the family genealogy book, a book about the Avvar, and a book about dragons.

Once we got to our Mother I glanced over the four people.

The first person I evaluated was Darrien – he was 6'1 like Bryce with sandy blond hair and grey-green eyes. His skin was a mild tan and it looked like he was a bit fitter than I thought he'd be. I vowed to save him if I could – he had an aura of kindness and humility.

Next was an Elven woman – Iona – and she had platinum hair and bright green eyes. She stood only an inch taller than me with skin almost as pale as mine too.

Darrien's mother, Landra, was in her early 40s at a guess with soft grey hair that hung in waves down to her shoulders. Her eyes matched her sons and she was 5'7 like the woman who stood beside her – Eleanor Cousland.

She was pale with her grey hair in twin braided buns. When I saw her eyes, they were a pretty blue. She had a sweet aura.

"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!" she laughed as she showed off a wonderful looking bracelet with a ruby pattern in it.

"Ah and here are my two youngest! I take it by the presence of those troublesome hounds of yours that the situation in the Kitchen is resolved?" Eleanor… she had taken to me the fastest. She saw no difference between Elissa and me in terms of legitimacy. I was her daughter just as much as Lis.

I nodded sweetly, "Yes, mother; Nan is back to work as we speak."

"You always had a way with her, Darling. You remember Lady Landra; Bann Loren's wife?" I gave a small dip in the womans direction.

"Of course; it's wonderful to see you again, My Lady."

"You're too kind, dear girl! Didn't I spend half of your mothers' spring salon trying to convince Elissa to marry my son?"

"And made a very poor case for it, I might add…" Dairren sighed.

Kallian coughed to hide a laugh. Mother looked at me. I smiled, "This is Kallian Tabris – Commander Duncan brought her along as a Warden Recruit."

Mother nodded and smiled as Landra looked at Elissa and motioned to her son, getting the conversation back to that, "You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet either."

I coughed a laugh as Dairren flinched and said, "Don't listen to her… it's good to see you again, My Lady. You're looking as Beautiful as ever."

Elissa shrugged, "Thank you."

Dairren looked to me and smiled, "And you as well, Lady Valeria."

I smiled back, "You are too kind."

"And this is my Lady-in-waiting, Iona… oh, do say something girl…"

"Oh! I… it's a great pleasure, My Ladies… You are as pretty as your mother describes," she addressed me with a blush.

I shook my head, "Not me – Elissa is the real beauty. If the king were unwed, I'm certain he'd be here courting her."

Elissa coughed, "How about no? I don't want that kind of position."

I shrugged, "My point remains – you're very beautiful. It's a wonder you are unwed at 20."

"… I haven't found the right man…"

Mom spoke up, "Iona is right, Valeria – you are lovely. And I am heavily distressed that it does not make it easier to find you a match."

"I am already engaged…"

She sighed, "Yes, dear, but to a Templar. It'd be one thing if he was a Commander, but he's just a lieutenant."

I pouted, "He respects my traditions, mother."

She flinched at that – knowing that she hadn't been quite so accepting of some things.

"Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own? You should be proud," Dairren smiled at mom and I smirked.

"Proud doesn't get me more grandchildren…"

I snorted, "Elissa is the one you should be focusing on – she is the only one not married or engaged to be so."

"I just wish you would consider a noble man or…"

"Perhaps… perhaps we could speak alone sometime, Dairren?" I sighed. I could at least save his life.

"I would like that," he gave me a soft smile. Damn, he was adorable… I just wanted to pinch his cheeks!

Landra looked happy as she suddenly faked a small yawn and said "I think perhaps I will rest now. I will see you and Iona at supper."

"Oh, uh… I suppose we will retire to the study for now?" He looked confused. He didn't realize his mother was matchmaking.

I rolled my eyes and followed the two of them while Elissa stayed to talk to our mother.

"Um… Hello again. Your Castles study is wonderful. Might I ask whose collection this is?" He smiled at me.

Kallian – who had followed me back to the study – looked highly amused.

"My grandfathers, but I come here often to read," I smiled, quoting from the game for now.

"So would I. Do you have a favorite book?"

I decided to be bold. "Hmm…I'd have to say The Art of Passionate Love by Brother Capria." The same forbidden book that now rested in Cullens' room in the Circle tower.

"Oh, that was banned by the Chantry, wasn't it? Quite provocative… I've heard."

Kallian was trying so hard not to choke on her laughter. I shot her a wink.

"I could show you what I've learned," I chuckled as he went beat red. "That sounds… interesting… um… here?" he gulped.

"Why don't you make your way to my room tonight?"

"I suppose I could… do that… after everyones' asleep… would you… I mean… would that be acceptable?"

I smiled, and turned away. As I began to walk I said, "See you then!" I heard him gasp in a breath and I felt bad for leading the poor man on since I had no real intention of us having sex tonight. Kallian called me on it too, "What's your play? You sounded too in love to cheat on your Templar."

"I have this feeling that being in my room may… save his life? I don't actually know – it's just a feeling for now…"

She looked intrigued, "You think I should go flirt with Iona?"

"If you wish – if you think you could protect her in the event of an attack or something and you want to try, go for it. For all I know, I'm completely wrong and I get scolded into a marriage with him come morning."

She snorted, "Like you'd agree to that – but you have a point. And if you have a bad feeling, I doubt it's nothing. I'm going to go flirt with Iona. I'll see you tomorrow, Lady Vane."

I chuckled, "And you, Miss. Tabris."

I caught up to Elissa just as she was finishing talking to mom. "Lis, we should go talk with Fergus like Father asked. We've delayed long enough with the stop in the Kitchens…"

"Yes! Right…" as soon as we were out of earshot he asked, "How'd it go?"

"I will be having company tonight – and I think Kallian is working on that girl, Iona."

She looked confused, "Wait… you invited Dairren into your bed?"

"I plan to only have a snuggling session – I just have a feeling that it's where he needs to be. I don't plan to cheat on Cullen – ever."

Elissa snorted, "Dairren is too much the gentleman to push things – if you say snuggles only, he won't even look at you for more."

We entered Fergus' room where three people stood near a bookshelf; a man, a woman and a child. Fergus was 6' with grey eyes and his black hair was short. Oriana was slightly shorter than the two men at 5'8 with brown hair that reached her mid-back and bright blue eyes. Her skin was flawless and her figure was lithe. Oren was only tall enough to reach his fathers' waist and had the 'Cousland' hair – brownish black – with his mothers' eyes and pale skin. He was a twig and I couldn't help but smile.

"Is it really going to be a war, Papa? Will you bring me back a sward?" I flinched as Fergus knelt with a chuckle and said, "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." His voice was just as soothing as Cullens, damn it.

"I wish victory was so certain indeed. My heart is… disquiet." Oriana said. Her voice could make an angel weep.

"Don't frighten the boy, love; I speak the truth. And here is my younger sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes love, and wish me well."

I snorted, "Just let me know when you two are finished." Elissa faked a gag and smiled at me as Fergus said, "When there's a man in your life, sister, you'll understand." He was talking to Elissa. He always tried to ignore me.

"No fewer than three, please, I'd like my own harem," She snarked.

"Such a thing would bring shame to our house sister. But if it's true you had best be discreet." Oriana said.

I grinned at her as Fergus glanced at his wife with a look of amusement, "I'm not sure how I should take that, love."

"Take it as the advice of a practical Antivan woman, My Dear."

I finally jumped in with, "We bring a message; Father wants you to leave ahead of him."

"Then the Arls men are delayed. You would think his men were all walking in the wrong direction. Well then, I'd best be underway. So may darkspawn to behead, so little time." He chuckled and gave his son a hug.

Just then, I heard Mother and Father enter from behind, "I would think, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us to say goodbye before taking your leave?"

Eleanor sighed, "Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone."

Elissa laughed and said, "Fergus will be Fine."

Oriana was next to speak, "The Maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands and fathers and bring them back to us safely."

Fergus laughed, "And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it. Er… for the men, of course…"

Oriana gave a scandalized gasp, "Fergus! You would say this in front of your mother and sisters?"

"What's a wench? Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?"

Bryce chuckled and covered for his son, "A Wench is a woman who pours the ale in the tavern, Oren; or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."

Eleanor gave her husband a soft slap on the chest, "Bryce! Makers' Breath it's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have two daughters…"

Fergus chuckled, "I'll miss you, mother dear. You'll look after her, sister, won't you?"

"Mother can look after herself; always has." Elissa smirked.

"It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those Darkspawn back into the Deep Roads."

Eleanor sighed, "I'm glad you're finding this so funny."

Bryce laughed, a full laugh and said, "Enough… enough. Pups, you'll want to get an early night after supper. You've much to do tomorrow."

Dinner was mostly uneventful – I nudged my way to sit next to mother and father so I could enjoy these last happy moments with them. I saw Howe giving me a look – he had poisoned my food. I tasted it in the single little nibble I took. I 'accidentally' knocked over my wine onto my plate while discreetly getting a few herbs from my pack. The enchanted packs I made were small enough to look like belt packs so it was easy.

The poison wasn't a killing one – it was a temporary paralytic. He wanted to take me alive? I whipped up an antidote under the table and added it to my new glass of wine before taking a sip at once. Howe was disappointed that he failed, but what could he say? Besides – that was a potent poison; surely I would have felt some effects by the time of the attack if I hadn't taken an antidote.

In the middle of dinner, I saw Kallian give me a questioning look and motioning to Duncan. She was asking if she could tell him about me. I pretended to think for a minute before nodding to her – it had always been my plan to tell him, after all.

After dinner, he approached me and pulled me aside with Elissa and Kallian. He asked, "Is that how you knew about me?"

"No – I knew exactly by the things I mentioned."

He nodded, "Kallian says you feel there may be an attack?"

Elissa jerked and looked worried. I nodded, "Howe has always brought at least his son, Thomas, to throw in my face. He didn't bring anyone other than two mere guards? I think his army isn't delayed, but hiding near-by. I think if there is an attack, it would be him. Look, I don't know for sure – I may be way off base here – but I'd sleep with those daggers I gave you Kallian… and my food had a paralytic poison in it. I'm handy with herbs so I already had an antidote, but…"

Duncan gave a small smile – he liked that I had equipped his recruit. I knew he had planned to buy her something here in Highever anyway.

"What does 'off base' mean?" Kallian asked. I flushed realizing I had used Earth terms again – the other Couslands were used to it by now, but still…

After explaining I said, "Kallian is looking after Iona tonight, and I have Bann Lorens' son, Dairren, sleeping in my room for the same reason. Unlike Kallian, however, I plan to only snuggle."

Kallian smiled, "Only for your Templar, hmm?"

Duncan nodded, "What else can you tell me… about anything?"

"Alistair… I know more about that boy than I do about you."

"… Would you…?"

"His father was a friend of yours who has since vanished and his mother was a fellow grey warden, though he was told she was a serving girl in Redcliff castle. He has a minor obsession with his hair and a love of fine cheese. Raised in Redcliff by Arl Eamon until he was 10, you recruited him about 5 months ago at this point. He slept in the stables growing up and tended to the dogs. He was happy to leave the Chantry, though he loved the discipline and training he received in the Templars. He has a witty comment for just about everything and loves to pretend he's awkward and stupid when he's actually just awkward and charming. He looks very much like his brother though most people don't seem to see it and he doesn't advertise the fact at all. He longs for a family more than anything and would even accept that bitch he thinks is his sister though she's nothing but a gold-digging harpy who has not a single care for him."

Elissa gave me a surprised look, "You sound like you like him."

"He actually your soulmate – I like him as a brother."

She flushed, "But… Ser Gilmore…"

I shrugged, "The future holds many mysteries."

Duncan looked a little pale, "Well, if anything was to happen, at least I believe what you say you are. I happen to know you've never left Highever for some reason. There is no way you could have met him. I believe you, Lady Vane. Kallian, you and I are sleeping with our weapons ready and our gear either on or close by. I suggest getting dressed as soon as you finish with… Iona, was her name? I will do what I can in case of an attack."

"Call me Valeria, or Val– I don't like titles much despite being raised with one."

He smiled, "Valeria, then. Get what rest you can – I'm sure your hounds will alert each of you when the time comes."

"You know if this happens, Duncan – you will be fleeing Highever with at the very minimum Kallian, Elissa and I. If that happens, I suggest you only recruit Elissa. After this, we will be going to the Dalish Clan to the west of here, on to the Circle and circling back to go to Ostagar. Tell me you have some recruiting in Orzammar?"

"In fact, I do – they should be just about done there too. I told him no more than two recruits. I specified that one had to be whoever won the proving – no exceptions – and that I would leave the other to his discretion."

"Thank Gaia for that! The Castless who wins the Provings is someone we will want – the other should be the second child of King Endrin if I'm right."

Duncan looked impressed, "A Castless in the Provings… I didn't think they'd allow that."

I grinned, "Ask when you meet them – now, it's going to be a long night, so we all need to turn in now." We all nodded in unison, drawing looks from those around us.

Bryce looked weary but I told him Duncan did not talk to us about joining the Wardens – he had wanted my opinion on Kallian since I was so keen. My Father accepted that and we all went to bed.