Thank you to everone who has taken the time to check out this story!
A special thanks to my awesome reviewers: lisakodysam, TheEvilDog and voltagelisa!
Most of all, thanks to my amazing Beta Reader, Lisa, who makes sure my gibberish makes sense!
As always, Bioware owns the kingdom, I am just visiting...
Zeva exited the salon, the spring in her step evident to everyone she passed in the hallway. Somehow she knew that everything would work out as she had hoped for. Tonight she would attend a dinner in honor of the Couslands' guests, tomorrow morning she would see her father and Howe off on their trip, her mother would be departing later in the day and then... YES! She would have Duncan all to herself!
Of course, he would be occupied with testing Ser Gilmore as a Warden candidate, but he had to rest sometime, didn't he? And she would be there to make sure he was 'comfortable'. Not well rested, but very satisfied, nonetheless! Makers Breath, just the thought of the next several days had her practically dizzy with excitement! She had to find something else to occupy her thoughts or she would go insane.
She made it as far as the kitchen hallway, when she was stopped by her friend Roland Gilmore. "There you are," he said. "Your mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt." Roland could be quite abrupt when he had something on his mind.
"Hello to you, too, Ser Gilmore" she replied, a small smirk playing across her face.
Roland blushed and laughed nervously, his eyes not quite meeting hers. "Pardon my abruptness, Milady, it's just that I have been looking everywhere for you. I fear your hound has the kitchens in uproar once again."
Oh, Maker, with everything that had transpired in the last hour, she had completely forgotten about Nihlus. Nan would be having fits, no doubt. Her fears were confirmed at Roland's next statement.
"Nan is threatening to leave."
With a heavy sigh, Zeva asked, "Did the dog get in the larder again?"
Roland snorted and replied, "No matter how the maids try to keep him out, he always finds a way in. You know these Mabari hounds. He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off."
Resigned to the scolding she would get from Nan, Zeva relented. "I suppose I should go collect him then."
Roland was quick to agree. "That would be wise, before Nan tears down the walls. You are quite lucky to have your own Mabari warhound, you know. Smart enough to talk, my father used to say. Of course, that means he's easily bored. Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself. At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?"
Getting to spend time with Roland almost made the upcoming troubles worth it. Zeva had always enjoyed his company. She knew that his feelings for her went deeper than friendship, and she tried never to take advantage of that or to give him the impression that they could be more. It wouldn't be fair to him. Still, there was no one she would rather be with when Nan started raving. "To the kitchen, then," was her immediate response.
Roland, never one to be without the perfect remark for any situation, pointed toward the kitchen and said, a broad smile on his face, "Just follow the yelling. When Nan is unhappy, she makes sure everyone knows it!"
The duo found Nihlus in the larder, all right; along with a couple of dozen large, grey, Korcari Wilds rats, which they quickly dispatched. Nan was sufficiently grateful for the rescue and even offered Nihlus some pork bits, adding "Just don't say I never gave you anything." That was about as close as he would ever get to affection from the cantankerous older woman. Roland left Zeva to find Fergus and she continued on her way toward the bedrooms.
Turning the corner to the family's wing, she spotted her mother, Eleanor, conversing with Lady Landra, her son, Dairren, and a young elven woman. Eleanor spotted Zeva and immediately called her over, noting that since Nihlus was with her, the incident in the larder must have been dealt with. "Darling, you remember Lady Landra?"
Oh, yes, Zeva remembered her very well! She had spent quite a bit of time at her mother's spring salon with the drunken noblewoman. Best not to mention that, though. Instead she replied politely, "Of course. It is good to see you again, my lady."
It didn't take long for Lady Landra to bring the conversation around to her favorite topic - marrying her son, Dairren, off to Zeva! "You're too kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"
Dairren blushed at the poorly-disguised hint. He was a handsome enough sort, with short curly blond hair, but he certainly wasn't Zeva's idea of a husband, even before she had met Duncan. Now, the poor boy wouldn't have a chance. However, he might be useful in relieving some of the frustration she was currently feeling...
Her attention was refocused on the conversation as Dairren addressed his mother. "And made a very poor case for it, I might add."
Lady Landra took the opportunity to remind Zeva of Dairren's current marital status. "You remember my son, Dairren. He's not married yet, either."
Wonderful! This again! How long was this woman going to be here? This could seriously dampen her romantic plans for the Grey Warden. Dairren once more attempted to ease the growing tension. "Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, Milady. You are looking as beautiful as ever."
Ah, NOW she remembered why she liked him! He was good for lifting a girl's spirits - that much was true. Why not have a little fun while waiting for some private time with Duncan? She smiled warmly at Dairren and replied, "You're looking handsome, yourself."
Zeva's gaze was drawn to the elf standing next to Lady Landra as they were introduced. "And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona. Do say something, dear." The elf blushed slightly and said, rather shyly, "It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes."
Never one to miss an opportunity to remind her daughter of her duties, Eleanor chose this moment to move the topic back to Zeva's lack of a husband. "You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult."
Maker, do we always have to talk about this? Zeva felt the strong urge to shout out, Don't worry, mother. I am currently working on finding the perfect man! Oh, yes, I have actually already discovered him. He is in the main salon with father and that beast, Howe, right now and I plan on throwing myself at him as soon as you all leave! So could you help me out here and just get going!
Before she said something she shouldn't, Dairren, ever the gentleman, stepped in to rescue the damsel in distress. "Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship. You should be proud."
Thank the Maker for you, Dairren! I think I may indeed need to spend a bit more time with you while you are here, Zeva mused.
Not getting the hint, Eleanor continued. "Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren."
To prevent further embarrassment, Zeva felt it was time to put her plan with Dairren in motion. She flashed him a devilish grin and purred, "Perhaps we should speak alone sometime, Dairren?" She saw his eyebrows raise, ever so slightly, and knew she had hit her target.
"I would like that very much, Milady," he replied.
Feeling that her role as a matchmaker was completed for now, Lady Landra spoke up. "I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear. Dairren, I will meet you and Iona at supper." With that, she turned to go.
Dairren bowed to Eleanor and Zeva and said, before walking away, "Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now."
Now, Dairren, that isn't an invitation, is it? Suddenly the study seemed to be calling her name!
Zeva and Eleanor were left alone in the hallway. Zeva spoke up, "Did you know there is a Grey Warden here?"
Cocking an eyebrow at her daughter suspiciously, Eleanor replied, "Yes, your father mentioned that. You haven't gotten it into your head that you want to be recruited?"
Recruited would be nice, but bedded would be far better! Zeva thought to herself. Instead she answered, "The darkspawn have returned. Grey Wardens are needed."
Giving her the 'frustrated mother' look that Zeva knew so well, Eleanor proclaimed, in no uncertain terms, "There's enough here at the castle to occupy you. I don't need you off chasing danger like your brother." Zeva knew this conversation would go nowhere fast, and so she left her mother to go find Fergus.
Zeva and Fergus had always been the closest of siblings. They made a striking pair of children, as both shared their parents' dark hair and vibrant eyes. When they were young, Fergus had never ignored her or left her out of games with his friends because of her age. In fact, it was quite the opposite. He went out of his way to ensure that she always felt welcome around him, often playing games that most boys his own age would find childish.
Once Zeva reached an appropriate age for training, Fergus had insisted that she be taught battle techniques alongside him. He didn't want anyone to spar with his little sister until he felt she was ready. Zeva had a natural aptitude for combat, and had developed her own style of fighting with dual weapons which rendered all but the most experienced soldiers incapable of defeating her. She usually provided quite a challenge for Fergus, himself, able to seek out and take advantage of weaknesses that none of his other opponents could detect.
Zeva's prospective suitors always had to be on guard around Fergus, as well. Only the most honorable man would be right for '"Zee Zee"', his nickname for her. His best friend was Nathaniel Howe, son of Rendon Howe, and Fergus and Zeva were practically inseparable from Nate, as they called him, until he left to fight in the Free Marches. Fergus always suspected that the relationship between Zeva and Nate had moved beyond friendship, and he had fully expected Nate to propose marriage when his sister came of age.
He had been extremely surprised when Nate announced that he was leaving and had no idea when he might be returning. Fergus always suspected that Arl Howe had pushed Nate into travelling, although he could never understand why this would be the case.
Zeva found Fergus in the family's quarters with his wife, Oriana and their son, Oren. Oriana was just mentioning that she felt 'disquieted' concerning the upcoming battle, a feeling which Zeva shared. Fergus would hear nothing of this, telling his wife that all would be fine and he would be back in no time.
Zeva approached Fergus and said, in a quiet voice, "I wish I could go with you."
Wrapping his arms around his sister in a tight hug, Fergus sighed. "Zee, Zee, I wish you could come! It will be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself."
Oriana, an Antivan by birth, shook her head at the pair and said in a regal voice, "In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be... unthinkable." Both Fergus and Zeva laughed at this, as they were well aware of how dangerous an Orlesian woman could be, especially with poisons.
Wanting to gauge his reaction, Zeva brought the subject around to the newest guest in Cousland Castle. "Are you aware that there is a Grey Warden meeting with Father?"
Fergus' eyebrows shot up at this. "Why did he say he had come here?"
Zeva smiled, knowing she had piqued his curiosity. "According to Father, he is interested in testing Ser Gilmore."
Fergus raised his eyebrow once again. "Oh? If I were a Grey Warden, I'd have my eye on you. Not that Father would ever allow it."
I wonder what the Cousland men would think if they knew of my true plans for Duncan? The very thought brought a smile to her lips and a wicked gleam to her eyes.
Daydreaming about the striking Grey Warden would have to wait for now, however, as she had been tasked with an important mission. "I bring a message. Father wants you to leave without him."
The look of concern that crossed Fergus' features did nothing to allay Zeva's fears with regards to his departure. " Then the Arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards."
She wanted to tell him all of the concerns she had with regards to Howe, but knew that Fergus would kill the man for even looking at his little sister inappropriately. Turning to his wife and giving her a kiss, he announced in a voice intended to ease the tension, "Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time."
Fergus and his men left the castle under the watchful eye of his entire family, with Eleanor trying her best to bite back her tears so as to not upset Oriana or Zeva. Her daughter knew her too well, however, and held her close until the men were far from sight. Once the soldiers were on their way, everyone went back inside the castle to prepare for the evening meal in honor of Arl Howe and Duncan.
The afternoon had passed in an almost surreal haze for Duncan. So much had happened to him in such a short period of time. He had been travelling through Ferelden for several weeks, seeking recruits for the Grey Wardens to help fight the darkspawn threat. King Cailan had often mentioned that the situation did not even appear to be a true Blight, as there had been no sign of an Archdemon at any of the battles they had fought.
Duncan and his fellow Grey Wardens, however, knew the true depth of the situation. They could sense the Archdemon, and every night were plagued with nightmares showing them the all-too-real foe they faced.
Duncan had already chosen one knight, Ser Jory, from Highever a few weeks before, and had conscripted a thief named Daveth who had pick pocketed him in the Denerim market. Both were promising candidates, but neither could live up to the stories he had heard about Teyrn Cousland's youngest child.
While recruiting Jory at a Bann's tournament, Duncan had overheard some of the competing soldiers teasing an opponent, Ser William, about losing to a 'wee slip of a lass'. William had responded by stating that he would place good money on Zeva Cousland against any of the men in the tourney. Once the other competitors had walked away laughing, Duncan had approached William and asked for details regarding the young woman's fighting prowess.
William lifted his chainmail shirt revealing two boot-shaped bruises that marked the center of his chest. He explained to Duncan that the bruises were compliments of the Teryn's daughter, who had disarmed him while sparring using her dual daggers. Once divested of his weapons, the young woman had charged him, jumped into the air, crossing several feet and landed squarely in the center of his body, knocking him down. She had finished the battle by straddling him and holding her blades to his throat.
Duncan questioned William further and learned that Zeva had been trained in various fighting techniques since she was a young girl. Once her brother had deemed it safe for her to train with her father's soldiers, she was a constant presence on the castle's training field. She had studied and perfected at least five different sword styles, including the ability to wield two full-sized swords simultaneously, which was difficult for any soldier to master. Her fighting abilities alone would make her stand out from any other high-born woman, but her looks were said to be legendary among the noble women of Ferelden.
Duncan had been a Grey Warden for many years, and he was no innocent in the ways of lovemaking. However, his duty has always come before any personal feelings. He had been trained in his youth to be a soldier, and had volunteered to become a Grey Warden when he had been approached.
The complications that came with being a Warden made relationships nearly impossible, and so Duncan had refrained from getting close to any woman in years. He had no doubt that he could maintain his professionalism while testing Zeva Cousland's abilities as a soldier.
Though he had complete confidence in his ability to remain neutral, all control was swept from under his feet as he entered the main salon of Cousland Castle and laid eyes on the exquisite creature that was Zeva Cousland. None of the stories of her famed beauty could have prepared him for the way his heart lurched the moment she looked into his eyes. He knew in that one moment that he would never be able to leave her behind when he left. His need to possess her was all consuming. The feeling hit him so suddenly that he was barely able to compose himself before speaking to Teyrn Cousland.
The next few minutes passed in a blur for Duncan. He remembered mentioning a desire to test Zeva for the Wardens and the look of horror on her father's face at the thought of his only daughter being removed from him. He also clearly recalled her interest in joining him and the disappointment she voiced when her request was refused by Teyrn Cousland.
But the moment that would be forever burned into his memory was the look Zeva gave him when she told her father she would see to his every need personally! He had been forced to clench his jaw to keep from gaping openly at her. He also prayed that no one would notice how he shifted his stance to try to relieve the pressure of the growing bulge in his smallclothes. Could this beautiful creature really be attempting to seduce him?
Surely there must be a mistake; only he could clearly see the fire burning in her crystal blue eyes, and he could almost feel the heat radiating from her supple body. There could be no doubt - she wanted him!
For just the briefest of moments, he allowed himself to envision his hands caressing her face, his tongue tracing softly across her breasts, her lips parting hotly to encircle him, gently sucking... Oh, Maker, this was too much!
Thankfully, her father had seemed oblivious to the entire exchange. Duncan was sure Bryce Cousland would be even less receptive to a Grey Warden as his daughter's lover than he would be to her joining the Order. There was one member of their party who Duncan knew had witnessed and comprehended the signs passing between Zeva and himself - Arl Rendon Howe.
Duncan had never been a fan of Howe's; there was just something shifty about the way he carried himself. His mannerisms were reptilian, and the unctuous way he spoke was just too.. too.. tawdry was the only word that came to mind.
The man was untrustworthy, but he was observant. And he obviously realized that something less than 'pure' had passed between Zeva and Duncan. As clearly as Duncan could feel the desire radiating from Zeva, he could feel the anger and was that jealousy? coming from Howe in palpable waves. Something about the way Howe looked at the Cousland girl was wrong. His reaction seemed more like a spurned lover than a concerned family friend. While Duncan vowed to keep his own passions in check, for Zeva's sake as much as his own, he also swore that he would keep a close eye on Rendon Howe...