I've thought about the Origins, and something struck me about the Human Noble Origin.
While compelling, you can never return to Highever. And while I do intend to spin my own tale of revenge for the Couslands, I found it more interesting to let the Couslands live in this case.

What would happen?

If I don't mention an event, its likely it happened the way it would in canon. Otherwise, enjoy the ride!

Castle Cousland

9:30

They were alive.

The flames were still burning, but by the Maker, they were alive.

Father. Mother. Oriana. Oren. Even Ser Gilmore.

Mother Mallol, Aldous, Nan, and many of the servants? Fate had not smiled on them.

Still, Elissa counted her blessings.

Rendon Howe's treachery had not succeeded. His forces were driven out of the castle. The Arl himself had made his escape, and was likely back to his own fortress.

The adrenaline rush of her victory and vindication was only heightened by the verbal sparring between Father and Ser Duncan.

"The Blight marches, my lord!" Duncan insisted "We cannot afford to hold back capable warriors now!"

"You speak of using the Right of Conscription against my daughter!" Bryce challenged, not yielding an inch to his guest.

"I do not do so lightly, my Teyrn. We both saw what your daughter accomplished this night. Ferelden needs such a capable woman to fight the darkspawn."

"Which is why she should remain here, at my side, Duncan. She is my child, and if I fall against Rendon in the Civil War to come-"

Immediately, Elissa burst out

"Fergus!"

Everyone turned to the young warrior.

"Father," Elissa explained "Rendon probably set a trap for Fergus."

Bryce's anger gave way to open fear. "...No. He wouldn't. Even Howe wouldn't-"

Eleanor erupted like a volcano "Yes he WOULD, Bryce! You saw what he did today! I swear, by the Maker, I'll-"

"I'll go to Ostagar."

Eleanor stopped. Both she and Bryce gazed upon their daughter as if she had gone quite mad.

"It's the only way." Elissa shrugged "The both of you are needed here, to stop Howe. And if either of you travel south, it might tip off his assassins. We want to get them out in the open and deal with them quickly, otherwise they might withdraw and kill him in months later. Or, they could return north and try to kill you instead."

"Elissa…" Bryce began.

"I was right about Howe. I'm right about this too. You know I am." Her voice was resolute. She then turned to Duncan "I can also spend the entire journey there disabusing our guest of his notion of recruiting me into his order."

Duncan was about to begin speaking, but Elissa raised a hand diplomatically.

"I can't stop you from using the Right of Conscription, Ser Duncan, but I shall take lengths to explain to you why this may be unwise for everyone involved. However, as a token of appreciation for defending us against this vile, treacherous raid, I'll speak to the King about your personal bravery. And I will do what I can, with my Lord Father's word, to gather aid against this coming Blight. You must admit that I am more worthwhile to you as a powerful politician, than a gifted warrior. Why settle for a single Warden, when you could have far more resources at your disposal?"

Everyone mulled her words carefully.

Elissa's blood was still up from the excitement of battle, from the moral victory of finally being proven right about that conniving, murderous sack of shit Rendon Howe. She had warned Father about him for years, and every time, she was rebuked.

Not this time.

This time, everyone could see him for what he was. A selfish, power hungry little man, grasping beyond his reach for what did not belong to him.

"My lady," Duncans smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. "I am more than willing to accept your aid in Ostagar, of course. But you may find that though your swordplay tonight was indeed impressive, you may find the darkspawn far more unnerving than mortal men. It may…inspire you to reconsider your position."

It was enough to give her a moment's pause, but Elissa merely replied "We shall see."

"Elissa, you're right that Fergus needs to be warned." Eleanor tried to reason with her headstrong daughter "But why does it have to be you? Why not allow Gilmore to gallop ahead with Duncan?"

The young noble daughter closed her eyes and shook her head " won't work. With respect to Ser Gilmore, they'd doubt the word of a squire. But they won't challenge my word. And as the daughter of the Teyrn of Highever, I'll possess the authority to search the Arl of Amaranthine's camp. Howe almost certainly sent letters to his assassins, and we will need that proof."

"The darkspawn…" Bryce shook his head "You could be infected if you're in a fight with them."

To that, Elissa merely shrugged "And what if I am? Fergus needs to be saved. And I'm worth less than he is."

"Elissa!" Both of her parents were shocked "Don't say such things!"

"It is the truth." was her bitter, instant reply.

Swallowing back her emotions as best she could, a silver ring with an encrusted, purple gem was produced from her pack.

"My life is about as useless as this ring."

Duncan could see that her venom was not directed at her parents, but at…a betrothed?

"If you see Lord Thomas Howe," a single tear cleaning away a line of soot on her face "I'd like for you to spare his life. Just so I can return this to him. I've no need to take a coward as a husband."