Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing well wherever you are. After playing Dragon Age many times and reading some amazing fanfiction, I got the desire to write my own story with my own changes in it. Now, finally after weeks of planning I have gathered my thoughts and here is the start of my first ever fanfiction story.
Since this is my fanfiction, there will be many changes to the original canon. The changes will be in in the form of additions/deletions/alterations etc. of various events and characters. But overall the story will be lore-friendly for most part.
Note: This story takes place in a medieval setting hence, the standards, society, attitudes etc. are much different than what we have today in 21st century. Even the behavior and views of characters are based on medieval standards.
If you do not like any aspects in this story or you do not agree with something, please do not feel offended or attacked. Remember that this is just my fanfiction and not official canon.
Disclaimer: Except for my many OCs and some changes in the story, everything belongs to Bioware. Writing this story as one of my hobbies and I am not making any money from this work.
Lastly, I am not a native English speaker so kindly bear with any small mistakes I might make. Without further ado lets start with the story, happy reading :)
Chapter 1: The House Cousland of Highever
It is early spring in the month of Drakonis in year 9:30 Dragon, a young man sat near his desk in his grand bedroom, whose walls were finely decorated with blue and green laurel tapestries; in his family's castle. He was handsome to look upon, tall and well-built, the colour of his hair was dark brown which he had inherited from his father. His name is Alvar Bryce Mardonius Cousland, and he is 22 years old as of this year. He was busy reading a vellum. It was a battle report sent by his elder brother Fergus from Ostagar. He finished reading and then he got up and walked to a large window nearby.
He stood there leaning his shoulder on a side frame and stared outside. The window offered a good view of the castle courtyard. The courtyard was busy with guards and servants going about doing their respective chores. But Alvar's thoughts were on the report still clutched in his hand.
"From his report, it seems that the battles are going well in Ostagar." he spoke, still staring outside.
A feminine "hmm..." came across as a response.
"They have engaged the darkspawn in over six battles and each time they have been victorious." he continued.
"hmm…" came the response.
"But despite these victories, he says the darkspawn horde seems to be growing in size day by day. Mayhap the rumours of a blight are true." he said skeptically.
"hmm…" was the again response he received.
"Are you even listening to what I am saying?" asked Alvar.
"hmm..."
At this Alvar turned around towards the fireplace, the sofa and the chairs beside it. A young woman sat in the sofa, she was reading a book and from the look of it she was completely engrossed in it. She is a very beautiful woman with long black hair which was braided into an elaborate hairstyle. She is tall and has a slender, graceful figure which was robed in a finely embroidered dress.
Alvar walked a little closer and glanced at the cover of the book she was reading.
'The Art of Passionate Love by Brother Capria is it' he thought. With a slight mischievous grin on his face Alvar slowly crept behind her. He then stood behind her and bent his face close towards her temple.
"Shall we try that out tonight, my love" he whispered in her ear.
The woman was startled, "what… who?" she shot out, immediately turning behind. "oh" she exclaimed and smiled seeing Alvar. "How long have you been standing there? Darling" she asked as she regained her composure. Her pleasant voice had a clear Nevarran accent.
"Long enough to know that you are too busy reading Chantry forbidden books to listen to what I have to say." Alvar replied.
"Then please forgive me, my husband, for finding literature more interesting than your battle reports." She teased playfully.
Alvar smiled and then wrapped his arms around her from behind and planted a kiss at her cheek. The side of his face was resting on her cheek. "Of course, darling. I wish I also had the luxury of that. But with father also leaving to Ostagar soon, I wonder how much time I will have for leisure."
"His lordship is leaving you in charge of Highever, isn't that what you wanted? Power and responsibilities?" asked his wife.
"Yes, I have always wanted more responsibilities and the power that comes along with it. But now, I do feel a little overwhelmed. But still, I am more than delighted at this chance to govern."
"You are not the only one educated in governance, my love. I will do my best to assist you in any way you will need"
Alvar kissed her cheek again "Of that, I have no doubt, dear wife"
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in" ordered Alvar.
A middle-aged man with grey hair entered. His name is Halig, he is the steward of the castle.
"Lord Alvar, Lady Sancia," he bowed. "The Teyrn requests your presence in the main hall," he said politely.
"Ah, have Arl Howe and his men arrived then?" Alvar asked him.
"The Arl is here, but we have not seen any of his men, My lord"
Alvar narrowed his eyes, contemplating something.
"His lordship has asked for both of us?" asked Sancia.
"Yes, my Lady"
"Then let's go, Halig. We are coming now" said Alvar and then the three of them walked out of the room. Alvar and Sancia walked side by side while Halig followed them.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Four men stood near the fireplace in the main hall. There were guards standing attentively in their posts and the servants standing some distance away from the four men. Two of those men were old and dressed in fine silks. The other two men were middle-aged and dressed in a distinct blue and silver armour. There were four more persons, with one of them being an elf dressed in similar armour. But they were younger and they stood a little distance away from the group.
A side door opened; Alvar, Sancia and Halig walked in.
"Ah, here they come" exclaimed one of the old men in fine robes.
"Greetings, father" said Alvar as he neared the group and lightly bowed his head.
"Greetings, sire" said Sancia and curtsied.
"Greetings, dear." said Teyrn Bryce Cousland. "We have some guests today" he continued turning towards the other members in the group.
Alvar and Sancia turned to the other old man standing beside them. "Good Evening, Arl Howe" they greeted the other man.
"Good Evening, my lord and my lady" Howe responded politely with a slight bowing of his head.
"Is your family here, Howe?" Sancia asked.
"Oh no, I have left them in Amaranthine, well away from the fighting in the South. They do send their well wishes though," answered Howe.
"We were told to expect your men also to be accompanying you, Howe. But I don't see any Amaranthine soldiers in the courtyard." Alvar stated.
"My men have been unfortunately delayed by poor weather on the way. They will be here soon. Perhaps if I had raised my fyrd* a little earlier…." Howe replied somewhat apologetically.
"The delay is nothing serious I hope," said Alvar.
"No, my lord. I expect them to be here by tomorrow at most," answered Howe.
"And that is when we shall leave to Ostagar," said Bryce "So from tomorrow you my son, will take charge of Highever until we return, …... or if the worst comes to pass"
Alvar understood what his father meant and he hoped that would not happen. But none can say for certain what happens in war. "I will do my best, father" he said proudly.
"That you will, my son," said his father. "There is also someone else you must meet" he continued and indicated his arm towards the other two men standing next to him. "This is Ser Duncan, the commander of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden. And this man with him is senior warden Ser Nelson,"
The two men bowed before Alvar and Sancia. Then Bryce turned to Duncan and indicating his arm towards Alvar and Sancia "This is my younger son, Lord Alvar. And this is my daughter-in-law, Lady Sancia." Alvar and Sancia offered their greetings.
"I have seen your son before, your lordship. I think it was in the tourney in the Free Marches some three years ago," said Duncan "But as for Lady Sancia, I have only heard of her. And she is as beautiful as I have heard people say."
"Lady Sancia here, is the daughter of Grand Duke Frederick Van Markham in Nevarra. She is also King Markus Pentaghast's niece from her mother's side," Bryce spoke with clear pride in his voice.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady" said Duncan as he turned towards Sancia.
"Thank you, Ser Duncan" replied Sancia with a smile.
"So, Duncan, what brings you all the way to Highever while the darkspawn are gathering in the south?" questioned Alvar.
"Duncan is looking for recruits before joining his fellow wardens at Ostagar." Bryce replied for him "He said he has his eyes on Ser Gilmore"
"If I may be so bold, your lordship" muttered Duncan "Lord Alvar would also make an excellent candidate"
The four nobles tensed.
"And I would remind you that this is my son we are talking about" said Bryce sternly.
Alvar did not like Duncan's suggestion at all. He knew that joining the grey wardens is for lifetime, once a person joins the grey wardens the said person never returns. And for some strange unknown reasons there is not a single known case of a warden dying of old age. Plus, most of the grey warden ranks are filled with former criminals, miscreants, thugs, disgraced former nobles and what not. This is hardly the place for a high nobleman like him, especially someone who also has a family. But of course, he cannot tell all this and insult his guest.
"Father," said Alvar softly "Let me handle this." He then turned to Duncan "Ser Duncan, I am honoured by your offer. But I have no wishes to join your order; for I have many more important duties in Highever, than join you in hunting darkspawn in the south," said Alvar with a diplomatic face.
"You heard him, Duncan. My son does not wish to join your order. And if you try to invoke the Right of Conscription, I will have to take matters into my own hands," Bryce said sternly.
"Have no fear, sire" Duncan said resignedly "Despite our urgent needs, we have no wish to make enmity with the nobility of the land."
"Then I would suggest you to remember that before making such brazen demands from your hosts," warned Bryce.
"Yes, your lordship." Duncan said with a slight bow.
Bryce then turned his face at his son and daughter-in-law and calmed down "Alvar, we must now discuss the events at Ostagar with Howe and Duncan. I believe we received a battle report from Fergus today morning."
"Yes, father. There is a lot to discuss"
"Good, now come with me and we shall now discuss the situation in my study," said Bryce and then turning towards Sancia "And Sancia, show Ser Nelson and the other wardens who have arrived with him to the guestrooms. Make sure they are fed and cared for. Show them our hospitality."
"Yes, sire. Come with me wardens" said Sancia. "Halig, come with me as well"
With that they all dispersed in the directions of their respective destinations.
xXxXxXxXxXx
"Here gentlemen, are the guestrooms. You shall have these rooms during your stay in the castle" said Sancia. "If you need anything, please reach out to our steward, Halig, here. . And, I shall take my leave, make yourselves comfortable here"
The wardens thanked her and they went into the room as Sancia and Halig left.
"Halig, where is the Teyrna Eleanor?" asked Sancia.
"She is the salon with Lady Landra and Lord Dairren the last time I saw her, my lady."
Lady Landra and Lord Dairren were wife and son respectively to Bann Loren, a vassal lord under Teyrn Cousland. Lady Landra was friends with Teyrna Eleanor, the wife of Bryce Cousland and mother to Fergus and Alvar. While Dairren was squired by the Teyrn Cousland himself. Landra and Dairren had arrived in Castle Cousland a few days earlier for a visit.
"Thank you, Halig. You may go now. I shall send for you when I need you again" Sancia dismissed Halig.
"Yes, my lady." with that Halig bowed and left.
Sancia then proceeded towards the salon to join the noble ladies in their gossip, only to be intercepted on the way by Ser Gilmore, the captain of the castle guards.
"Lady Sancia!" he called out as he walked hastily towards her. "My lady, I have been looking for Lord Alvar for some time. Can you tell me where I would find him, my lady?" he asked catching his breath.
"My husband is in council with the Teyrn, Arl Howe and the Grey Warden Commander," she replied. "And greetings to you too, Ser Gilmore" she added with a slightly snobbish tone.
"Pardon my manners, my lady" he bowed apologetically.
"Alright, now why are you looking for Lord Alvar?" asked Sancia.
"Mistral has gotten into the larder again, my lady. He is not allowing access to Nan or the servants," he replied.
"Oh Maker! Not again!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, my lady. And you know how stubborn the mabari are and would listen only to their masters. Which is why I am looking for Lord Alvar, but you say he is busy." Gilmore contemplated. "Although I think you could try talking to him, after all he does listen to you sometimes."
Sancia sighed, "lead on Gilmore. I will see what I can do." Saying that the two of them walked towards the kitchen.
"If I cannot get that roast in the larder, I will skin you two useless elves." Roared an old woman at the three elf servants in the larder.
"uh, Calm down, good woman. We are here to help" said Gilmore calmy.
Nan turned around to face the two newcomers. "You" she said pointing at Sancia "tell your husband that his dog is being far more trouble than he is worth. He must be put down!" she complained loudly.
"He is busy holding council with the Teyrn. We are here to see if we can help out," Sancia responded politely.
"Just get him out here" demanded Nan impatiently "I already have enough on my hands with feeding a castle full of hungry soldiers than to babysit a dog."
Had any other castle servant showed a similar attitude, she/he would have been whipped by now. But Nan was not just any servant, she was also nursemaid to Fergus and Alvar when they were children. Thus, Nan was well respected by the Cousland family and that allowed her a certain degree of freedom with her tongue. Without further talk, Sancia and Ser Gilmore entered the larder. A giant mabari hound was sniffing and prancing around. On seeing Sancia he wagged his tail and barked.
Sancia frowned "It seems he is trying to tell us something."
"Yes, my lady; I think… wait did you hear that?"
"Aiiieeeeeeeeeeeeee…." a feminine screech shot out across the castle from the larder. It was then followed by sounds of a sword slashing and a mabari growling. It was all over in a few minutes.
"Lady Sancia! My Lady! You can look now; they are all dead." Glimore spoke softly hoping to calm her.
Sancia slowly opened her eyes. She had moved to a corner and had both her palms on her chest. She then took a deep breath and calmed down. She looked around to see over a dozen giant rats lying dead in the floor. The mabari hound Mistral was as bloody as the sword in Ser Gilmore's hand. She looked at the door to see two soldiers standing in the doorway and gazing at her, both of them had their blades out.
"I … we heard a noise from this side, m…my lady. I…Is everything alright?" one of the guards stammered apologetically.
"I… yes, everything is fine, thank you," Sancia replied adjusting her dress and regaining her composure. "Now get back to your posts."
The guards left. Then Sancia, Ser Gilmore and Mistral came out.
"Ah, he is finally out. And I hope you are alright, girl" said Nan.
"Yes Nan, there were giant rats in the larder. Mistral helped in tracking and killing them," said Sancia. "And thank you, I am alright."
"Rats! Not those giant big ones I hope" an elf maid exclaimed in horror.
"They will tear you to shreds!" another elf servant panicked.
"Silent, you two!" demanded Sancia "They are dead now and will not harm your filthy hides. Now stop standing there aimlessly and clean up the storeroom."
The servants grumbled something under their breath and got to work. Ser Gilmore also left saying he had to prepare for the arrival of Arl Howe's men fyrd. Nan then turned to Sancia "Thank you for helping me out, my lady. Now I can get prepare the dinner in peace."
"You are welcome, Nan. And I shall take my leave now" saying this, Sancia also left the larder and made for the salon, with Mistral following her.
The salon was a big room, well-furnished and decorated elaborately with tapestries and paintings. There were some luxurious sofas and chairs. There are three women, two older and one younger; and one young man. They were all seated, there is also a small boy sitting near the younger woman. There also stood three servants, all elves waiting on them.
Sancia and Mistral entered the salon and walked towards the seats. As soon as the little boy saw them, he shouted excitedly "Mama, look, Mistral is here. Can I go play with him?"
"Sure, Oren, go to the garden with him" instructed Oriana lovingly.
"Hello Auntie Sancia!" Oren squealed as he darted with Mistral towards the door and vanished with the dog.
"And here is my lovely daughter-in-law, come sit next to me dear," said Eleanor who was sitting in a sofa.
"Good Evening, your ladyship" Sancia greeted politely and sat next to her mother-in-law.
"Seeing Mistral coming with you, I suppose the situation in the kitchen is handled" said Eleanor.
"Yes, my lady. There were giant rats in the larder. But now they are gone and Nan is busy preparing the dinner"
"Giant rats? Hmm, now that explains your screaming earlier," smiled Eleanor.
Sancia blushed demurely.
"Don't worry about that, my dear. Look Lady Landra and Dairren are also here," said Eleanor.
The Lady Landra and her son Dairren had arrived only two days ago. But Alvar and Sancia only greeted them and neither she nor Alvar had gotten any time to talk, for which, Sancia was greatly pleased.
"Ah, we met at the last spring salon. Didn't we?" asked Landra.
"Yes, Lady Landra. It is a pleasure to meet you again," Sancia spoke while maintaining a fake smile.
"You are very kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend most of the time in the salon harassing you about matching your sisters with my own two sons?" laughed Landra.
"And, you got drunk and shamelessly flirted with her husband. In front of everyone," Dairren added shaking his head in embarrassment.
"And here my sons Dairren and Aedan are still unmarried. Just hoping you will remember when you visit your family in Nevarra next time," said Landra and laughed.
'Can't even hold your liquor, and you dream of having Van Markham ladies as your daughters-in-law' Sancia thought.
"Please don't mind her, my lady. She has probably had too much ale again," said Dairren with some embarrassment in his tone.
'Right, she is definitely drunk' thought Sancia. "Yes, Lady Landra, I will remember to talk to my father and sisters about this, when I see them next." Sancia replied politely.
'Marry my sisters to your brainless dullards of sons and have them suffer you for a mother-in-law? Not a chance' thought Sancia. Sancia did not like Lady Landra or any of her family. Lady Landra had made such a horrible impression on her in the last year's spring salon that she had almost considered hiring assassins. As for Bann Loren and his two sons Dairren and Aedan, Sancia felt, even watching moss growing on trees was far more entertaining than having a conversation with any of them. But this family are vassals to her House Cousland and Lady Landra is a friend of her mother-in-law; and for those purposes alone she will tolerate them. Which she did quite well, as Sancia was well-trained in conversations and diplomacy. How to walk like a high-born lady, how to curtsey and be polite, how to always keep a smile while talking etc. were "skills" taught to her since she started walking.
xXxXxXxXxXx
Night fell over Castle Cousland. The Cousland family and their guests are having dinner in the castle's dining hall. There were two large tables in the dining hall. In one of the tables, the Cousland family and their nobility guests sat, while in the other table the lesser nobility like knights etc. and the grey wardens sat. Teyrn Bryce Cousland sat at the head of the main table. Sitting across him, to his right side as Alvar, after him was Sancia, after Sancia sat Oriana and Oren. Across Bryce's left sat his own wife Teyrna Eleanor, after her sat Lady Landra and Dairren. Rendon Howe had excused himself, saying he preferred to eat alone in his room which was not surprising as the man was not one known for his social skills.
Alvar was silently picking on his food with his knife and fork. His mind was full of various thoughts.
"What are you thinking so deeply, husband?" asked Sancia softly.
"What? I…" stammered the startled Alvar "Nothing" he muttered in a very unconvincing manner.
"Darling, I have been observing you. Ever since you the council you had with his lordship today, you have been in deep thought. Please tell me what is bothering you" she requested.
"Well, I am having many thoughts, dear wife. Fergus said that there are around twenty-five thousand soldiers in Ostagar, in which the Highever fyrd makes up almost ten-thousand of them." Alvar spoke softly "Our entire fyrd is in Ostagar leaving Highever virtually undefended. Father says I must be ready to take leadership if the worst comes to pass, and the only fighting men we have are a few hundreds in the castle garrison, around a thousand numbering city guard and the town militia, who will be rallied only in case of dire emergency. So, I fear I won't be able to do much if anything happens."
"Alvar, it has been almost thirteen days since Fergus left with our entire fyrd. We have not faced any situations since then. The people are having enough food and the taxes are also fair. Even the countryside has not seen any bandit raids for months. You are worrying needlessly," said Sancia trying to calm him.
Alvar was somewhat soothed by her words "hmm, you are right. Now there is one more thing bothering me. The other nobles namely Arl Bryland, Arl Wulff, Arl Kendalls have sent only token forces; Even Arl Eamon, the staunchest supporter of House Theirin is yet to send any men. But we have sent our entire fyrd, I wonder if we should have also sent a token force as well."
"No, we did the right thing by raising and sending our entire fyrd," answered Bryce.
Alvar and Sancia were flustered on realising that their discussion wasn't as private as they thought it to be.
"When the king has commanded, not sending enough men will be a distinctly bad idea. Especially, after what happened five years ago…" He trailed softly.
"Yes father, it makes sense now" replied Alvar. He understood now why his father sent all their men and insists on going himself. 'Our family has lost some goodwill in front of Cailan and the Theirin loyalist nobles after what we did five years ago. So, now father is trying to rectify that like this. It does makes sense. But still…' He thought.
As if his father just read his mind he spoke "Don't worry about anything, son. You and Sancia will govern Highever well in our absence. I have full faith in you both."
"Our absence?" asked Alvar.
"Yes, I have told you before have I not?" answered Eleanor "I will be travelling with Landra to her estate in few days and keep her company for some time."
"Oh, right. You did tell me about that, it must have slipped from my mind," said Alvar "so you will also be gone from here. Great!" he added sarcastically.
Sancia put her spoon on her plate and placed her arm assuringly on Alvar's hand "Darling, I will be here with you. And as I have said before, I will help you in any way you require."
"As will I" added Oriana "I will offer any help, if you need"
"Yes, if he needs any help from you, he will ask for it." Eleanor countered Oriana coldly.
"Yes, your ladyship" Oriana said timidly with a slightly bent head.
Bryce put his hand on Alvar's "Listen, my son, I will tell you this, you are our cherished son and I have ensured that you have the best possible education and training. You also have Sancia, who is equally well educated and trained in running the estate. We have full faith that should the worst happen, the two of you will successfully continue the Cousland line." He reassured his son.
Alvar relaxed, most of his fears were put to rest, for now at least.
"So?" Alvar brightened "do you remember what Angus did during that last banquet in South Reach?"
And so, the family gossiped and laughed as they proceeded with their dinner. After finishing their dinner, all of them retired to their respective bed chambers. All of them except for Bryce Cousland.
Bryce had gone to Howe's room. He had thought of catching up with his old friend and having some wine together as former comrades in arms.
fyrd is an Anglo-Saxon militia before 1066AD. It is basically an army mobilised from freemen to defend their settlements or to join a royal expedition. I learnt this word from "The Last Kingdom" TV series (I am a fan of this series). Ferelden has many similarities with Anglo-Saxon England, plus I also like the word 'fyrd' so I decided to use it in my story.
In game, Fergus leaves with the Highever forces just hours before Howe attacks. Considering the slow marching speed of a medieval army it is doubtful that Fergus would have reached far or that no one in his army sees the burning castle behind them. There are even chances that they would have come across Howe's men who are on their way to Highever. This is why I have Fergus leaving for Ostagar many days before the attack. Also Eleanor's cold attitude towards Oriana will be explained in the future chapters.
So, here is the first chapter, it became longer than I had originally planned. I wanted to fit the entire prologue in this chapter which is why it is so long, hopefully the next chapters will not be this long.
Regarding updates, I am working five days in week and I also have to study for my exams. Weekends are the only free-time I get, I will try to update around one chapter per week. But it depends on how much time I have, so I cannot guarantee this. As I have said before, this is my first ever fanfiction, please rate and review. I will try to read all the reviews; constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome, but please be polite with them.
Regards,
Volonius