AN: Hi guys! Here's chapter 2! I wanted to mention that some of the conversations will be familiar (they are from the game after all). While I don't want to create a carbon copy of the game, I felt some lines were either too good or necessary to the story to omit. I did tweak a lot of the dialogue and added some of my own, but bear with me. The story diverges soon! Also, I do not own Dragon Age. Enjoy!

Chapter 2

5 Years Later

Guin sat atop a hill outside the castle. The sky was a brilliant blue, not a single cloud to be seen. Blue birds chirped and danced around each other, zooming across the sky. She could see for miles from this spot and always enjoyed coming here to draw. She'd been drawing since she was a young child and it was one of the only things she'd kept up with from her 'noble's daughter' training. Drawing was one of the only pastimes – other than training – that allowed her to think clearly.

She was not, however, drawing the scene in front of her. The image on her parchment was one from her imagination. It portrayed a woman fighting a dragon on a snowy mountaintop. She was dressed in shining armor with a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other and a bow and arrows attached to her back. Her dark hair hung loose around her head and ended at her shoulders. The dragon had its maw wide open and was spewing white hot flames at the woman. Guin didn't know who the woman was as she was facing the dragon, not her viewers. She also couldn't imagine why a warrior would not tie their hair back. Guin had her own long dark hair pulled back in a braid that went down to her mid back.

In the last year or so, Guin had been getting these vivid scenes stuck in her head. The only way to get them out was to put them on the paper. She didn't understand them at all, but her brother and nephew, Oren, thought they were amazing and always asked where the inspiration came from.

"Lady Cousland?"

Guin jumped at the sudden interruption, her graphite stick streaking across the page in her surprise. After she saw that her drawing was indeed ruined, she turned and glanced at the house keeper in annoyance. "Yes, Nan?" she growled back, putting her graphite stick down slowly. Ares – who had been sitting by her the whole afternoon – yawned and stretched in the grass, his light brown fur shining in the sunlight, before padding over to Nan, a smile on his face. Nan frowned down at Ares in response, as if being near the animal might cause some ungodly disaster to occur.

"Your father would like to see you in the main hall," the house keeper stated. Guin sighed, stood, and packed up her drawing supplies. This was probably about him and Fergus leaving for Ostagar. Apparently, King Cailan had called for aid against a darkspawn horde a few days ago. Bryce was waiting for Arl Howe's men to arrive so the Highever force could march with them.

"I'll be down as soon as possible, Nan, thank you," Guin replied and set about putting her armor back on. She hated wearing it while she drew. It limited her movements and was uncomfortable to sit in for more than an hour. In a few minutes, she was ready to see her father and started walking toward the castle. Ares made to follow her to the main hall but Guin shook her head. "No boy, this is probably going to be really boring for you. Why don't you find somewhere to play or wait until I come out?" Ares huffed at her but nodded and trotted off in the direction of the kitchens. Guin sighed, she'd be hearing about this later from Nan for sure. Now that she stood outside the door to the main hall, she could hear her father and Arl Howe talking inside.

"I apologize, my lord, the delay is entirely my fault," Howe was saying. The Amaranthine army was delayed? Guin wondered as she put her ear closer to the doors. Ok, sure, listening at the door was a completely immature way to gain information, but she would never know what was going on if she didn't sneak around and eavesdrop occasionally.

"It is not your fault, my friend. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has everyone scrambling. I only received Cailan's orders two days ago, myself. I'll send my eldest off with some of my men ahead of us. You and I will ride tomorrow, just like the old days," Bryce replied.

"Except we had much less gray in our hair back then, not to mention that we fought Orlesians instead of… monsters," Howe stated.

Bryce laughed, "at least the smell will be the same!" It seems like they're no longer talking business. Guin sighed as she opened the door. Immediately, her father turned to her, his smile widening.

"I'm sorry pup, I didn't see you there," Bryce said in greeting before turning back to Howe, "Howe, you remember my daughter?"

The Arl nodded and smiled as he looked her up and down, "it seems she has become a lovely young woman. I'm pleased to see you again, my dear."

Guin bowed her head to him, "Likewise, Arl Howe. How is your family? Are they here with you?"

"Regretfully, no. Thomas wanted to accompany me but he has duties he must see to and Nathaniel is abroad right now. Maybe next time I'll bring Thomas along," Howe answered.

"It would be nice to spar with him again. He's the only person willing to spar with me that uses dual weapons. I was hoping he may have some new moves to show me," Guin replied. Arl Howe raised his eyebrow, as if what she said was some sort of innuendo. Bryce and Howe exchanged significant glances, like they suspected something more than friendship had developed between Guin and Thomas. Guin hadn't seen Thomas for a few years and their friendship, while sweet, was short. It wasn't something she could build anything on, even if she was interested in him. She frowned at Howe and her father, "I'm not looking for an arranged marriage if that's what you two are thinking."

Howe raised his eyebrows and folded his arms. "Perhaps if I brought Nathaniel around? Maybe he'll interest you if not Thomas."

"What, are you trying to get them out of the house or something? I'm not hoping to be some kind of entertainment on top of being in an arranged marriage," Guin replied coolly.

Bryce laughed, "I don't think she'll be very receptive Howe. My fierce girl has a mind of her own these days. Maker bless her heart."

Howe chuckled humorlessly, "That's probably because you trained her to fight. How… unique." Guin scowled at the Arl. She absolutely hated it when people underestimated her.

"At any rate, Pup, I summoned you for a reason. Fergus and I will be leaving soon, and while we're gone I'm leaving you in charge of the castle," Bryce's voice went from good-natured to serious in the blink of an eye. It always surprised her how quickly the change occurred.

"I'm not going with you? But Papa, I can help!" Guin protested.

"I'm sure you'd more than prove yourself in battle, Pup, but I can't let you go. I'm really not willing to deal with your mother if I allow you to come. She'd kill me. Besides, she's already twisted up in knots about Fergus and me going. Do we really want to make her more upset?" Bryce asked, shuddering as he thought about just how much of a rampage Eleanor would go on if Guin managed to go to war as well.

Guin sighed and conceded. As much as standing by and overlooking the castle grated on her nerves, she knew her mother would burn down the kingdom in search of her wayward family. And once she found them, unspeakable atrocities would ensue.

Bryce smiled down at her and put a hand to her cheek. "What I'm asking of you is a huge responsibility, Pup. You know that old saying about mice when the cat is away? You're going to be trying to keep the peace when the soldiers are gone. It's much harder than it sounds."

"I believe you," Guin replied, frowning at the thought of the rough weeks ahead. She had learned a great deal about governing from both of her parents, but being put in charge without any help was going to be very difficult.

"Good. Also, I have someone you should meet," her father stated and turned to a guard by the door. "Please, show Duncan in," he called to the guard, who nodded and turned to open the door.

The man that walked in behind the guard was tall and tan-skinned. He had long dark hair that was pulled back into a low ponytail, exposing a gleaming gold earring in his right ear. A dark-haired goatee surrounded a small smile. His sliver armor was polished, the spiraling design gleaming, and the blades attached to his back flashed in the candle light. His gait was long and powerful, that of a highly-experienced warrior. Guin couldn't watch him without being a little mesmerized.

"It is an honor to be within your hall, Teyrn Cousland," the man said in greeting. His voice was deep and soothing, immediately erasing the angry thoughts Guin still had directed at Howe.

"It is an honor to have you here, Duncan," Bryce replied, smiling broadly and hand landing on Guin's shoulder. "This is my daughter, Guinevere. She will be watching over the castle in my and Fergus's absence." Duncan was able to give her a respectful nod, but was cut off some giving her a greeting by a shocked Arl Howe.

"Ah, your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present!" Howe sputtered, seemingly alarmed. Guin studied the Arl to her right carefully. What has he to be worried about? Unsurprisingly, those negative thoughts she had about Howe started to return.

"He arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" Bryce queried, tilting his head slightly to side in question.

"Of course not," the Arl recovered, "but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am… at a disadvantage…"

"And what, pray tell, would that disadvantage be?" Guin quickly asked. Bryce looked at her briefly in surprise and admonition but she ignored him. Something about the appearance of this Duncan had unsettled Howe.

He faltered once again before replying with a large frown on his face, "I just wish that I had been more prepared."

"We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that's true. Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?" Bryce asked turning back to his daughter. Guin nodded, eyes slightly wide as she glanced back at the only Grey Warden in the room.

"The Grey Wardens are an order of elite warriors that defend the lands against the Blight," she responded dutifully to her father before glancing curiously again at Duncan. "If you're here while the darkspawn are rising, you must be looking for recruits."

"Yes, my lady," Duncan replied and was unable to say more as Bryce asked a question.

"Yes, how is your recruiting going? Did you like Ser Gilmore?"

Duncan nodded once, eyes shifting quickly to Guin and back again. "Actually, if I may be so bold, I think your daughter would make a promising recruit."

Bryce frowned deeply and stepped between Duncan and Guin, who was frozen in surprise. "Honor though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about," he growled.

"But… I rather like the idea Papa," Guin said, taking a step toward her father.

The Teyrn looked over his shoulder at her, expression softening. "I have not so many children that I'll gladly see them off to battle," he retorted before turning back to Duncan, a challenge in his eyes, "unless you wish to invoke the Right of Conscription?"

"Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I will not force the issue," Duncan replied graciously, backing down from the issue as he had said. Bryce accepted this and stepped back to the dais where the Teyrn's and Teyrna's thrones sat and turned back to his daughter. Guin, however, frowned. If she were to become a Grey Warden, she'd be able to fight alongside her father and brother.

"Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?" her father asked.

Guin sighed and nodded as she said, "yes Papa."

Bryce smiled warmly at her. "That's my dear girl. In the meantime, however, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."

"I… Of course, Papa," she answered. Turning to Howe, she nodded as she said, "I wish you and your men luck, Arl Howe."

He sputtered in surprise as he retorted, "I, thank you… it is most unnecessary, however."

With that, Guin nodded once to Duncan and turned and left the way she came. Once out in the corridor, she sighed. That did not go quite the way she wanted it. She didn't know when next she'd get a chance to prove she was more than just some pretty face and a title. Grumbling quietly to herself, she headed down the corridor and made to turn right, heading upstairs, when she almost ran right into a red-headed, well-built knight.

"My Lady!" He said in surprise as they both stopped just short of running bodily into each other.

"Ser Gilmore!" Guin exclaimed upon seeing his face. Ser Gilmore was a few years older than she was but he'd been around the Couslands his entire life. His father before him was a guard here at the castle so Gilmore went through combat training at a young age. Guin and he had practically grown up together, and were very close. He was the last of four people at Castle Cousland that didn't doubt her fighting abilities. "What… what are you-?"

"I was looking for you actually. Your mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you and I didn't want to interrupt," Gilmore replied. Guin raised her eyebrows at him and he blushed slightly. "Ha! Pardon my abruptness, my lady. It's simply that I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Ok, why is it that you were looking everywhere for me?" Guin asked, cocking her head to the side.

"I fear your hound has the kitchen in an uproar again…" Gilmore answered, frowning. Guin sighed. She knew when she told Ares to go play that he'd go directly to the damn kitchens and mess with Nan.

"Did he get into the larder again?" she sighed in exasperation.

"Yes, my lady. Nan is… well she's threatening to leave," the knight stated.

Guin rolled her eyes in reply. "She's always saying that, Gilmore. Besides, she was my nanny long before she was the cook, she won't leave."

Gilmore sighed and shrugged, "Your mother insists you collect him, and quickly. You know mabari hounds. They don't listen to anyone but their masters, and everyone else will get a hand bitten off."

"Ares knows not to do that," Guin retorted. "Besides, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't like the taste of human flesh."

Gilmore lifted his hands, "I'm not really willing to test that. I quite like my hands, thank you."

Guin smiled as she nodded her head, "Alright then, duty calls I guess." And with that, she and Gilmore headed off to the kitchens. The closer they got, the louder the screams and yells from the kitchen became. Oh, Ares has really outdone himself this time. She'd never heard screams and yells quite like these before. This was a whole new level of chaos. Guin groaned as she opened the door and stepped inside.

The kitchen was an absolute mess. Pots were upturned, sauces were splattered across the walls, and various parts of food were scattered across the surfaces. When Nan heard the door opening, she spun around, her eyes crazed. "Your bloody hound is ruining my larder!" she screeched, her elven workers shying away in fear. She had a spoon in her hand that she waved around frantically, more sauce splattering the walls.

"Look, I'm really sorry Nan, I've told him repeatedly not to— "

"JUST GET THE BLOODY DOG OUT OF MY LARDER!"

Without letting herself be surprised at her tone, Guin immediately did as she was told and headed to the larder. Ares was barking up a storm on the other side of the door. When she opened to wooden door, Ares spun around to see her, barking at her all the while, then spun back around and growled. She stepped into the larder, Gilmore right behind her, eyeing her dog in confusion.

"Ares? What's going on boy, what have you found?" she asked and the mabari turned its head at her and barked then turned back and growled once again.

Suddenly, five giant rats exploded through a hole in the corner of the floor. Instantly, Ares sprang into action, scooping up one of the rats and crushing it in his maw. Guin was right behind him and pulled out her sword and dagger, slicing and dicing any rat that came her way. Gilmore had whipped out his sword and shield, beheading the beasts that launched at him. After the first five were dead, more spilled out. Guin growled and continued to stab and slash until the only thing left of the rats were their bleeding corpses.

"What the hell are giant ass rats doing in the larder?!" Guin growled, sheathing her blades. She'd have to clean them once she got back to her room later in the evening.

Gilmore took a breath, "We probably shouldn't tell Nan. It would upset her."

"If she doesn't know about it, more will come. She needs to know Ser Gilmore," she said tiredly and stalked out of the larder to where Nan and her two elven helpers stood.

"You get the dog out?" Nan demanded and as if on cue, Ares trotted out with a rat corpse in his mouth. Nan spluttered and took several steps back, almost landing her in the fire place.

"You really should be thanking Ares for finding the problem as quickly as he did," Guin stated, putting her hand on Ares' head, who grunted in pride. "Anyway, there is a real nasty mess in the larder that needs to be cleaned up. Someone should get on that." And with that, Guin and Ares left the kitchen followed by Gilmore as he apologized to Nan.

"Oh! Lady Cousland, might I have another word?" Gilmore asked, catching up to her. Guin nodded as she turned to him, blue eyes questioning. "I heard there was a Grey Warden here. Is that true?"

"Yes, his name is Duncan. Why?" Guin inquired.

"Well… was he asking about me?"

"Yeah he was. I think he's hoping to test you to see if you're worthy of becoming a Grey Warden," she replied.

A smile broke out on the knight's face as he exclaimed, "Really? I… I can't believe it! To be a Grey Warden… it's a dream come true!" Guin smiled at him, trying her damndest to hold in her giggles. She'd never actually seen this stoic knight get so emotional before. He seemed to notice her expression and cleared his throat. "Sorry, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. Might not even happen, right?" Gilmore asked and looked at the ground, his eyes distant as if in thought.

"You sell yourself short, Gilmore. You're an excellent warrior and the Grey Wardens would be lucky to have you," Guin reassured. After all, he was one of her sparring partners so she'd know exactly how capable he was with a sword and shield. Gilmore smiled warmly at her for the compliment, but before he could thank her, she said, "Well, I'll have to leave you. My father has asked me to find my brother and speak to him. Good luck with Duncan, Gilmore." She smiled at the knight she'd known for nearly her whole life. He bowed slightly to her and muttered a thank you before they parted ways.

As Guin rounded the corner that would lead her to the Cousland's living quarters, she ran right into her mother, who was socializing with some visitors to the castle; a woman who looked about her mother's age, a young man and a young elven woman, near her own age. As she approached – albeit much more cautiously than before – her mother turned to her.

"Ah there is my dear daughter," Eleanor began, turning to Guin and giving her a warm smile, until she laid eyes on Ares. "Well, I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchens was handled?"

Ares whined at Eleanor, not liking being thought of as 'troublesome.' Guin sighed and pat her loyal dog on the head before looking back at her mother, "actually mama, Ares was defending the larder from an invasion of rats. You should be thanking him." She had to try very hard to keep a smirk off her face when the young man's eyes nearly popped out of his head and a disgusted frown appeared on the older woman's face.

Eleanor sighed at her daughter's tact. "Well, I hope that dinner will be edible…" she muttered, looking away from her guests.

"Don't worry mama, the rats only showed themselves once Ser Gilmore and I arrived. They didn't do any damage to the food in there so dinner should be fine. And Nan wouldn't put contaminated food on our dinner table," Guin stated with a cheery smile. Her mother rolled her eyes at her daughter, knowing full well the smile was for show.

"Guin, you remember my dear friend, Lady Landra, the wife of Bann Loren?" Eleanor asked, deftly switching topics. Guin slightly raised her eyebrow at her before turning to address the woman next to her mother.

"I believe we've met once before…" Guin said, trying to place her.

"We last met at your mother's spring salon," Lady Landra offered.

"Of course, it's good to see you again, my Lady," Guin smiled in recognition and nodded. She figured it would be in poor taste to recall out loud just how drunk Landra had been that evening. She'd already embarrassed her mother enough for one day.

Landra laughed, "you are too kind, dear girl. I seem to remember spending the entire night trying to convince you to marry my son." When she said 'son,' she indicated the young man standing between her and Guin. The youngest Cousland swiftly glanced at him and blushed slightly. This was really awkward.

"And made a very poor case of it, I might add," the man stated. Wow, and now an awkward situation just got more awkward.

"You remember my son, Dairren? He's not married yet, either," Landra suggested with a hint of a smirk. Guin inwardly groaned. She was quite tired of arranged marriage offers. She'd already had three in the past hour… that might just be a new record.

"Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever," Dairren said, bowing his head slightly.

"Uh… thank you," Guin replied, cheeks pinking just slightly again. Now she wanted nothing more than to get away and find her brother.

"This is my lady-in-waiting, Iona," Landra said indicating the young elven woman standing behind Dairren. Iona only nodded slightly but said nothing, looking like a trapped animal. Landra, clearly exasperated, demanded, "Do say something dear!"

Iona glanced apologetically at Lady Landra and then looked back at Guin. "It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes."

"And she says that after seeing you whacking away at stuffed men in the courtyard, sweating like a mule," her mother stated, chidingly. Guin gave her mother a pointed look. Eleanor just had to get her dig in.

Guin had been training in the courtyard before she'd gone out to draw. That's why she had been wearing her light silverite armor while she sketched. Normally, she wouldn't go out in her armor to sit atop that hill and draw. Usually, she either wore a dress or the comfortable clothes she wore under her armor.

"Your daughter's prowess with the blade is most impressive," Dairren defended.

Guin flashed a smile at him. Compliments on her beauty made her shy, but compliments about her fighting skills? Bring them on. "Why thank you very much Dairren," she practically purred, causing Dairren to flush slightly. Yes, that's right mother, I'm a fighter whether you like it or not.

Eleanor smirked at her daughter, "I was quite the battle maiden myself, in my day. But I think it was the softer arts that helped me to land a husband."

Guin sighed. Well played, mama. It was probably best to step out of the conversation as soon as possible. "Papa has asked me to find Fergus. May I go now?"

"Yes, Guin. We wouldn't want you to keep your father or your brother waiting, right?" Eleanor replied with a small, knowing smile.

"I think I perhaps shall rest now. I will see you all at supper?" Lady Landra stated. Eleanor and Dairren nodded and she excused herself.

"Perhaps we will retire to the study for now," Dairren offered, addressing Iona. She nodded and they turned to leave after bidding Eleanor and Guin a good day.

"Well Guin, you've effectively driven off another suitor," the Teyrna remarked, turning to her daughter.

Guin frowned. "Mama, we've had this conversation. You know how I feel about arranged marriages…"

"Yes, yes, you'll only marry for love. What, do you think Bryce and I don't love each other? How do you think we met?" Eleanor asked. Guin scowled and looked away from her mother. Eleanor huffed, "Bryce courted me, like many men try to court you. That's how it works!"

Guin looked back up at her mother, a challenge in her eyes. "Mama... You'll know when I'm ready for marriage."

"Well, I just hope you get married and have children before I die. I'd like to meet your babies one day you know," Eleanor stated, eyes going soft and smiling as she put her hand to her daughter's cheek. "Now, go talk to your brother."

Guin nodded, "Yes, mama."

With that, Eleanor nodded and left to join Bryce in the main hall so Guin was free to continue looking for Fergus. She headed to his room in the living quarters and knocked once upon arrival. When she heard a 'come in' she turned the knob and stepped inside.

Immediately, her four-year-old nephew bounded up to her, waving a wooden sword Fergus had made for him for his birthday, and exclaimed, "Auntie Guin! Papa says he'll bring me back a real sward!"

"I'm sure it will be the best sword ever made, Oren," Guin cooed as she knelt and hugged the little boy.

"Here's my little sister to see me off!" Fergus exclaimed. Guin stood and smiled at her brother. Beside him, his wife, Oriana, looked as if she had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy, full cheeks a ruddy pink. Fergus looked back at his wife and beckoned her to him, "come my love, dry your eyes. I'll be back home before you know it."

"You sound awfully confident, brother," Guin said, chidingly. Fergus chuckled at her.

"From what I hear, the battles with the darkspawn have all gone very well. These upcoming battles that I'll be a part of should be no different," he replied.

Guin sighed. Her brother was still the energetic, excited puppy he'd always been. "Just… don't lower your guard alright?"

Fergus grew serious and he put a hand on her shoulder. "Of course, dear sister. I will not let you down."

"That's good to know. Did you by any chance know there was a Grey Warden in the castle?" Guin asked. Fergus and Oriana both raised their eyebrows in surprise. Oren, however, gasped in excitement.

"Did he ride in on a Griffon?!" the child exclaimed. Guin and Fergus both laughed slightly as Oriana said, "my dear Griffons are only in the legends."

"He did have a griffon on his shield, Oren. So, you can say that he came with one," Guin reasoned, smiling brightly at her nephew, who jumped around in excitement. He was so much like Fergus. Guin sighed sadly as she looked once more at her older brother. "You will be greatly missed, Fergus. I wish I could go with you."

"I wish you could come as well, dear sister. You'd be a great help. And if it's any consolation, I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain while you are here nice and warm," Fergus chuckled. Oriana rolled her eyes at her husband but an amused smile stayed on her lips.

"That still doesn't change the fact that I could do more help in Ostagar with you and father than here at home," Guin mumbled, frowning.

"In Antiva, it was unthinkable if a woman fought," Oriana commented. Guin had to hold back her glare. There was a reason she didn't ever want to go to Antiva.

"But my love, I thought Antivan women were dangerous!" Fergus exclaimed.

Oriana smirked at her husband, and raised a playful blond eyebrow. "Only with kindness and poison, my husband."

Fergus's eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up, a large smile on his face as he turned back to his sister. "And this from the woman who serves my tea!" They shared a laugh.

"Fergus, I should probably tell you this now. I'm sure you're aware that Howe's men have been delayed?" she asked and her brother nodded. "Well, Papa wanted me to tell you to go ahead and leave for Ostagar without him. He wants to ride with Howe and his men when they arrive tomorrow."

"You'd think those soldiers are walking backwards," Fergus muttered with a sigh. He looked at his wife and son and smiled at them. "I guess I'd better get on my way then. So many darkspawn to kill and so little time!" he laughed. Oriana gave him a stern look, eyes sad. He knelt to his son's level and brought the boy into his arms. "I'll miss you, son." He stood up once more and turned fully to his wife, whose sad eyes now held unshed tears once again.

"My love…" Oriana said and embraced her husband.

Guin couldn't hear the words exchanged between the two and honestly didn't want to know. Instead she knelt next to Oren, Ares moving up beside her and sniffing the boy. Oren laughed and put a small hand on the dog's massive head. Ares made a contented noise similar to a hum and licked Oren's happy face.

"Ares won't be going away like Papa, will he?" Oren asked.

Guin smiled at the boy, mussing up his hair. "No, Ares stays with me. He wouldn't know what to do with himself if I wasn't around," she said and Ares smiled and nuzzled her.

"I love you my dear," Fergus said as he pulled away from his wife. "I'll be back before you know it."

"I know my only son wasn't thinking about leaving without telling his parents farewell?" called her father as he entered the chamber.

Fergus turned to them and smiled, "Mother, Father, I was just about to come looking for you."

"Be well, my son. I will pray for your safe return every day you are gone," Eleanor said sadly.

"He will be fine, right Fergus?" Guin asked.

"Of course, like I said, we'll be back here before you know it! But Guin, you'll look after mother while we're gone?" Fergus inquired.

Guin eyed Eleanor, smiling slightly, "she's always been able to handle herself. "

Fergus laughed, looking back at Eleanor, "It's true! They should be sending you to Ostagar, not me! You'd scold those darkspawn all the way back into the Deep Roads!"

Eleanor frowned at the two of them, ever the disciplinarian. "I'm glad you find this so funny."

"Enough you two," Bryce chuckled. "Pup, you might want to have an early night. You'll have plenty to do tomorrow when I leave."

"I wasn't really very hungry anyway," Guin sighed. She wanted to forget about her duties while Fergus and Bryce were gone. But the castle needed to be run and Bryce trusted her to do it in his absence. "Good night everyone. Fergus, you and Papa better come back safe." She demanded as she hugged him. Fergus smiled at her, obviously not truly taking the threat seriously. Guin turned to her father and hugged him goodbye before nodding goodnight to the rest of her family.

"Hey Guin!" Fergus called as she crossed the hall. Guin turned and looked at him questioningly before he jibed, "don't burn the castle down while I'm gone!" She glared at him in response and stuck her tongue out before stomping to her room and shutting the door much louder than necessary. Ares was just barely able to slip into her bedroom before the door shut. He looked up at her a little annoyed.

"Sorry, Ares," Guin sighed as she unbuckled her armor. One of the servants had set up a basin full of rose water in the corner of her room and Guin gladly gave herself a sponge bath. She hated going to sleep feeling grimy and sweaty.

After her sponge bath, Guin donned a light-weight night gown that reached her ankles. Summer was just setting in, so Highever felt a little hot and humid – thanks to being so close to the ocean. Her room was on the east side of castle, so it was wonderfully cool in the summer, but a little too cold in the winter.

The sun was just starting to descend in the sky, dusk turning the sky pink and purple and orange. In the distance, she heard the horns of the Highever army disembarking. It would normally take several days to get to Ostagar. The plan was to march through the night and continue into the next day. They'd be almost halfway to the ancient ruin by noon tomorrow. It would be lonely for many in Highever with their soldiers gone and Guin hoped it wouldn't be a long absence.

As she settled herself under the covers, Ares curled up on the rug at foot of her bed, head facing the door. He was always protective of her, and it gave her the peace to easily fall asleep.