Quickly walking away from the men in hopes of not getting knocked down again, Ana hightails it back towards the royal tents. She stops a few feet away, looking between them as she tries to determine which is which given that both tents bear the King's insignia. Taking notice of her, one of the guard's near the flaps of the tent nearest the way she came in eyes her suspiciously. "Can I help you?" he asks her gruffly.

Turning to face him, she raises her chin. "Is this the General's tent?" She asks, motioning to the tent behind him.

"That depends." He says, crossing his arms over his chest. He leers at her "What business do you have with the Teyrn?"

"That is private information." Ana sneers. "I have some matters to discuss with him. Can you please go fetch him?"

"I'm not some hound you can tell to do things." He snorts. "Besides, he's busy."

"I still would like an audience with him. It's important."

He eyes her warily as though just her presence annoys him. "You have a message or something for him?"

"I do." She nods. "Now may I?"

With a heavy sigh, his arms drop down to his sides. "Very well. One moment." He disappears through the flaps as Ana glances around anxiously. Finally, after a few minutes, the man returns and holds the flap open and motions for her to go. "Go on in. He's waiting."

Ducking inside, she walks through to where the it opens up to a larger area. A sturdy cot and various other amenities line one side of the massive area while the other holds an armor stand, a desk piled with various pieces of parchments and scrolls, no doubt scout reports and the like. Off the center of the room, a large man in bulky plate armor stands hunched over a large map stretched out over a big war table. "What is it?" The man grunts, not looking up. "The King is getting impatient and we need—"

"You're Teyrn Loghain, correct?" Ana cuts him off. She remembers something from her lessons about the Teyrn and how he and Maric fought the Orlesians but everything she had heard about him seemed off. By the way Aldous spoke of Loghain, she imagined somebody like Duncan who rugged looking but still had a kind gaze and friendly manner about him. The man before her seemed rugged alright but she didn't expect the icy blue stare that looked up at her, or rather through her. This was clearly a man who took no nonsense and definitely looks like somebody who has killed men before.

"I am." He says, straightening, his eyes looking her over with a solemn expression, as though gauging how trustworthy her information may be. "I was told you have a message."

Ana's cheeks pinken slightly but she raises her chin slightly. "I do, somewhat. I'm Analise Cousland, daughter of the Teyrn of Highever, Bryce Cousland." She begins.

"Ah, you're Duncan's new recruit then." He says with a dismissive wave. "I'm sorry to hear of your father and mother's passing. Your father was a good man."

Ana feels the tears prickle the back of her eyes but manages to hold them back as she nods. "Thank you. Since you know of my recruitment, I imagine Duncan spoke to you of Howe's betrayal?"

"He informed the King and I as soon as he arrived." He nods. "I should inform you that we have yet to see Fergus Cousland or his army. There's a possibility that he was delayed." Seeing the disappointment written on her face, he averts his gaze. "If and when he arrives, I will be sure to have somebody notify you." He says quickly, looking back down at his map. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Realizing she was just dismissed, her brows furrow before she slowly walks back through the flap, past the guard. He looks at her but says nothing as she walks past, barely aware of anything but the grief and worry that claws at her. What if Howe's men got to him? Could I really be the last Cousland? Her lip trembles as she lowers herself down on a piece of toppled column tucked away behind the tents and places her face in her hands.

After sobbing for a good twenty minutes or so, she wipes her face and takes a couple deep breaths to calm herself before rising. Perhaps, it would take a day or two for Fergus or Ser Gilmore and Much to arrive. In the meantime, Duncan can introduce her to the other new recruits and maybe she can find out more about this mysterious ritual that was supposed to take place.

With her chin raised, she marches toward the large tent that is marked with the Warden insignia. Striding past the guard who leans against his pike, fast asleep, Ana pushes open the flap and heads inside. "Duncan, I would like—" She begins to say before freezing in place as the men inside stop their talking to look at her. Her face burns as she looks down. "My apologies…" She says, inching back towards the ground. "I didn't know you were busy…"

"That's all right, Ana." Duncan says patiently. "However, if you could wait outside—"

"Nonsense!" Ana glances up as the young man standing beside Duncan smiles at her. He motions her forward. "Come closer, my dear."

Hesitantly, she glances at Duncan who sighs and nods his approval. "Ana, as I'm sure you're aware, this is King Cailan."

As she approaches them, Ana dips into a low curtsy before Cailan grabs her hand and kisses it with a grin. "You know who I am but whom might you be, my dear?"

"I'm Ana Cousland, your majesty." She says, bowing her head.

"Ah! You must be Duncan's newest recruit then." He says before his smile falls. "He informed us of what has happened in Highever. I am very sorry for your loss."

The tears threaten to fall as she nods. "Thank you, your majesty."

For a long moment, nobody spoke as Cailan's eyes traveled down to her lips before flicking down to the tops of her breasts, visible through the small opening of her tunic. He clears his throat and looks her in the eye once more with a grin. "Well then, it seems you have something urgent to speak with Duncan about..." Ana begins to correct him and apologize but he raises a hand to stop her. "Don't worry. I will have plenty of time later for both Loghain and Duncan to bore me with battle tactics and reports." He chuckles and raises her hand to his lips once more. "Until next time, my lady." He kisses her hand once more, his lips lingering a few seconds longer before he releases her and exits the tent with his small entourage in tow. Once the King is gone, Ana turns to Duncan.

"Maker… I am so sorry. I didn't know—"

"It's alright." Duncan says holding up his hand. "Next time, I would appreciate if you would wait until my guard tells you it's okay." He says, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Your guard was asleep." She argues, raising her chin. "It's a good thing it was only me and not an enemy! Both you and the king could have been in danger. You should probably have him whipped."

Leaning against the table, he shakes his head. "Now, now…That's not necessary." He raises a brow. "Had your father ever had a person whipped? I've only ever heard of his generosity and kindness toward everybody in his employ."

He watches as her jaw clenches slightly. "No, he never did…" She mutters before straightening. "But maybe if he had not so kind all the time, perhaps he and everybody else would still be alive." Her voice cracks with emotion, her lower lip trembling as she averts her gaze. "His kindness was his downfall in the end…"

Duncan frowns, resisting the urge to pull her into an embrace. Instead, he places a firm hand on her shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze. She looks up at him, the tears making her bright blue eyes twinkle in the light of one of the nearby candelabras. "Kindness is not a weakness that caused your father's death, Ana. Howe's jealousy and envy were his weakness which drove him to destroy everything his loyal friends did for him." He pauses, his eyes staring deeply into hers. "I know it may not seem so right now, but just remember that being kind to those around you, regardless of race, class or gender is a strength that only the greatest people possess. Your mother and father were both great people and it is your duty to uphold their memory by following in their footsteps."

Tears brim her eyes. "That's what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid that if I follow their example, I will end up like them— slaughtered by those that I care for and see as my friends." Shrugging his hand away, she shakes her head. "I know my place in the world and others should too. Had my father treated Howe as the vile, ambitious snake that he is, he would not have had the gall to betray him."

Duncan sighs and opens his mouth to argue but closes it as he figured that this wasn't the time to lecture her. Right now, she's so stuck in her grief that there was little chance of changing her mind. For now, he'll let her grieve and, when she has had time to come to terms with her loss, he'll speak with her.

Clearing his throat, he changes the subject. "I imagine that you stormed in here to speak with me about something?"

Wiping her eyes, she nods. "I spoke with Teyrn Loghain about Fergus." She says, her eyes dropping down toward the Griffin on his breastplate. "He still has yet to arrive. By the sound of it, the Teyrn seems certain that he never will."

"The Teyrn is a very…" He pauses as he tries to think of how to put it politely. Noticing his young recruit watching him expectantly, he sighs. "He's a cynic." He says finally. "He believes that by assuming the worst is true, it'll be a relief when things pan out."

"It'll also be less of a blow." Ana finishes, receiving a nod. "At least then you don't get your hopes up for nothing." As I already have.

"If your brother is not here yet, there is always a chance that the weather may have diverted his travels." Duncan offers. "Either that or, with such a large number of people, they may have taken a longer route. Like I said before, we will wait a couple days, if Fergus and Ser Gilmore don't arrive by Firesday, we will know what has become of them."

A lump begins to form in her throat as she turns away. The very thought of losing her brother, Rory and Much was almost too much to bear. "Then, I suppose we should go ahead and complete the task you mentioned on the bridge." She turns to him. "You said you had a special task for the other recruits and I to do. Is it the Joining?"

His brows furrow slightly. "It's a part of it, yes." He says, choosing his words carefully. "It is to retrieve something from the Korcari Wilds." He watches the worry flare up in her eyes. She has no fighting ability. Until we know that she is not the last surviving Cousland, I can't have her do this task or participate in the joining in case she's killed. "Have you met your fellow recruits and Alistair yet?" He asks.

"I've met Alistair so far." She says, clenching her fits at her sides as she remembers his little comment about her intelligence. "I wasn't sure what the others looked like and didn't want to make a fool of myself by aimlessly wandering around, asking each person I encountered if they were recruits. Nor did I want to get knocked over or hit on by any other men.

He frowns. "I'm surprised Alistair isn't still with you. He would have helped you figure out where everything is and possibly taken you to the mess tent to get some food." He shrugs. "It may not be the quality you've grown accustomed to at the castle but it's good enough to get you through the day." He straightens up once more and strides over toward the flap which Ana entered and pulls it aside. "Come. While we wait for news or the arrival of your loved ones, you should at least get to know your fellow recruits."

The guard is startled awake as Ana and Duncan stride past him and he quickly straightens, his eyes flicking around nervously to see if anybody noticed. Ana follows closely behind the Warden-Commander, pausing only for a moment as he instructs a man leaning against a nearby pillar to find Alistair and have him round up the recruits have him meet them in an enclosed part of the ruins, east of the training areas. Before long, they're joined by Alistair and two other men. One of the men stands with his head held high and his broad shoulders back while Ana notices as the other, whom is shorter and has a rogue-ish look to him with his elongated rat-like face. Ratface glances around them furtively as though he expects them to be ambushed here in camp. His beady looking eyes pass over Ana making her grimace. She feels Alistair's gaze shift to her as well and keeps her eyes averted as she once more feels her rage from earlier simmering inside her.

"Good, I'm glad you're all here." Duncan says with a half-smile. Shifting toward Ana, he motions to the men. "You've already met Alistair."

Chancing a glance at the young warden, he offers her a shy smile which falls as she glares at him. "I have." She says coolly, her gaze shifting toward the proud, broad shouldered man beside him.

"These two men are the fellow recruits who will be taking the Joining with you." Duncan begins. He motions toward the proud man. "This is Ser Jory—"

Ana's brows raise. "Ser?" She asks. "You're a knight?"

"I was." He nods. "I once served Arl Eamon in Redcliffe. However, after meeting my beautiful wife in Highever, I sent word to the Arl to be released from my vows so I could leave Redcliffe."

"Ah, yes. You must be the man who won the tournament, correct?"

Jory's brows jump up. "Yes. How did you—"

"I'm also from Highever." Ana smiles. "I was at that tournament." Hidden away with Ser Gilmore. "I remember hearing the name Jory being announced. It's an honor to meet a champion."

"Thank you." He says, returning her smile. "It was a proud day. I was recruited by Duncan a few months after I won."

Clearing his throat, Duncan motions toward the other man. "And this is Daveth."

Ana's bright blue gaze shifts to meet the darkened eyes of the rat-like man. "And what about you? Where are you from? Were you a farmer of some sort?"

Daveth's lips curl upwards into a smirk. "Not exactly." He says, his voice sharp and raspy. "I doubt you've ever heard of me, sweetheart."

Shooting a questioning glance at Duncan, he sighs. "He's a cutpurse from Denerim." He says evenly. "He was sentenced to hang but I managed to use the right of conscription to save his life and recruit him to the Grey Wardens."

She looks down her nose at him and he grins. Sensing the tension growing, Jory clears his throat. "And you are, Miss?"

"This is Ana." Duncan quickly answers. "She's a new recruit, just like you two."

Jory's brows snap up once more. "She is?" He asks, his eyes quickly looking her over. "Forgive me, Miss, but I didn't know that women were permitted to be recruited. No offense."

"That's what I pointed out as well." Alistair nods, receiving another glare from Ana and quickly dropping his gaze.

"She's great and all but when do we go through this secretive Joining?" Daveth asks. "Since hearing about it, I've tried to ask around about what it is but nobody will speak of it."

All eyes turn to Duncan who doesn't even flinch at this sudden question. His expression remains neutral. "Patience, Daveth. We're waiting a couple days for another recruit to arrive. Until then, the three of you may get better acquainted. When it's time for your Joining, we will let you know."

"Can you at least give us a basic idea of what's involved?" Jory frowns. "Perhaps we can work on preparing ourselves in the days to come."

Duncan gravely shakes his head. "I cannot disclose any details at this time. I'm sorry."

"This is bullshit." Daveth sneers. Turning on his heel, he stomps off in a huff leaving the others to watch him. With an exasperated sigh, Duncan turns his attention to the former knight. "Ser Jory, I'm assuming you have already have your tent set up and have found your way to the mess tent? If not, Alistair can show you and Ana both—"

"I've only just finished setting up my tent when I was summoned." Jory nods. "I've been to the mess tent once already."

Nodding, Duncan's gaze shifts to his junior Warden standing next to him. "In that case, Alistair, if you could escort Ana—"

"Actually, I'll go with Jory." Ana pipes up making both Duncan and Jory's brows jump up in surprise. "He is my fellow recruit afterall." Duncan notices the blush sweep over Alistair's cheeks and frowns.

"Are you sure? Alistair has been here longer and would be ideal to give you a tour of the camp."

"I'm sure." She looks at Jory with a half-smile. "Besides, I'd like a chance to speak with the champion of Highever."

Duncan looks between his junior Warden and his pretty new recruit before shaking his head. "No. Alistair, escort Ana so she can get a warm meal for tonight. In the meantime, Ser Jory can come with me. We have some things to discuss."

Ana's smile falls as she turns to Duncan. "But Duncan—" She begins to complain before she's quieted by him raising a hand.

"No arguing, Ana." He says calmly, turning to Alistair once more. "Once she has eaten and you've shown her around a little, you may bring her to my tent to go over sleeping arrangements. Understood?"

Dejected, Alistair sighs. "I'd rather deal with a rabid mabari, but okay." He mutters under his breath. Ana prepares to try arguing once more but Duncan immediately leads Jory away, leaving the two alone. Crossing her arms over her chest she pouts as she stares daggers at Duncan's back for leaving her before turning her disgusted expression toward Alistair. "Great." She mutters. "Of all the Grey Wardens in camp, I'm stuck with the bumbling idiot." Alistair's blush deepens.