"My Lord, we're still five day's march from Ostagar but the others are dead on their feet."

"Are there any villages nearby?"

"Yes, my Lord. Lothering. I believe it's just down the road."

"We rest as soon as we get to Lothering then we leave for Ostagar the next day. The King must be informed of Howe's treachery."

"Howe cannot get away with this... this... massacre. Surely the King will make him pay. Right, my Lord?"

"Yes, Dairren. Howe will pay."

Aedan Cousland stared down at the blade in his hands. His grip tightening around the handle of the Cousland Family Sword as memories of the slaughter that took place in Castle Cousland resurfaced in his mind. Rage burned in his heart and his steel blue eyes flashed red. He wanted nothing more than to go back to Castle Cousland and kill Howe with his bare hands but he wasn't a fool. He knew that doing so would achieve nothing but his death on the hands of Howe's soldiers. He barely escaped with what few Castle Guards and servants that were yet to be put to the sword by Howe soldiers. Besides. Aedan knew the King would not stand for Howe's actions. Especially with a potential Blight on the horizon. Ferelden needed to be united.

"And he will pay with blood."

After ordering Dairren to tell the others of their stop in Lothering, Aedan made his way to the front of the group. Accompanied by his faithful Mabari, William. Named after his grandfather, Teyrn William Cousland. He would have ridden on a horse but he had lent his mount to the others so they could pull a cart filled with the injured. They've been travelling for two and a half weeks now with little to no stops as they feared Howe had sent his men after them. Aedan permitted those who had family outside of Highever to leave the group when and inform them of what happened. He wanted news of Howe's treachery to spread before he spun a tale of his own to put the Couslands in a bad light. Justifying his massacre of Aedan's family and the sacking of Castle Cousland.

Many of the Cousland Guards decided to stay by their lord's side. They too wanted to avenge their fallen brothers-in-arms and the innocents that were slain under the orders of Arl Rendon Howe. All of them were the guards that Aedan managed to rescue. The young Cousland inspiring them to not give up. They would have stood their ground and protected the Teyrn's body and Teyrna to the last man but the Teyrna ordered them to protect her son instead who she had ordered to escape and inform the King of what had happened as well as inform the eldest Cousland son, Fergus, that he was the new Teyrn of Highever.

They were reluctant to leave but obeyed their lord nonetheless. Aedan himself wanted to stay and fight but was convinced by his mother otherwise. He left with the survivors but not before swearing to his mother and father, to the victims of Howe's treachery and to the Maker himself that Howe will pay. This was echoed by the Cousland Guards and Lady Landra's son, Dairren, who managed to fight off his and Iona's attackers in the castle's library before Aedan arrived to help them escape.

Even though it had been days since the massacre, Aedan still felt like it just happened yesterday. His mind, no matter how hard he tried to think of something else, went back to that night. Always going on about 'what-ifs'. What he could've done differently. Who could he have saved. All those thoughts swarmed his mind and no matter how hard he prayed, it never went away.

It ate away at his mind but he didn't tell the others. They look to him as a pillar of strength after what happened. Looked to him to lead them as his father had done. He couldn't risk showing weakness now or ever. He must not break. He must not crack. He must hold firm and never bend. Never break.

(Line Break)

The survivors of Castle Cousland eventually arrived in Lothering where they were greeted by the local Elder who turned to the Revered Mother when Aedan told them of their plight. The Revered Mother allowed the handful of survivors to take refuge in the Chantry while Aedan asked if Arl Bryland was still in South Reach. Unfortunately, the Arl of South Reach had already left for Ostagar with his men three days ago.

Arl Leonas Bryland had been a friend of his father and Howe. The three had been good friends but he remembered father telling him that something happened between Arl Bryland and Arl Howe. Something so bad to the point that Arl Bryland had severed all contact with Arl Howe and Howe's wife -Leonas' sister- Eliane Bryland. Aedan had planned to tell Arl Bryland of what happened and hoped he would help him reclaim Highever and avenge Castle Cousland but seems he would have to take this straight to the King after all.

When night fell, many of the Cousland Guards went to Dane's Refuge to drink as well as spread word of the massacre in Highever. They had been somber at first but after a pint or four in, the Cousland Guards had their spirits lifted and drunkenly sang along with the rest of the tavern's patrons until they returned to the Chantry or fell asleep on the tavern's floor.

While Lothering slept soundly into the night, Aedan was wide awake and stood alone by the creek. Staring blankly in the water. Lost in his thoughts.

Dairren and the others were already asleep but Aedan was unable to do so. No matter how hard he tried. His dreams were always nightmares. Taking him back to Castle Cousland on that night. Forced to relive the slaughter but in his nightmares, he was unable to move. Unable to save anyone. Forced to watch as they were killed by Howe himself. A sickening smile in his face as he slowly slit Oren's throat with the family sword.

He wasn't sure how he was going to tell Fergus about this. He blamed himself for the deaths of his sister-in-law and nephew. He was afraid his brother would blame him as well. Just the thought of Fergus caused an image of Oriana and Oren's dead and desecrated bodies to flash into his mind. Tormenting him with his failure to protect them once more.

"DAMN IT!"

Aedan stood up and grabbed a rock before throwing it at the water with all his might. He let out a long scream of anguish before falling to his knees with his head low.

"If you're going to stay out here all night, you should've brought a weapon."

Aedan quickly spun on his heel towards the direction of the voice and took up a fighting stance. Fists raised and ready to fight off his would-be attacker. His eyes searched his surroundings before landing on the figure walking towards him. They stopped by the tree and leaned on the trunk before crossing their arms. Their face was hidden by the shadow of the tree but just the sound of their voice informed him that they were a woman.

"Bears, Wolves and Giant Spiders tend to roam around these parts when someone wakes them up. Usually some poor sod who had a little too much to drink and passed out or a blue blood that's screaming and throwing rocks into creek."

"Forgive me. I did not mean to lose my composure like that." Aedan apologized. Rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away in embarrassment.

"Don't worry about it. People in Lothering are heavy sleepers. You screaming in the middle of the night barely even registers as a whisper."

"Still. I apologize, my lady."

The woman snorted at that.

"I'm no lady. Believe me. Mother tried to teach me -keyword: tried- and gave up an hour later." She joked.

"I see." He cleared his throat and composed himself. "Would it be impolite to ask for your name, my lady?"

He got an amused chuckle from the woman. "We just went over this whole 'lady' thing. Whatever floats your boat I guess."

The woman shook her head before taking a step forward into the moonlight. Revealing a woman with raven black hair styled in a messy bob wearing a simple red shirt with bell sleeves that ended just below her elbow, a pair of black trousers and a pair of leather boots. What caught his attention, however, were her bright blue eyes.

There was something different about them. Like it was... glowing? He wasn't sure but it appears he had been staring for too long as the woman snapped her fingers in front of him.

"Usually I have to tell people that my eyes are up here but it looks like you really were staring at my eyes. That's a first."

"I apologize. I did not mean to stare."

The woman waved him off. "It's no problem. Now. Where were we? Oh right. My name. It's Hawke. Marian Hawke. Don't wear it out."

"Aedan Cousland." Aedan replied with a small bow of his head. "A pleasure, Marian. If it's not too much to ask but what are you doing out here at this time of night?"

"I should be asking you that. Shouldn't you be sleeping in the Chantry with that other blue blood?"

"I... have trouble sleeping." Aedan answered slowly. Not sure how much he should reveal or should he even reveal anything at all.

"Just looking at your face I can tell. Makes me wonder when was the last time you slept." Marian said. Her tone was casual and how she was talking to him like a commoner would have earned her a reprimand if any of his guards were here but he found her casual attitude refreshing.

"I... "

Aedan paused. When was the last time he had slept? Two maybe three days ago? A week ago? He could only think of one answer.

"I don't remember."

"I'm surprised you're not dead on your feet. Maybe you should've joined those men in the tavern and drank yourself to sleep."

"Perhaps but... Let's just say my dreams hadn't been pleasant as of late."

"Ah. Bad dreams. And by the sound of it, these bad dreams are recurring. Correct?"

"...Yes."

Aedan shook his head. Sod it. Might as well get these things off his chest. He hadn't really spoken to anyone about what he felt. He wanted to stay strong. Stoic. But his heart grew heavier and heavier with each day that passed since that night and it's almost too much to bear. He had hoped that by telling the King what happened, his heart would feel lighter. Now he wasn't sure if he was going to make it to Ostagar without breaking. Perhaps now is as good as time as any to talk so he did.

"I'm sure word had spread throughout the village by now about what happened and why we are here." He began.

"Lothering is small. Word gets around pretty fast in these parts."

"Then allow me to give you a first hand account of what happened. If you are willing to lend your ear that is."

Marian thought about it for a moment before shrugging her shoulders.

"Go ahead. I have time."

"Thank you. As you know, King Cailan had sent out a call to arms... "

(Line Break)

Marian didn't know what compelled her to sit down by the old tree and listen to the blue blood, Aedan, talk about what happened. Honestly, she was supposed to head back to the house. She had dozed off in the tavern after several pints and just woke up but on her way back, the nobleman screaming his bloody head off by the creek had caught her attention. Still. His account of what happened got her hooked. It was like something out of those books she used to read about tragic heroes and whatnot. Most of them ended with the hero dead sadly.

"And now here I am. Tormented by my failures and talking to someone I just met about my problems."

"I'm used to it." Marian replied. "You have no idea how many people here come to me to talk about their problems. Especially over a pint or two. Loosens their lips. I've lost count of how many times I've been told who slept with who or that they have this itch on their bum or cock that's starting to ooze."

"That's... Alright. I admit I'm a bit lost on what to say about that. Do they really?"

"Oh you have no idea." Marian answered with an amused look. "So. Now that you've vented. Feel better?"

"Not really." Aedan shook his head. "Lighter but not better."

"Heh. It's expected considering what you went through. Think you can sleep now?"

"I don't know. I'm afraid to try." He answered truthfully.

"Well I don't think you're body can handle another day without sleep so you might have to unless you want to drop dead before you can even get to Ostagar."

"Perhaps." Aedan muttered.

The young nobleman stood up and held out his hand for Marian to take before pulling her up to her feet.

"Thank you for taking the time to listen. To be honest, I have been keeping it in for a while."

"I could tell. Just... " Marian paused. "Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"When you get to Ostagar, can you keep an eye on my brother? His name is Carver. I don't know what company he's in but I do know he serves under Captain Varel. Should be part of the South Reach soldiers. Mother's worried sick about him. Just don't tell him I asked you to keep an eye on him. He's a right little tit. Especially if he thinks I want to keep him in my shadow or something."

Aedan nodded. "I'll do what I can. Again. You have my thanks for listening. Is it alright if I accompany you back to your house?"

Marian thought about it. One part of her says it's a bad idea but another says it doesn't matter. He'll be gone by tomorrow and he has no idea that she was a Mage. Besides. It's not like he was asking her to stay at her house. He just asked if he could walk her back. Now normally she would've declined but she was bored. She could use someone to talk to while making the trip back to the house. Besides. She listened to him vent. It's only fair he did the same.

Marian just hoped that Mother and Bethany weren't awake. Her sister would most probably fawn over Aedan considering the man was handsome and a noble to boot while her Mother would most likely berate her for bringing a stranger to the house. Much less a nobleman.

'She'd probably tell me off because she hadn't made the house presentable for the presence of a noble or something like that.' Marian thought.

The raven-haired Mage-in-hiding then remembered that Aedan was waiting for an answer so she shrugged her shoulders casually.

"Sure. Why not? Gets boring walking home alone with no one to talk to. Lucky you. You get to listen to me talk now."

Aedan nodded before offering his arm to her.

"Shall we, my lady?"

Marian shook her head in amusement but humored him and hooked her arm around his. It's not like she'd get another chance to have a nobleman walk her home -much less a Teyrn's son- so might as well, right?

(Line Break)

After walking Marian home, Aedan went back to the Chantry and willed himself to sleep. By Andraste's grace, he found himself in a dreamless sleep. No nightmares of any kind. Just... nothing. It was better than having another nightmare and relive that night again. By dawn, he woke up and was refreshed. He thanked the Revered Mother and Elder Miriam for allowing them to take refuge in Lothering before leaving for Ostagar as soon as possible.

The next four days of travel went relatively peaceful. Aedan slept more and felt his heart grow lighter than they had been for the past two weeks. Almost three. When they arrived in Ostagar, he immediately set out to find his brother and the King. He found the latter first who was speaking to a man bearing a griffon symbol in their armor. Beside the man was an Elf with blonde hair and wearing armor with the same griffon symbol as the man's.

King Cailain was informed by a knight standing guard and turned to Aedan. A bright and charming smile on his face as he walked over to greet the young nobleman who immediately bowed before the presence of the King.

"Your Majesty."

"Please. Rise. You're Bryce's boy, aren't you? Has your father sent you in his stead? Where is Arl Howe and his army?"

"I'm afraid they won't be able to join the army, Your Majesty." Aedan replied. His voice low.

"What do you mean? Has something happened?"

"Two and a half weeks ago, my brother and our soldiers left Castle Cousland. That very same night, Arl Howe's men arrived. I woke up in the dead of night to the sounds of battle and saw Arl Howe's men killing everyone in the castle. Man or woman, young and old. They killed Lady Landra. They killed Oriana and Oren. Mother Mallol. The servants, guards and knights. They put them all to the sword. I saved whoever I could but I couldn't get to them all in time."

"Are you sure it was Arl Howe who ordered this?" Cailan asked. His voice low as his face changed from jovial to serious.

"Yes, Your Majesty. He stabbed my father and left him for dead. My mother stayed behind with his body and ordered us to escape. We've been running ever since."

"This will not stand. You have my word that once the battle is over, Arl Howe will be arrested and executed for his crimes. We will see justice done." Cailan assured him.

"Then I only ask for one thing, Your Majesty."

"Yes?"

Aedan stared into the King's eyes and Cailan saw the fire in them. The man beside him saw it too and looked intently at the young nobleman.

"I ask that I or my brother would be the one to carry out the execution. To bring the sword down on his neck."

"Granted." The King answered immediately.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Where shall we stay for the time being?"

"You'll find the Cousland soldiers encamped beside Arl Bryland's own encampment. If you are looking for your brother then I'm afraid your going to have to wait for a while. He volunteered to lead a scouting party into the Wilds and won't be back before the battle begins."

Aedan nodded wordlessly before thanking the King once more and led his group towards the Cousland encampment. Passing by a Revered Mother giving a sermon to a group of soldiers. A pair of Templars watching over three Mages that were performing a ritual of sorts. He wasn't sure. He wasn't really knowledgeable when it comes to magic.

The group eventually arrived in the Cousland encampment and was greeted by their soldiers warmly. Unfortunately, breaking the news of the massacre struck them down into a solemn mood which soon turned into anger and a thirst for revenge. To seek retribution against the Howes. Their Teyrn and Teyrna had been good to them. To hear that they were murdered in cold blood by a man they saw as a friend set their hearts ablaze with the fires of vengeance. Fires that could only be quenched by the blood of their enemies.

Aedan assured them that the King would have the Arl arrested once the battle was over and that he would execute Arl Howe himself. He told them to use the fire in their hearts against the Darkspawn so they can get this battle over with and bring Howe to justice.

While the survivors of the massacre got settled into the camp, Aedan went off to speak to Arl Bryland about what happened. Perhaps he could even give Aedan some insight on why Howe would betray the Couslands like that. Especially after what they went through against the Orlesians together. He also wanted to find Carver and fulfill the favor Marian asked of him.

Aedan entered the Arl of South Reach's encampment and asked to speak to the Arl himself. He was led through the camp before stopping by a tent that was guarded by a pair of knights. Moments later, Arl Leonas Bryland stepped out of the tent and was surprised to see Aedan.

"Aedan? Is that you?"

"Aye, Arl Bryland."

"Did your father send you?" Leonas shook his head with a groan. "If you're here on the behalf of your father to get me and Rendon to talk again, I will hear none of it."

Leonas turned around was about to enter his tent but Aedan stopped him at the last second.

"I am not here for that, Arl Bryland. I'm here to tell you that my father is dead."

The Arl of South Reach froze in his tracks. He turned around to face Aedan. Showing the expression on his face was that of shock.

"Dead? How?"

"The night Fergus left with our soldiers for Ostagar, Arl Howe's men arrived in the dead of night and started killing everyone in Castle Cousland. Arl Howe himself stabbed father and left him to bleed to death."

"Rendon. Maker's breath."

Leonas opened the flap to his tent and gestured for Aedan to follow. The two stepped inside and the Arl of South Reach turned to face the young nobleman. Aedan could see that the news looked like it aged the Arl twenty more years.

"I never really told your father why I didn't attend Rendon and my dear sister's wedding. When Rendon was injured, we took him to Redcliffe to recover. After he recovered, something in Rendon changed. I don't know what but what I do know it wasn't for the better. When he became Arl of Amaranthine and proposed to Eliane, I tried to prevent it. Some time after the wedding, I confronted Rendon and he told me that he only needed Eliane for her dowry and connections. That's why I severed all contact with them."

"Why didn't you tell my father?" Aedan asked.

"He never would have believed me. He and Rendon were always so close. Even if he had confronted Rendon with this information, Howe would deny it. Bryce was my friend and he tried so hard to mend our friendship but I just couldn't after knowing that Rendon married my sister -who loved him dearly- for money and connections. I sometimes wonder if there's anything left of my friend but it seems I was wrong."

Leonas' face contorted into one of rage.

"The man who killed your family and sacked your home is not the man I fought side-by-side years ago. That man is not my friend. He is a liar and a murderer that needs to be put in chains and hanged!"

"I've already informed the King of Howe's treachery. He said he would see to it that the Arl is arrested once this is all over. I asked him I or Fergus would be the one to carry out Howe's execution."

"And he accepted?" Leonas inquired.

"Yes. Howe will pay for what he has done. And he will pay with blood."

"Then when the time comes, you have South Reach's support. I will support your claims against Howe. I will even lend you my best men if you wish."

Leonas placed his fist on Aedan's chest. Something he once did with Bryce years ago.

"Thank you, Arl Bryland."

The Arl of South Reach smiled and patted the young nobleman in the back. He asked Aedan to stay and tell him his account of what happened.

(Line Break)

After Aedan and Arl Bryland finished their talk, the younger nobleman asked the Arl fo South Reach if he knew Captain Varel and Arl Bryland gave him directions to Third Company's area within his encampment. He found Third Company and saw that most of them were practicing with their swords. One particular soldier wielded a greatsword and was a relentless fighter. Never giving his opponent a chance to recover and deal heavy blows that sent the man to the ground and yield.

Aedan wanted to continue watching the fights but was pulled aside by Dairren who told him that the scouting party had returned but only one man remained. He didn't wait for Dairren to finish as he ran towards the area in the ruins where the wounded were placed. Pushing past others as he prayed to the Maker that his brother was the one that survived.

The young nobleman soon arrived to where he last saw the healer and saw her looking over someone laying on a cot. He pushed past the others and was met with a heavily wounded soldier. His shield bore the coat of arms of Highever.

'Not Fergus.'

Aedan ignored the healer as he knelt down beside the cot and asked the man if he had seen Fergus.

"I'm sorry, my Lord. We... We were ambushed. It was so fast. I barely made it out alive. If the Wardens hadn't found me, I never would have made it."

"Fergus. Have you seen him?"

"No, my Lord. They cut us down before we could even fight back. His Lordship was separated by the Darkspawn from us with only one other scout. I never saw them again."

His chest felt heavy and his body moved on it's own. Aedan stood up and left the area without a word. Ignoring Dairren as Bann Loren's son called after him. He passed Arl Bryland without a word and ignored him as well when the older nobleman called out.

The young nobleman's feet took him to an isolated part of the ruins where he stood alone. Staring at the setting sun in the distance.

As the events of the past three weeks came back to him in full force, Aedan did the only thing he could do at the moment. He screamed.