Sorry for the delay but I couldn't finish it sooner due to work.
I note that I do not have the rights to the Dragon Age brand, these rights belong to BioWare.
Chapter 7
Childhood part III
"Children can be smarter than adults"
- Eowyn to Teyrna.
Brotherhood and secret love of a sister.
A year has passed since Fergus and Arthur's punishment, thanks to which both brothers actually grew closer, respecting and trusting each other. The two boys stopped making silly jokes and started supporting each other and competing healthily while being friends. Marion, on the other hand, tried to avoid her younger brother because she was slowly falling in love with him. However, her attempts came to nothing as Arthur realized that his older sister was avoiding him and he didn't know why. One day, the boy noticed Marion entering the castle library clearly sad. Arthur decided to find out what was going on and why he had been avoiding him for six months. He quietly followed her into the library, there were several people there, so he decided to wait for the right moment to talk to his sister face to face.
Arthur waited calmly for everyone to leave, and in the process learned what Marion was reading with a distinct blush. The book was called The Love of Two Lions, he smiled to himself. "Oh sis, I didn't know you liked reading romances," he thought. When he noticed that his older sister got up, he did the same and started walking towards her. Approaching Marion as she was about to leave the library, he grabbed her hand and dragged her into the other room where lessons were usually held.
Once in the classroom he locked the door behind him and asked - What's going on Marion? Why are you avoiding me?
- I guess you think I'm not avoiding you at all. - The girl replied nervously, avoiding her younger brother's eyes.
- Sister, I'm not stupid or blind. - Arthur replied firmly and added, - I want to know what's going on.
- I don't know brother! - Marion said, raising her voice.
- Tell me what's bothering you. - said the white-haired boy in a caring voice, sitting down on the bench by the wall to the right of the door.
The girl looked at her younger brother, sitting down next to him - What can I tell you that I'm watching you all the time, that I think I'm in love with you. I can't do that - he thought.
Arthur, seeing her troubled expression, got up. - Okay, I won't push, I just want my beloved sister back.
Marion looked at her younger brother, who was leaning against the desk with his back to her sympathetically. "Marion get a grip, maybe it's just a crush because he saved your life" she thought, then added mentally "He's my beloved little brother and he needs support as much as I do, and it won't go away if I stay away isolate him."
The girl got up, approached Arthur, hugged him and said - I'm sorry brother.
Arthur then turned around and hugged his sister tightly, begging, "Please, little sister, never leave me."
- I promise I'll never do it? - Marion replied with a smile.
Journey
Now the entire Cousland family is on their way to Vigil's Keep, which is the home of House Howe and the capital of the Amaranth arlate. The clan travels there at the invitation of Arl Rendon Howe to celebrate the birth of his son Thomas. The retinue was a bit bigger this time because the entourage consisted of forty people, and there was another cart on which there were gifts for young Thomas and gifts for his father. So the group consisted of about fifty people. The body of warriors consisted of sixteen knights and twenty-four men-at-arms. There were six tutors in the chivalrous world of Arthur who were tasked with constantly training the boy in combat as well as strategy. Six of the boy's mentors rode close to him to give him a sense of what to protect. Behind the white-haired kid rode Sir Roland Buckingham on a black steed, clad in the silverite plate armor of a commander, and on his back he carried his silverite meteorite sword that had been given to him by the teyrn. To the right of the knight commander rode Sir Benen Bowie, saddled on his tarant mare, clad in heavy mail of red steel, and carrying two short lapis lazuli swords at his waist. Behind him rode his bay stallion Sir Richard York, clad in veridium plate armor, an obsidian transom slung over his shoulder, and a silverite Fereldan one-handed sword at his waist. To the knight's left was Edan Forester, seated on his piebald horse, clad in obsidian scale armor, carrying a Fereldan hand-and-a-half sword at his waist, and holding a lance in his right hand with a dagger-long tip of silverite and an iron-tipped shaft. Behind Forester rode Sir Tira Mennell on her isabella mare, clad in caracene armor of chasm silver, carrying a one-handed steel sword, and on her back a long bow of ironwood and spiked arrows. To the knight's right rode his chestnut stallion, Sir Cedric Black, clad in silver plate armor and carrying a mighty warhammer of red steel on his back. The journey was long, but during it young Arthur, riding his young black Ferelden steed, clad in leather boots, gloves, and black and white cloak, he saw the living conditions of the people of the region and the appearance of the villages. The settlements did not look very inviting, many houses looked really poor, the roofs of the buildings were dilapidated, no stone foundations at the foot of the houses, etc... Seeing this, the boy felt sorry for the peasants, "Why isn't Arl Howe doing anything to improve the living conditions of these people?" he thought.
Bryce, seeing the concerned face of his son, asked him to come to him - Arthur, please come here for a moment.
- All right, father. - Saying this, the white-haired boy drove up to his father and curiously asked - Is something wrong father?
- I should ask you that, my boy. - Teyrn replied calmly.
- Why? - Arthur asked slightly confused.
- You seem absent and worried. - Bryce announced.
- It's nothing... - He paused for a moment, then took a deep breath and began. "I'm just wondering why Arl Howe doesn't help these people like you do?"
- It's not as easy as you think, boy. - Teyrn replied calmly but with a sigh.
- What do you mean father? - Arthur asked slightly curious.
- Ferelden suffered massive damage during the Orlesian occupation. - Bryce said in a serious tone and added - And Amaranth was the one that suffered the most.
- So you mean that the Highlands felt the war to a lesser extent? - asked the boy, tilting his head slightly to the left.
- At least not so much as Amaranthine, because this is where the Orlesians had their headquarters. - Teyrn explained.
- Didn't the Orles Empire ever lose a war? - Arthur asked curiously.
- You're right, they lost, but the archers and guerrillas from Amaranthine seriously took their toll on the Orlesian bachelors, which caused them to start destroying the arlat to vent their anger.
Arthur understood that during the war, this area had suffered a great deal of damage, and the people had suffered terribly. He came to the conclusion that these lands had been robbed of valuable resources that could speed up the reconstruction of Amaranth.
However, the boy didn't understand one thing - If we won the war, why didn't the king help Amaranto rebuild and other regions in the kingdom after the war?
- You see, when we regained freedom our country was still at war with Orles, but we managed to negotiate a peace that ends the war with a white peace. - Bryce explained calmly and added - So we got our country back, but we gave up the war contribution to avoid further bloodshed.
- So neither side was able to achieve a complete victory. - Arthur said thoughtfully.
- That's right. - Teyrn admitted with a smile.
- But you didn't tell me why the king didn't help with the rebuilding. - replied the white-haired boy.
- He helped a lot, but he couldn't support anyone more, because it could be perceived by other nobles as favoritism, and besides, the royal treasury was quite strained. - Bryce explained in a firm voice.
- So the problem was politics as well as funds. - Arthur deduced briefly, stroking his beard.
Seeing this gesture and the boy's thoughtful face, "The Maker is so like Uther," Bryce thought, then mentally added, "Friend, your son is growing up to be a wise man."
- I'm not mistaken, am I, Father? - asked the boy, looking at his stepfather.
- That's right my boy. - Teyrn admitted proudly.
They rode on until they reached a crossroads, then headed south towards Vigil's Keep, which was not far away. The seat of the Howe family was slowly becoming more and more visible, with each meter of the road traveled by the procession. Soon the eyes of the Couslands showed the ancient stronghold of the Hows, and Arthur understood that the castle's glory years were behind it. The fortress was divided into three lines of defense, the first was the lower castle whose walls were wooden, but had a stone gate with wooden doors and towers. In the lower castle there was an archery tavern, tannery and stables as well as several residential houses. The second line was the upper castle, it was surrounded by a high stone wall and every five hundred meters there was a tower, while the gate was also brick but had an iron grille. The upper square was divided into two parts, castle square and market. The plaza was built centrally behind the gate, and there was a forge, a well, a jail, and a Howa crypt. The market was separated from the courtyard by a three-meter fence with a wooden gate, in the middle of the market there was a well and around it there were stalls and shops. The third and at the same time the last line of defense was a fortress or otherwise a stronghold or citadel had solid walls with many towers on which ballistae stood. The gate had an iron grille and a wooden door. The entire fortress stood on a mighty hill, making it difficult to conquer. The third and at the same time the last line of defense was a fortress or otherwise a stronghold or citadel had solid walls with many towers on which ballistae stood. The gate had an iron grille and a wooden door. The entire fortress stood on a mighty hill, making it difficult to conquer. The third and at the same time the last line of defense was a fortress or otherwise a stronghold or citadel had solid walls with many towers on which ballistae stood. The gate had an iron grille and a wooden door. The entire fortress stood on a mighty hill, making it difficult to conquer.
Visiting the Hows
The Couslands entered the fortress and left the horses in the lower castle where the stables were located. Bryce and his sons dismounted, then Teyrn walked over to the carriage to help Eleanor his wife out. Offering her hand to Teyrna, she took it and grasped it firmly, then climbed out of the carriage. Then she put her hand under her husband's arm and walked with him to the commander of the guard, How. The man was elderly, had brown eyes, a bald head and a long gray beard with sideburns. Clad in verydium mail armor, he carried a steel sword at his waist and a small, fancy dagger. Arthur, seeing this, approached the coach and helped Marion out, giving her a hand in a similar way as his stepfather. The girl accepted help slightly flushed, gripped her brother's hand firmly and lifted the bottom of her dress so that it would not interfere when leaving the carriage. Later, they both approached their parents, Marion holding Arthur like a father's mother. Fergus, who was standing in front of them, tried to suppress a laugh as he saw his younger siblings. However, Eowyn looked at them anxiously, trying to push away the bad thoughts. The Cousland family followed the commander of the guard towards the citadel, where the Hows were already waiting for them.
The Howe family stood outside the fortress entrance with their officials behind them. Arl Rendon Howe waited ahead to greet his good friend. Dressed in his brown, white, and gold doublet, black breeches, and brown leather boots, he wore a small Fereldan silverstone dagger at his waist. Arlessa Eline Howe, the Arl's wife, had long black hair pulled up in two severe buns, golden eyes, a slightly upturned nose, and was dressed in a navy blue and yellow low-cut dress and purple slippers. The woman was waiting behind her husband with children Nathaniel, Delilah and youngest Tomasz for the honorable guests. Rendon's eldest son Nathaniel stood to his mother's right, with short black hair parted evenly to the sides, golden eyes, a Roman nose, clad in a doublet of similar colors as his father's, black leather boots, and a brown noble belt. Delilah was standing next to her older brother, she had long black hair braided down the back of her head, golden eyes, and an upturned nose. Howe clothes, beautiful red shoes. Tomasz lay in the arms of his mother Eline wrapped in a blue blanket with the crest of the Howe family.
The two families faced each other in the courtyard, Bryce and Rendon confidently approached each other, then embraced like loving brothers.
- It's good to see you, my friend. Teyrn said with joy and respect.
- And to each other, Bryce, I hope your journey was uneventful? - Howe asked politely.
- Of course, I also knew your lands, you are doing well trying to restore them to their former glory. - Cousland praised with a warm smile.
- Thank you, it means a lot to me. - Rendon replied with a nod.
The rest of their family members also greeted each other, exchanging pleasantries. Mostly nine-year-old Delilah who was impressed by young Arthur as was her older brother Nathaniel.
The white-haired boy first approached the arl's eldest son and shook his hand chivalrously, saying with a smile, - It's an honor to meet you, Lord Nathaniel Howe, my name is Arthur Cousland.
- I am honored, Lord Arthur Cousland. My name is Nathaniel Howe. - Nathaniel replied with a smile.
Arthur then approached the arl's daughter, grabbing her hand with consent and bowing and kissing How's hand, saying and looking into the girl's eyes, - It's an honor to meet you, Lady Delilah Howe, my name is Arthur Cousland.
Delilah couldn't take her eyes off the white-haired Cousland and his silver eyes, but after grunting from her older brother, the girl returned the courtesy with a smile - Hello Lord Arthur Cousland, my name is Delilah Howe, nice to meet you.
Rendon's daughter was the first of the siblings to speak - Welcome, your lordship, it's a great honor to meet you.
Teyrn and Teyrna were impressed with the girl's etiquette and upbringing. Bryce replied to the polite greeting, - Thank you, my lady, you seem to have been taught really well by your parents, come on, I'm not surprised as I've known both of you for a long time.
After everyone had exchanged pleasantries, the arlessa signaled Bryc's family to follow her, leaving the teyrn and the arl alone. Delilah was walking with Marion behind Fergus and Arthur all the time watching the white-haired boy with curiosity. The young Cousland girl noticed How's gaze, and that made her a little jealous, but luckily she saw herself and took a deep breath.
- Something wrong, Lady Marion? - Delilah asked.
- No, it's nothing, I'm just a little tired. - Marion replied with a smile.
- I see. - Howe she said, smiling back.
Both girls smiled at each other warmly as they followed the two three boys.
Then Delilah looked back at Arthur and whispered to Cousland, - Your little brother is quite handsome.
- Yes, but it can be insufferable. Marion said trying to discourage her rival.
- Aren't boys always like this at this age? - Howówna asked rhetorically.
Marion just sighed, shaking her head and walked on looking at her younger brother with irritation "Do you always have to bother every girl you see, Arthur?" she thought.
When everyone was escorted to their guest chambers, preparations for the evening feast began. Fergus and Arthur shared a room, while Marion had a chamber next to them, a little further away was their parents' quarters. Both brothers sat quietly in their chambers resting after their journey. Arthur sat quietly by the window, reading a book on Tevinter dragons, while Fergus lay quietly on the bed, alternately dozing and staring at the ceiling.
However, the black-haired boy finally found it a bit too quiet, so he tried to start a conversation with his younger brother - So brother, how do you like Amaranta? Lovely place don't you think?
- It's a peaceful place, a bit scarred by the war, but there's beauty everywhere. - Arthur replied in a calm voice, looking up at his older brother.
- Yes there is some beauty here mostly little Delilah Howe is his representative. - Fergus sneered as he took a sitting position.
- What do you mean Fergus? - Asked the white-haired boy slightly annoyed.
- Nothing, I just noticed Howówna devouring you with her eyes. replied young Cousland with a nasty smile.
- I have not noticed. said Arthur, looking away.
- Of course. On a different note, I see you and Marion are getting along well again. Fergus calmly changed the subject, resting his head on his right hand resting on his knee.
Arthur looked at his older brother with a warm smile and said, - Yes, we had a short conversation, but I still don't know why she acted like that then.
- So our father is right that we are like an open book to women, but they are like an endless labyrinth to us. - the teenager quoted thoughtfully.
- You're right, brother. - admitted the white-haired boy looking out the window.
The two brothers sat and talked about various things and made jokes about the teachers. Arthur had mentioned Sir Cedric to Fergus's spine, remembering the brutal month under the man's command. The nine-year-old noticed this, trying to suppress a laugh at seeing his older brother's horror, although he felt a little sorry for him that he had gone through such hell. Eventually, however, darkness fell and the brothers began to prepare for the feast.
A feast for the Honor of Guests
The ball was slowly starting in the great hall, banns from all over the aristocracy flocked to it, usually there were also lords favoring Rendon. At the feast there were such personalities as Bannora Esmerella of Amaranth, Bann Edelbreckt, Mrs. Tamra, etc. all the great landowners who mean something in Amaranth. The Teyrn of Highest, clad in a blue and green doublet, high boots of black leather, wore a rich noble belt, and strapped to it was a short Fereldan dagger with an Orlesian hilt. Dressed like this, the head of House Cousland greeted you attentively as you were going in the great hall. Bryce saw everyone rushing over to How to congratulate him on the birth of his son, but he noticed that not everyone was fraternizing with his friend, for example Bann Edelbreckt, who only congratulated his sovereign and then turned to the other guests.
Eleonora noticed her husband's worried face and asked with concern - What's going on dear, why do you have such a sad face?
Teyrna wore a beautiful blue and red dress with a low neckline, she wore beautiful blue shoes on her legs, and on the rail a beautiful silver necklace made by her husband.
- It's nothing, darling, and you look beautiful. - Bryce said, forcing a smile.
- Thank you, but don't try to change the subject, I know something's bothering you. - replied Eleanor in a serious tone.
- It's really nothing. Teyrn tried to close the subject.
- So be it, but it's not wise to keep your emotions bottled up. - said Eleanor with concern, then looked for her children.
Fergus stood among his peers, talking and laughing, clad in a blue and white doublet with Cousland laurels embroidered on the left breast, brown leather boots with a silver pin, and a knight's belt with a rich Fereldan dagger strapped to it. Teyrna was relieved to see her son behaving as befitted his status. Then her gaze wandered to Marion who was dressed in a beautiful red dress with black embroidery and white laurel patterns, black high heels on her feet and her hair was loose with three braids braided, two on either side of her face and one on the the back of the head. She saw her daughter being surrounded by suitors, including Nathaniel, who was clearly chaperoning, which made her grateful. Then Eleanor began to look towards where Arthur was, who was surrounded by several of his peers, mostly young ladies. The boy was dressed in black silk zupan with a white laurel pattern on the chest and red cuffs, black high boots of dark leather that had been washed on his feet, and a short Fereldan dagger with an obsidian hilt at his waist.
This made her smile, and Bryca said, - Looks like Arthur can't keep away from lovely women.
The highlander's teyrn looked over at his foster son, who was clearly trying to slip away from his peers.
- It seems that in the future he will have no problem finding a wife. - Cousland said with a slight smile
Eleonora looked at her husband saying - Maybe he will be as lucky as you.
- Creator, hope not. - Bryce said tilting his head up, hiding his smile.
- What do I mean by that? - Teyrna asked menacingly, placing both hands on her hips.
- Nothing... hahaha. - Bryce said bursting out laughing.
- Creator, it really is like I have four unruly children sometimes. - said Eleanor, rubbing her temples and shaking her head in slight annoyance.
Dance and Sing
When Eleonora was arguing with Bryce, Artur tried to break out of the crowd discreetly but politely. It wasn't an easy task, however, because mostly ladies of his age sought attention from the boy. The young master felt really bored with the company of his peers, Marion noticed it, who also tried to move away from the crowd of people around her.
Delilah looked at Arthur and, seeing his weariness, decided to help him, besides, she also had a plan. The girl was dressed in a beautiful red dress with golden rose patterns and a neckline, she wore beautiful black shoes with a white jewel on the tongue, the noblewoman's hair was tied in a bun, she had a beautiful red flower pinned to her left side, probably a poppy, her neck and was decorated with a beautiful amber necklace. Howówna approached the white-haired boy, grabbed his left arm and began to pull the third heir of the Couslands away from the crowd of peers, saying in a cordial voice - Sorry to disturb you, my lord, you promised me the first dance.
- Indeed sorry I almost forgot because of this passionate discussion. Forgive me, ladies and gentlemen. - Arthur said smiling and nodding his head towards the interlocutors.
Walking towards the dance floor, he thanked her softly so only his partner could hear, - Thank you Lady Howe, I almost died of boredom there.
- Is it that bad to be around your peers and admirers? - asked the girl, smiling ironically.
- Not if the topics include philosophy, history, tournaments and economy. On the other hand, topics about dresses and gossip about other people start to be terribly boring after a few moments. And the Adorers confuse me because they are always asking about my hair and eyes. - finishing his monologue, the boy discreetly rubbed both temples with his right hand.
So it's true what they say about you. Delilah said with a smile.
- What do they say about me? - asked Arthur, curious about the answer.
- They say you're remarkably smart for your age, and formidable in battle. - said the dark-haired girl reaching the dance floor together with her partner.
- They exaggerate the rumors, but if you think that of me, it's a great honour. - The white-haired boy replied, assuming a dancing position and smiling at his partner.
When the music started, all the couples started to move to the beat of the music. First, there was a bow to the patera, then men put their right hand on the waist of their companions, and with their left hand they grabbed the right hand of their partners, and the woman put her free hand on the man's shoulder. Arthur slowly began to lead Delilah to the rhythm of the music, turning her every ten steps, the girl was delighted when she was so carefully led by the youngest "Cousland". The white-haired boy did not take his eyes off his partner while being aware of what was happening around him. Howówna felt like she was walking on clouds dancing with young "Cousland", she looked into his silver eyes "Maker, he is so chivalrous, handsome and smart." she thought blushing.
Marion, seeing her younger brother's dance, started to get a little nervous "Damn Arthur, why do you always turn every woman's head like that, you womanizer, ladyboy" she thought, threateningly looking at the couple. Nathaniel noticed this and chuckled softly. "Really, this girl has a little brother complex," he thought, still smiling.
The music ended after a while, all participants of the dance stopped and bowed to their partners. Arthur kissed Delilah's hand gracefully and respectfully, - Thank you for the fantastic dance, my lady.
- It was an honor for me, sir. - Howówna replied with a smile and in a slightly muffled voice and embarrassment appeared on her face, she added - However, I would like to dance with you again, come on, I understand that you are tired.
- I could not refuse Lady Howe. - he said with a smile without taking his eyes off his partner as he bowed.
Then he walked over to a group of minstrels and asked, - Would you please play a Ferelden Waltz?
The musicians smiled and agreed almost immediately. Arthur returned to Delilah, bowed and asked respectfully, - Will you honor me with Lady Delilah Howe's second dance?
- Of course, Lord Arthur Cousland. - replied the black-haired girl.
The couple moved to the center of the dance floor and everyone looked at them curiously. They both bowed to the audience, then returned each other with a curtsey and a bow. They assumed a dance position and began to walk to the rhythm of "one two three", in a short circle full of grace, grace and dignity. Then they touched hand to hand Artur left, and Delilah with the right slightly pushing herself away, the girl made a short turn around her own axis, and then grabbed her partner's left hand with both hands. Then the white-haired boy led her in a circle, and after this movement they returned to the starting pose and started dancing in a circle again. Everyone was watching the dancing couple with admiration, especially their parents, Rendon was smiling "Well, please, maybe soon I will be able to marry my daughter to the youngest Cousland, They then went back to their position and stood still, and then the music stopped. After a while there was applause, and also voices of admiration Arthur knelt down and kissed Delilah's hand. After this gesture, their parents approached them and congratulated them on their fantastic performance, saying that it was an extremely beautiful show of dancing skills.
When the dancing was over, it was time for supper. All the guests headed towards the tables, where the servants were already finishing their food and drinks and all other delicacies. Arthur, along with his parents and siblings, took their seats at the side of Arl Howe and his family at the head table. The white-haired boy sat down to supper and thanked the elven maid for the food, which surprised some of the nobles. All the guests were eating exquisite food that the senior of Amarantu ordered to prepare.
Bryce and Rendon began to discuss Maric's politics towards the other lands of Thedas, and Ferelden's internal politics. Teyrn Cousland was of the opinion that they should build more fortified castles in the south as well as in the north, especially on the western border of the kingdom. Arl Howe, however, believed that they should focus on wealth and let the pagan peoples who inhabit Ferelden be converted by force if necessary. Bryce, however, knew that the Amaranth elder wanted to impress the representatives of the order who were visiting Vigil's Keep for the Baptism. The Lord of High, however, knew that a war with the Arvars, Dalish and Chasinds could seriously weaken the kingdom.
Meanwhile, Fergus and Nathaniel, three years his junior, were discussing the last tournament in Denerim. The successor of the highseas teyrn said, - Stop talking nonsense Nat, Sir Alan won in style. Sir Elam had no chance.
- I want to point out that Sir Elam had an injury to his left leg, and he caused trouble for the knight Alan anyway. - replied young Howe decisively.
- Stop it from the beginning it was clear that Sir Alan would win. - Fergus announced confidently.
- No, Sir Elam was a three-time champion of the Denerim Tournament. - Nathaniel replied annoyed.
Arthur watched the whole discussion about the tournament and after a while said himself in a calm voice - You're both right and you're both wrong.
- What do you mean puppy? - the eldest of the Cousland siblings asked with a raised eyebrow and using his little brother's nickname.
- It's simple, Fergus, you're wrong about Alan's training. Sir Elam, despite his injury, successfully fended off Sir Alan's blows. - said the white-haired boy in an understandable voice.
- Ha, I told you sir... - young Howe broke off his triumphant sentence when he saw a gesture of calm from Arthur.
- It's the same with you, Nathaniel. - calmly announced the youngest "Cousland", then added in a serious tone - Sir Elam, although she could not use it due to injury, we should not write off Sir Alan.
- Why? - asked the heir of Amaranthus in surprise.
- It's just that the fights are unpredictable, as simple people say, - Grandmother foretold for two. - Arthur replied smiling.
- How did you do it? - Nathaniel asked as Fergus sat stunned by his younger brother's words.
- Bend over and I'll tell you. - The white-haired boy replied with a smile.
Both teenagers pricked up their ears curiously, Arthur leaned over to them and said in a cheerful voice - I'll only eat quail in sauce.
Then two carcass boys were baffled. Fergus annoyed said - Are you kidding?!
- I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist this joke. - "Cousland" replied, laughing, then added, - Actually, Roland told me that when I asked him.
Well, that shouldn't surprise me. After all, Sir Roland Buckingham is one of Ferelden's best warriors and is said to be the equal of Gwaren teyrn Loghen Mac Tor. Nathaniel said calmly, stroking his beard.
The boys talked about other topics and joked a lot, they also talked about the last litter of hero mabaria.
As everyone was talking in the background, music was playing in the background, then Delilah asked with a smile, - Our minstrel sings wonderfully, doesn't it, my dear Marion?
Your singer sings so beautifully. - Marion said, returning the smile and asked with hidden malice - What's his name because I didn't hear him.
- Brandon Flors of Amaranth. - Howe she replied impassively, narrowing her eyes.
- And he plays and sings quite well, don't come like Artur. - announced Couslandówna looking in the direction of her younger brother.
- Eleanor! You didn't tell me your youngest son could sing. - Arlessa Eline raised her voice.
- Yes he can, but he rarely does it unless he is alone and he thinks that no one is around. - Teyrna said calmly.
Arl Rendon overheard their conversation and asked if their son could sing for them. It would be a great honor to listen to such a talented young man. The Teyrn agreed and asked their son to sing them two songs. Reluctantly, Arthur made his way to where the How's minstrel was staying, and of course asked Eowyn to play his lute.
The white-haired boy took a deep breath, and then a boyish but dignified voice echoed in the room:
Ovrevtrh reher iseon vaew nad bolerm abror,
Ni sasby aseon cererret downig erseuat,
Gaither soru tanreosec no anoec moby,
Termaran ihm radeug,
Itlun meoc emit nus lonboat,
Lebtat tisedie arttodl ainga,
Anoec emlt felms,
Omrf sih mobt gereme fels rifeocard wie kenawa,
Adn sin rife nedelk skin,
Ned esmit tribe-cate,
Hritump maker,
Many arele yawa,
Dlowr no enrobr fels.
(Where the singing of the waves and the marble harbor,
In the depths of the seas there lies a treasure,
The legacy of our ancestors at the bottom of the ocean,
Amaranth guards him,
Until the sun of blood comes
The battle of the gods will flare up again
The ocean will part
From its bottom will emerge a dragon that will awaken,
And his fire will cleanse the world,
The end of time will be completed,
The Maker will triumph
Evil will go away
The world will be reborn.)
The nobles in the hall were impressed by the voice and the knowledge of such an old language. Half of the nobles knew that the language was Old Alamar. Delilah's eyes glistened with the impression, and Moriony also felt a thrill of delight when she heard Arthur's gentle yet strong voice. "Creator not good, I'm starting to love him more and more" she thought blushing.
After a moment of bewilderment, applause came from the nobility and the servants. Arthur breathed a sigh of relief, smiling, took the lute from Eowyn, sat on the bench, started playing the instrument and then singing.
The king with the heart of a lion,
I tell you the dragon king is coming here
This is the end of the darkness that plagues our world.
I tell you the dragon king is coming
There will be an end to the fear that plagues this country,
I tell you the dragon king is here
Here comes the one who will unite and revive our luuud,
I have you the dragon king came here,
This is the fulfillment of the oath that the Creator gave us,
This is how a legend is born that will endure timesss,
Aaaaaaa, aaaa, aaaa, aaaa, aaaa, aaa,
Sorifeocard, Sorifeocard,
Cvhou efil sih,
Worse idos likl viel,
Tuiqe eonla, ubt gainvh trenst naym,
Nieseme uroy raef zerefes lonboad,
Hewn otraeh rifeocard aero,
Sorifeocard,
Maker eslebs awnt su.
(Dragon son, Dragon son,
With your life,
He swore to the Most High to destroy evil,
All alone but with the strength of many,
Your enemies' fear freezes blood,
When they hear your dragon roar
dragon son,
Maker, bless us.)
Everyone was again impressed by young Arthur's talent and his parents felt proud of him. The white-haired boy made a dignified bow and smiled broadly at the audience, straightening up proudly.
Arl Howe walked over to Arthur and his parents who were standing by him. When he found it, he said respectfully, - It was a truly amazing performance. You are extremely talented for your age, boy, so please accept this gift as a thank you for the wonderful activities we all experienced today.
The white-haired "Cousland" bowed to the senior of Amaranthus saying - It was a great honor for me my lord.
Rendon then addressed the teyrn and the teyrn in a calm but joyful tone - Your son has a truly great gift, and I have a feeling that Highness may soon be too small for him. You're lucky, Bryce, that Arthur is your son.
The last sentence touched the head of House Cousland but he said with feigned joy - Yes, the Maker has blessed us with such a wonderful son.
Eleonora sensed the pain in her husband, but she hoped that it would not spoil his relationship with Artur. The feast was over and all the guests either retired to their rooms or returned to their homes and estates.
Full Moon Dance
That night Arthur couldn't sleep despite so many attractions, he still had before his eyes the worried face of "father", who apparently was hiding some secret related to the youngest of the "Couslands". The nine-year-old turned from side to side trying to find the right sleeping position.
But it wasn't easy, because he was constantly wandering somewhere in his mind. The white-haired boy noticed that Marion was also acting strangely all day and feasting away from him, he wondered what was going on again. Arthur couldn't fall asleep any longer, got up, lowered his legs to the floor, then got up and walked over to the wardrobe. From there he took a warm gray coat with a white laurel on the left breast, put on his shoes and went towards the roof of the fortresses to collect his thoughts there. He always did that in Higheye when he couldn't sleep, it helped him collect his thoughts and look at all events with a clear eye.
He walked calmly along the road leading to the roof of the Keep, holding a candlestick in his hand, looking at various portraits, paintings, tapestries and decorative armor as he walked. The tapestries and paintings depicted the history of the Howe family, while the portraits depicted the many generations of the Amaranth bear family. Arthur, walking up the stairs, reached the door leading to the roof of the Keep. As he stepped outside, looked up and saw the stars, the nine-year-old smiled. "Finally a cloudless sky," he thought. As he walked across the stains of the citadel, he saw a female figure, walked closer, and saw that the figure was Marion. The girl stood and stared at the moon with an expression of sadness on her face.
Arthur approached her calmly and asked in a friendly voice - We are having a beautiful night tonight, aren't we, sister?
The girl turned and looked at her younger brother with surprise and said slightly nervous - Don't scare me like that, and whatever you're doing here is late, you should sleep.
- I could say the same. - Cousland said with a smile.
- Don't be so smart, why aren't you sleeping? - Marion repeated the question in a touchy tone.
Arthur shook his head with a smile on his lips and replied calmly, - It's just, I couldn't sleep.
- Why? - the girl asked anxiously.
- You could say it's because of you and our father. - The boy announced impassively, then looked towards the road.
Marion asked what happened to make him think that, did she do something wrong? Arthur told her everything he had observed during the feast and her obvious jealousy. Marion was indignant - I wasn't jealous at all.
- Yes, sure. - Arthur said with a raised left eyebrow.
Marion just sighed.
- Okay, let me be jealous, come more annoyed. - said the girl, stroking her temple.
- May I ask why? - asked a curious white-haired boy.
It's about that dance. Cousland answered with a deep breath.
- I understand, Natan didn't invite you, and I wanted to dance a waltz. said Arthur, amused.
- Exactly. - Marion announced come on it was a lie, it annoyed her that her younger brother danced all the time with Delilah Howe and was always surrounded by beautiful women and this fourteen-year-old irritated the most.
The young "Cousland" shook his head took a deep breath, then turned to his elder sister went to her kneeled down and asked gallantly, - Will you do me the Lady Cousland's dance?
This confused Marion, and she said in a trembling voice, - Stop being a fool.
- I'm serious, Marion. he went on seriously with sincerity in his eyes. - I want to dance with you, so will you do me the honor?
The girl shook her head with a smile and replied, - You're really a funny lady, little brother, to seduce your own sister, terribly indecent of you.
Arthur's eyes widened once again he was tongue-tied by his sister. And the mention of seduction confused him
Marion noticed this and laughed and said with an elegant smile, - Of course I will dance with you, Lord Cousland.
The white-haired boy took a deep breath, "Maker, she really likes to make fun of me." he thought with amusement.
He stood up and kissed her right hand, and they both assumed a dancing position. The singing of the shed and the playing of cicadas and the chirping of birds was their dance music. They both looked deep into each other's eyes as they danced, it was a slow dance. Marion was blushing all the time, and Artur both felt as if they were walking on clouds without taking their eyes off each other. "Maker what's going on, why am I starting to feel so weird?" he asked in his mind then thought "Is this love. Don't throw these thoughts out of your head, she's your sister." But Marion was both happy and terrified at the same time. "Why did the Maker make us siblings? Why?" she thought, tears streaming down her face. Arthur noticed this and then realized that his older sister was in love with him and he was starting to fall in love with her.
When they finished dancing, he wiped the tears from Marion's cheeks and smiled, saying, - You shouldn't cry, sis.
- I know, but sometimes I just can't control myself. - said the girl sadly.
The white-haired boy understood that he had to tell her that they couldn't be together after all. They will stand still and look the girl in the eyes, trying to speak in a confident voice - I know how you feel about me, sister, but we can't be together. The Maker or the Goddess will let us go as far as we can, no matter how hard we try. I'm sorry, sister, but we can't be together.
- I understand brother, now you know why I kept avoiding you. - Marion replied with a sad smile and added - However, I'm glad that you feel the same but we both have to suppress these feelings from now on, we act like normal siblings.
- Okay. - Arthur agreed and lowered his head.
Marion decided to return to her chamber and leave Artur alone, knowing that her brother needed a moment of solitude.
Arthur looked up at the sky. Life isn't really a ballad, he thought. However, he did not know that he was being watched by Eowyn. The woman saw and heard everything but was relieved that they both understood their situation. However, she knew one thing that she had to keep an eye on them from now on.