Dragon Age Origins: A Grey Wardens Tale.

Chapter 1: Aeden Cousland Part 1.

High upon the most northern lands of Ferelden sits one of the two last remaining Teyrnir's split between The Howe's of Amaranthine and The Couslands of Highever, the castle/town of Highever sitting at the very coast of The Waking Sea.

A rare bright autumn day shone over the castle as only the sounds of hurrying servants both Human and Elf worked to get the castle clean and pantries stocked up in preparation of guests, the sounds of work coupled with the sounds of metal against metal as swords clashed in the sparring field sitting in the grounds.

Two men fiercely sparred; each wielding a sword and shield, splintered flew in all directions as shield met blade, sparks flew as blades met with the ferocity of a real battle, the two warriors sparring took a step apart, the first being taller with dark hair and hints at the beginnings of a beard and dressed in full Splintmail Armour with a green tint while his shield bore The Cousland Crest of Arms and his sword: a weapon of Silverite and high quality, the other several years younger with blonde hair, his cheeks high but hollow and a pointed nose but dressed in Cured Leather Armour but also carrying a crested shield but with a simple Iron sword that snapped upon meeting the Silverite Sword for a third time.

"Maker damn it… another sword broken" spoke the younger man; tossing the broken weapon aside leaving it flat on the lush green grass, turning back towards the other only to find the tip of the blade aimed for his neck.

"When are you going to get yourself a real weapon? Your skill is too great for a meagre sword like that Aeden" spoke the older man with a snickering smile; lowering his weapon and sheathing it within a scabbard on his back.

"When Father allows it… just like how he eventually allowed you to wield that Silverite Sword of yours Fergus" Aeden spoke with envy in his Brother's fortune to wield such a high quality weapon

"Maybe so… but your own sword will be given before you know it; now come on" Fergus spoke with a grin along with a high and mighty tone; gesturing her his younger brother to follow him as they began returning to The Castle.

"I hear that The King is riding with The Grey Wardens down south" Fergus stated; having heard whispers from Servants both Human and Elf about witnessing The King's Procession marching down south.

"Is that so? Why would The King be doing that?" Aeden stated; puzzled as to why The King would leave the safety of The Royal Palace in Denerim where not only Queen Anora sat beside him but also the rumoured other women he'd bedded.

"Glory? That idiot is desperate to get his name in both the history books and the legends" Fergus laughed off the questions with facts; the rumour mill working overtime with hearsay of a large imminent battle in Korcari Wilds.

Upon entering The Castle; entering a large anti-chamber where guests would be welcomed before heading to either The Audience Chamber or guided to the Guest Bedchambers where guests would stay for the night, Fergus and Aeden both halted as their mother: Lady Cousland, a slim greying-haired woman who stood with the stature of nobility but accompanied by several other women that Aeden hadn't seen before though the eldest woman looked familiar.

"Finally; here you are my son, allow me to introduce the daughter of my good friend Lady Landra: Lady Elissa" Lady Cousland spoke; waving her arm upon turning her son's attention to the beautiful woman standing before him, a face as if painted by a master artist, brown hair as smooth as chocolate, skin like porcelain, eyes that shone like sapphires, and a body that shook his imagination.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance again My Lady" Aeden gave a swift bow; bowing his head and hoping that his heavy leather clothes from sparring with his sword and shield didn't make him appear uncouth, Lady Landra giving a similar bow in thanks for his kind welcome before directing his attention to the young woman stood by her side.

"Lady Elissa is to be your bride; I pray that you will marry and sire an heir before I or your father pass" Lady Cousland stated; her friend Lady Landra smirking and holding in a laugh at her long-time friend's forthrightness.

"An heir? You already have Fergus' Son why do you need another" Aeden shouted back; ignoring how Fergus had burst out laughing at the very idea that Aeden could sire another heir so quickly after marrying a beautiful woman.

"Aeden; please don't speak ill of my wishes" Lady Cousland spoke as she frowned with displeasure at her son's reaction to the arranged marriage made for the dual purpose of forming alliances between House Cousland and House Loren as well as making certain her son and her friend's daughter would have a happy life together.

"Neither the less… that is a topic for private discussion" Aeden countered; embarrassed by the sudden turn of conversation though his words were barely heard over Fergus' laughter at his younger brother's situation.

"It is a great pleasure to finally meet my future-husband; I hope you find me to be a suitable match for one with such high standing" Elissa spoke politely in the given situation with a humoured smile; her dazing eyes sparkling as she gazed upon Aeden with an unmistakable intent to be his bride and sire his heir.

Aeden smiled warmly as the lovely woman curtsied to him and gifted him a carefully given glimpse down the collar of her fine dress to the orb-like shape of her breasts and the black fabric of her undergarments, "Tis a pleasure to me as well Lady Elissa; I hope we might dine together in the morning?".

Rising back up to her full height though still shorter than Aeden himself; Elissa gave a introductory manner to the Elf Woman standing by her side, "It would be my honour; may I introduce my handmaiden and personal companion: Iona".

"A pleasure Ser; I do hope you find the quality of my work satisfactory" spoke The Elf named Iona; her bow reached deep and revering of her Human Masters, only rising as Aeden motioned her to rise up with a wave of his hand.

"Your work is commendable; we are very appreciative of Elves here in Highever" Aeden spoke kindly; welcoming The Elf to the Castle whereas most Humans treated Elves so lowly thus Aeden's kindness came as a relief to Iona.

"My thanks; if I may make a request… when you and My Lady marry… would I be allowed to bring my Daughter to live here too?" Iona spoke solemnly and with reverence to her future master; her wish to move her Daughter from The Alienage to her workplace apparent.

Aeden felt stunned as he spoke the Elven Handmaiden for she was only a year or two younger than he was and already sired a daughter, "Your daughter must be very beautiful; much like your Mistress" Aeden gave a look towards Lady Elissa of whom was deeply engaged in conversation with Lady Cousland to notice his silver-tongued flirts.

"Oh Ser Cousland; you must surely be jesting" Iona spoke sweetly; giggling a little at the given compliment, her cheeks blushing as she caught on to the flirting manner of Aeden's wording.

"I am not; I would like to hear more about your daughter… perhaps in my bedchamber during the late hours?" Aeden spoke carefully; muttering his invitation to Iona into her ear so not to be overheard.

Iona blushed as much as her cheeks turned pink; noting that Elissa gave her a swift nod of her head approving of any actions she might decide to take, Iona bowing again in thanks to Aeden before silently returning to her Lady's side for the duration of the meeting.

"Mother, Lady Landra, Lady Elena, Iona… if we may be excused; I believe Father wished to see us both before nightfall" Fergus cut in once he'd finished laughing

"Of course my son; you must not keep him waiting" Lady Cousland nodded her head slightly; allowing Aeden and Fergus to proceed down the hallways, passing Elf Servants carrying boxes laden with fruit, vegetables, loaves of bread, fine wines and delicious smelling mystery foods.

As Aeden turned to leve towards the Audience Chamber where his Father was waited; he swore he heard Mother stating her happiness and Aeden and Elissa shared an obvious attraction as well as being a suitable match including a proposed wedding ceremony on the coming Feast Day.

The corridors were winding and all too familiar to those who didn't know how to navigate; stone walls and lit wooden torches built to confused invaders when the Castle had been a simple Fortress during the Wars against Orlais but given as a boon from King Maric to Teryn Cousland for the victory of defeating The Orlesian Army at Highever.

Turning at an engraved sword symbol followed by the engraving of a Mabari Hound led the two men to a tall wooden door with metal set hinges to lock it down in case of invasion however unlikely that was, pushing the door open to be met by the stupendous sight within.

Upon reaching The Audience Chamber; a well decorated room with long dining tables, comfortable chairs, a roaring fire alight within the hearth and trophies from past wars that Lord Cousland had fought in including The Family Sword hanging over the hearth: a magnificent weapon forged with Ancient Runes so that mighty blade would never dull nor rust.

Standing close to the roaring fire stood Lord Bryce Cousland: a tall and imposing man with a compassionate soul, his thinning hair and aged features had barely dulled his battle senses as he stood in the fine clothes of a Teryn, beside him stood a weathered man with long black hair and a beard, dressed in a grey robe under silver-plate armour and both a straight-bladed Longsword and a curved Dagger strapped to his back, and sleeping in a corner of the hall sat an old Mabari Hound happily sleeping with a half-chewed Lamb Bone between its paws.

"Ahh; my sons are here at last" Teryn Cousland spoke up; raising his right hand and sword arm in welcome to Aeden and Fergus, the warmth of the heath's fire warming them down to their bones after training in the late autumn hours when the cold was beginning to sink into the earth.

"So these are the son's you've raised; I am honoured to meet you both" The Unknown Warrior spoke; his voice weary with his travels but stood tall and strong.

"We too are honoured by your presence Ser…" Fergus spoke first; as the eldest sibling he was duty-bound to speak first at any formal introductions, while Aeden stayed silent with fascination ibn this armed and clearly-skilled warrior.

"Forgive me manners… this is Ser Duncan of The Grey Wardens" Bryce spoke as if speaking The Warden's name was a great honour; his tone of voice elevating Duncan to almost legendary status.

"I'd like to thank you for agreeing to allow members of your Elite Guard to be conscripted into The Grey Wardens; but due to the late hours we shall not leave until the first light of dawn; that'll also give the men time to be with their families" Duncan stated; his foremost thoughts being on the families his new recruits gave Aeden the impression that Duncan was an incredibly caring man on top of being a courageous warrior.

"It is the least I can do given how you and your Wardens almost singlehandedly turned the tide of battle during Maric's seizing of The Throne" Bryce spoke of the battle with reverence his left hand moving to an old scar in his abdomen that still pained him to this day.

"And my gratitude in invaluable for we may be facing a The Fifth Blight if our suspicions are proven" Duncan spoke with a tone of thankfulness in Bryce's willingness to give up members of his Elite Guard, his tone become darker as he mentioned The Blight as did the dark circles around his eyes.

"Forgive my ignorance; but what is a Blight?" Aeden stated; his eyes giving away his intent to learn from the Warrior standing before him, his curiosity matched by the desire for knowledge in Fergus' expression.

"The Blight begins when The Archfiend emerges from The Deep Roads and leads its inhuman horde of Darkspawn upon the world above and inflict chaos on the lands that lie within the horde's path; Only The Grey Wardens have the strength to prevent and defeat such a catastrophe should it arise"

"The last Blight was about four to five hundred years ago but The Wardens keep watch for when it inevitably returns" Bryce spoke up; he in fact kept a record of The History of past four Blights locked away within his study; the knowledge too vile and disturbing to allow his sons to learn of the atrocities committed in fighting such evil.

"Father! I wish to assist Ser Duncan in the battle against The Blight!" Aeden shouted; smiling wide at the presence of an opponent to not only experience real battle but also the chance of saving the world appealing to the fantasies that all children would have in youth.

"Absolutely not! Fergus shall be travelling south along with the chosen Soldiers; but you will stare here! I will not stand by as both my sons risk their lives" Bryce turned to face his son with an uncharacteristic expression of absolute fury; verbally putting down his youngest son's wish to join a nearby battle where death was all but assured.

"But Father…" Aeden began only to be cut off by Fergus' hand on his shoulder.

"Young Aeden; your father is only concerned for your wellbeing, so please respect his wishes" Fergus spoke; having known that he too would be riding into battle but had kept it from his younger sibling due to his eagerness to enter battle and win his glory.

"Father; I'm sorry for my eagerness… I am merely overexcited after training" Aeden dropped his head in apology; his tone of voice that of repentance; his forthcoming desire to do battle had blocked his reaction to Fergus leaving to join The King's armies.

"Thank you Son; please retire to your chambers and we shall speak more in the morning before Arl Rendon Howe makes his arrival" Bryce gave his youngest son a pitiable look; wishing that his son could ride into battle since he and Fergus would make a near undefeatable pair of Swordsmen but even at the age of twenty-one Aeden still had a lot to learn about the nature of war.

Aeden gave a bow of his head before turning to leave; pausing to duck behind the wall as Bryce and Duncan continued to speak to one another as they stood alone apart from the old Mabari.

"Your youngest son is quite eager to join The Grey Wardens; though you have spoken your opposition to his wishing to join… I would believe he'd make a fine Warden" Duncan waited until Aeden had left the chamber to speak; his eyes catching Aeden's Cured Leather-covered shoulder poking out from behind the half-closed doors.

"I have given my answer Duncan; please do not ask me to sacrifice my second-born Son to your Joining Ritual…. I saw the bodies during the War" Bryce spoke with absolution in his voice; his tone trailing into a darker more worried tone when referring to seeing the bodies leaving Aeden to wonder what exactly do Grey Wardens have to endure to even join the ranks.

"I only wished to display my thoughts; given his standing as an Heir to Highever I would not conscript him unless the matter deemed absolutely necessary" Duncan raised a hand in defence of his wishful thinking; though he remained calm throughout Bryce's speaking of their Joining Ritual.

"My thanks Duncan… let me show you to your chambers for tonight for your long journey due south will begin at dawn" Bryce finally let the dark and tense air around him relax; offering a beckoning arm to walk with him to The Guest Bedchambers in which Duncan began to follow.

Aeden took that as his cue to leave but he swore he spotted Duncan's eyes glimpse him as he turned to leave from his hiding spot.

As night fell upon the land; Aeden lay in his bed with the dying embers of a fire in the hearth and a lit candle to light the room and a book of The Legend of Lake Calanhad in his lap though his mind was still filled with thoughts of The Blight, Fergus heading into battle the wife and child he might leave behind if he fell, the thoughts jumbling up within his brain when the door to his bedchamber opened and snapped from him from his stupor, standing in the doorway was none other than the young Elf handmaid he'd met only hours ago.

Iona stood as an ideal picture of an Elf with her statuesque stance; her platinum blonde hair hung as if a perfect frame around her pretty face with her pointed ears showing on either side of her head, the woman brought to meet him as part of an entourage that was visiting the castle

"Ser Cousland… do you recall your earlier kindly invitation?" Iona spoke; her hands held together as she crossed the room, her walk seductive in manner as her dress appeared slightly looser than when they met in The Greeting Hall as if it could fall from her frame at any moment.

"Of course I do… please join me" Aeden spoke with a broad smile; welcoming the Elf into his bedchamber and even into the sheets of his own bed for she would be a welcomed relief from the turmoil raging within his brain.

Iona smiled warmly as she crossed the threshold of the door and shutting the door behind her with practiced ease so the door did not make any sound upon closing; her hands shifting the folds of her dress until the finely woven fabric garment slid from her frame.

Aeden could only smile as he observed Iona steadily undressing herself of not only her dress but also her undergarments until she strode across the chamber in total nudity; Iona's beautiful frame gave nothing away when it came to the finely shaped breasts that clung to her chest and the way her hips swayed as she walked.

"My lady… I do believe you are invited to share my bed" Aeden spoke calmly; his excited smile spreading across his face as he sat in his bed with nary any clothes on under the sheets he sat with.

Aeden had always had an affinity turned attraction towards Elves since he was a child having been on a visit to The Circle Tower when he'd met a young nameless Elf Girl who'd been dragged to The Circle by Templar Knights and had given the girl his cloak for warmth, offering a welcoming hand as Iona slid into his sheets with him upon taking his hand; the pair exchange a tender kiss as Aeden had Iona sit in his lap in the exact position both individuals desired.

"You should know Ser… I am also personal confidant to your Bride-to-be" Iona spoke quietly as she felt Aeden pressing up against her hips and cooed softly to his fingertips touching her.

"Is that so… then when she and I are to marry then you should come too" Aeden smiled as he felt Iona's folds give way to him; enjoying the sweet sound of Iona's pleasurable moans.

Just as Iona let out that first sweet moan of pleasure the door to Aeden's bedchamber swung open with violent force followed by the unmistakable sound of a Crossbow being fired, Aeden's eyes widened as an iron Crossbow Bolt suddenly jutted out from between Iona's breasts and spitting her blood onto his face; lodged within her body for she had just saved his life with her death.

Staring in shock as The Crossbowman loaded another shot with apparent ease and took arm at the trapped Heir to Highever only for an arrow to jut out from his throat; the archer produced a gargling sound as he choked on his own blood before falling to the floor dead.

"What in Andraste's name?!" Aeden muttered as the dead body of Iona crumbled to the floor as he stood up and saw his Mother standing a few paces back from the dead Crossbowman dressed in her Cured Leather Armour and her Elm Bow in-hand with an arrow primed for firing.

"Aeden… oh… I'm sorry my son but we have no time to mourn for your bride-to-be's handmaiden" Lady Cousland stated; taking a simple though disapproving glance at Iona's body and then turned away as her son while he quickly adorned himself in his own set of Cured Leather Armour.

"Mother… what is going on? Why do these attackers bear Arl Howe's Crest?" Aeden demanded; shaken by the sudden unexpected attack when Arl Howe's Men were supposed to be marching down South alongside Highever's Soldiers, begrudgingly taking up a simple Mace from the Archer's lifeless corpse rather than a preferred Sword.

"Arl Howe has betrayed us" Lady Cousland spoke with a clear sound of hurt in her voice as the sounds of battle finally dawned upon Aeden's ears.