The Other Cousland
Chapter 5
I do not own Dragon age. I hope you all are enjoying the story. Please leave feedback so I can improve! A huge shoutout to my first reviews! Thank you so much Kanta48 and Judy for the feedback. I have a lot planned for our girl, glad you are enjoying her adventure so far.
A dreamless night, thank the Maker. However morning arrived way too early, I felt like I hadn't slept at all. I was groggy as I pushed Sundance's giant head off my stomach. She opened one sleepy eye and blew a puff of air in my face with a grumpy woof.
"I know pretty girl, I don't want to be awake any more than you do but we have to get ready to go." I said caressing her head. Her response was to roll on me causing me to fall back down to the bedroll. I couldn't help but chuckle a little. She rolled to her back throwing her legs up in the air, effectively squishing me with her weight. "Ugh! Get off! You weigh a ton! Has Duncan been sneaking you extra rabbit?!"
She finally rolled off and got to her feet stretching lazily. Then she took her head and started bumping me with it.
"Seriously?! You are the one that knocked me back down!" I threw my pillow at her which she caught and started shaking it back and forth hitting me with it. "I'm up! I'm up!" I yelled climbing quickly to my feet. She dropped the pillow at my feet, sat down, and smiled her big doggy grin like she was so pleased with herself.
I quickly dressed and packed my things for the journey to Lothering. I need to be strong now that it is going to be just Sundance and I for a bit. Hopefully this battle will be over quickly and then we can focus on Howe and getting our home back. I started thinking of things that would need done once we reclaimed our home, if it still stood that is… No, I couldn't think like that, or who and what we lost there. I had to look towards the future.
Now that Aedan is a Grey Warden he won't be able to stay in Highever, and we had no idea where Fergus was either. I may be the only heir to Highever now… Oh Maker, that made me feel sick. I know what is expected of me, but before I could at least dream of a life where I wasn't just a means to an end. Being nobility is wonderful in some aspects. I had a wonderful education, plenty of food, a soft warm bed, a beautiful home, clothes fit for a queen… yet it felt like a gilded cage that I always wanted to escape from.
I know what I have to do, but after seeing how much my parents loved each other, I wanted someone to love me by my side instead of someone who only wanted my dowry and name to bring them more power. To me, love was more precious than all the material things in this world. I guess it truly was childish of me to think I would be lucky enough to have both like my parents.
I shook my head to clear them of the daunting task ahead of me. I would think about this later, once Highever was ours again and when we knew that both of my brothers were safe. I prayed that both of them made it home safely, that was all I wanted to focus on right now, well that and making the trip to Lothering to put Aedan's mind at ease.
I stepped out into the early morning light and took a deep breath. It seems the whole camp was a blur of activity with the big battle happening tonight. The men that were traveling with me quickly packed my tent and told me to meet them at the bridge. I thanked them with a bright smile, these were men who had been protecting me most of my life and I had complete faith in them now.
As I made my way towards the bridge I heard barking coming from the kennels and made a quick detour to check on my new friend. When the kennel master saw me walking his way he smiled happily and waved me over.
"He's doing much better today, he actually ate his breakfast this morning but he is still weak from being so ill." he explained. When I walked to his pen he stood slowly but was wagging his little tail so fast I burst out laughing.
"Look at you handsome boy! I'm so glad you are feeling better. I knew you were a true warrior!" He stood proudly and held his head up at my praise. He really was an impressive looking hound. "If you were my hound I know just what I would call you." he tilted his head listening intently. "I would call you Zander, it means defender of mankind."
He stood really still for a moment then looked at me with so much joy and let out a series of strong barks.
"I think he likes that name." the kennel master nodded in approval. "A good strong name for a strong hound. He has really taken to you my lady. Maybe after the battle we can see if he has imprinted on you."
"I am preparing to leave for Lothering, my brother wants me far from the battlefield before nightfall." I said sadly.
"Well maybe we will meet you in Lothering after the battle, what do you think boy, that way you can fully recover your strength?" He asked the hound. Zander's answer was to wag his whole body and bark happily. "It's settled then, we shall see you after the battle my lady, safe travels." With that the kennel master walked towards another pen.
"Alright boy, you get better and I will see you soon ok?" I asked, stroking his massive head through the pen. He whined pitifully rubbing against my hand. "Don't worry it won't be long, go rest and regain your strength. See you soon, strong boy." He walked to his bedding and settled down still keeping his eyes locked to mine. I felt so bad leaving him there, but he wasn't strong enough for a long trip like that.
I gave one last little wave and began walking towards the bridge again. I was about to reach the rendezvous point when I heard someone shout my name. I turned around and was stunned to see King Cailan jogging my way. My brow furrowed in confusion, what could the King possibly want with me?
"I'm so… huff… glad… puff… that I caught you before you left." He was breathing hard.
"What can I do for you, your Majesty?" I said curtsying low and bowing my head.
"I wanted to apologize for not recognizing you yesterday and for not showing you proper respect and courtesy. You are still a noble of my kingdom and you deserved a better reception than what I gave you." He said ashamed.
"I did arrive looking worse for wear your Majesty, it must have been a shock to see me in such a state of disarray and your mind is occupied at the moment with the impending battle. I appreciate your apology, however it is not necessary." I tried my best to ease his mind and was frankly taken aback that he felt the need to apologize in the first place.
"My lady, you are a kind and beautiful woman both inside and out, I must confess I had considered asking you to be my bride the night of your birthday. I was arrogant and thought I would be the only one worthy of your hand and thought I had no competition. You showed me that night that your heart wouldn't be won by money, jewels, or titles."
He stopped and took a deep breath before continuing. "My pride was wounded and it took me a while to recover from your rejection. At first I was angry and I admit that even though I am fond of Anora, I married her to soothe my bruised ego instead of love. I won't say I regret marrying her, she is a good Queen, but I wish I had taken more time to discover my true feelings before jumping into a lifelong commitment." He stopped talking and seemed lost in thought.
"I'm sorry if I hurt your pride, your Majesty, it was not my intention. Truthfully I was unaware of Rory's feelings as well as my own until the moment he confessed just moments before you found us. From what I know of you, you are a good and honorable man, but I am not sure we would have been a good match." I confessed.
Cailan looked at me for a long time and then sighed.
"I have great admiration for you. You are a strong and compassionate person that helps others. I saw you last night helping not only the kennel master, but the healers as well. You have spirit and you are honest. I have a lot of respect for you." I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
"Thank you, your Majesty, that means a lot." I started to speak but he cut me off.
"I know it is too late to try to win your heart, but I hope we can be friends and allies. Ferelden politics can be scary at times, so having an ally I can trust would mean a lot to me." He looked at me hopefully.
"It would be my honor to be called your friend and ally, and thank you for your honesty and praise." I was blushing a little but was genuinely smiling. The most powerful man in the kingdom respected me and wanted me as a friend and ally. I could feel my confidence soar and held my head up high. I wonder what mother and father would have said if they could hear this. I wasn't doing things their way, but by being true to myself was earning respect.
"I know I already promised you this, but once this darkspawn business is done, we will get your home back, I will help you make this right." He placed his hand on my shoulder and I nodded my head.
"Thank you.." that was all I could get out as I tearfully smiled.
"Your Majesty! Teryn Loghain is looking for you!" a runner came up to us with the message. The King nodded his head and turned back to me.
"Safe travels my friend, I will see you in Lothering when this is done, and take this, I know it's not a lot but it should help you get supplies you need until we get you home where you belong." Cailan handed me a large pouch of gold sovereigns and walked back to camp without giving me a chance to give it back. I would only use what I had to, then give what I didn't use back once we retook Highever.
Sundance butted my hand with her head and I scratched behind her ears.
"Ok beautiful, let's go." She woofed at me and we made it to the rendezvous point where our guard detail, my brother, and Duncan were waiting for us.
"Safe travels my Lady, Maker willing we will see you in a week's time ready to take back your home." Duncan gave me a hug and stood back so I could say goodbye to Aedan.
"I will miss you little sister. Try not to cause too much trouble while I am not around." Aedan chuckled but I could tell he was still worried.
"I will be fine, Sundance and our men will keep me safe on the journey and I won't try to go after Howe until you are by my side. I wouldn't start the fun without you." I grinned mischievously and it seemed to break the tension.
"I love you Adara" He hugged me tightly.
"I love you too. Don't worry I will see you both soon" I hugged him tightly then kissed his cheek. Then I bent down and looked at Scamp. "Alright boy, I'm counting on you to watch his back and keep him safe. I know I can count on you" I hugged Scamp as he nuzzled me affectionately and barked an agreement. I rubbed his head and kissed his wet nose and he gave me a big slobbery kiss on my cheek. I laughed and smiled. As long as Scamp was with my brother he should be safe.
I turned to my horse and my brother helped me to mount even though I didn't need it.
"You should be in Lothering by around midday tomorrow, I made sure you have everything you need to make the journey. Stay on the road and listen to what the guards say about safety." Aedan instructed.
"Ok, stay safe you three." I said turning Lady towards the road going North and beginning my journey.
We rode North on the Imperial Highway only stopping for meals, to rest and water the horses, and camp for the night. Thankfully there were plenty of people on the road with us, although most were traveling South instead of North. More people meant less chance for bandits.
By the midday meal on the second day Lothering was in sight. I breathed a sigh of relief that we made it quickly and safely. Crossing the bridge into Lothering I could see a lot of carts and goods piled up on either side and a group of armed men standing in the center. Sundance began growling once we were close enough to speak with them.
"Good day my Lady, there is a toll of 10 silver to cross the bridge into Lothering, it is to help the refugees fleeing the blight." The man was lying, I could tell and I looked to my guards to see what I should say. I didn't want any of them to get hurt. I could see them place their hands on their swords in preparation to defend me if they needed to, but I could also see the caution in their eyes. There could be more hiding waiting to ambush us if I didn't comply.
"I am always happy to help those in need." I said reaching for my small money pouch I kept at my waist. I was thanking the Maker that I had the foresight to fill the small pouch with just silver and copper and keep the rest hidden away. I didn't need to draw attention to myself. I carefully pulled out and made a point of counting out 10 silver as if I was worried I didn't have enough. "Thank you so much for thinking of the poor souls in need during these uncertain times." I said, handing the man in front of me the silver. He at least had the decency to look ashamed.
"Thank you for your contribution my Lady." He counted the money and signaled for us to be let through and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief. Once we were far enough away my men began to relax, but the sight that met us was one that brought tears to my eyes. There were so many people here fleeing the darkspawn in the South. The sounds of sobbing and babies crying tore at my heart.
I walked through the town and saw fear and despair. Children clutching to their mother's skirts, their mother's faces pale with fatigue and worry. So many were injured or sick, I hadn't realized the full impact of the blight until just now, and it hit me like a punch to the gut. Sundance clung to my side, whining softly.
"I know pretty girl, it makes me sad too."I said, petting her head gently. I turned in a circle feeling overwhelmed by what I was seeing, but then I saw the Chantry and felt a small bit of hope. "Men, find a place to camp. I'm going to the Chantry to pray for my brothers and the soldiers protecting us from the Blight, then I am going to ask the Revered Mother if there is any way I can help these poor people. Maker knows we can spare our time and effort." The men smiled and nodded their heads and set off to find us a good location to set up camp.
I quickly walked through the doors of the Chantry with Sundance staying glued to my side and I went to the candles to light one for my brothers and began to pray.
"Maker, keep watch over my brothers as they battle the darkspawn. Keep them in your loving embrace and bring them home safely. Maker be with the brave warriors and the King, let them be victorious in battle and go home safely to their families. Maker, help these poor people that are fleeing the darkspawn, help comfort them as we wait for the battle to be over. Maker, help comfort those who have lost loved ones to these evil creatures. And… Maker, please show me the way to help those around me, help me be your hand to ease suffering, show your love through me, let me be your instrument. Guide me and show me what to do…" I hadn't realized I had begun to cry until someone handed me a handkerchief.
"That was a beautiful prayer, I'm sure the Maker has heard you and will bless you" she said in an Orlesian accent. "I am sister Leliana, I'm sorry for eavesdropping but when I saw you crying I wanted to check on you and make sure you were alright."
"Thank you sister, I was feeling really overwhelmed, so much has happened in such a short time. May I see the Revered Mother please, I would like to ask for her blessing." I asked, wiping the tears from my face. She smiled kindly and nodded her head.
"Of course, follow me and I will take you to her." We walked in silence until we came to the back of the Chantry and there was a room off to the side. "She is just inside here, may the Maker watch over you." Said waved me inside and left as quietly as she appeared. If I hadn't known any better I would have thought she was a ghost. I shook my head and walked in the room where the Revered Mother was sitting waiting for visitors.
"Good Day my dear, will you be making a donation to the Chantry, our need has never been greater." the Revered Mother asked. I quickly pulled out 5 sovereigns and handed them to her. Seeing the amount her mouth opened in surprise.
"These poor souls would weep at your generosity!" She exclaimed. "What can I do for you my dear?"
"I have come to ask for your blessing and to see if there was any way to help the people here." I explained.
"Of course, I would be happy to bless you and if you want to help, there are many ways. Your donation will help many but if you are looking for other ways then there is also a makeshift hospital near the inn if you are talented with healing, a chanters board has many requests for aid, and if you are good at hunting, food is greatly needed for all these hungry mouths." she stood and motioned for me to kneel. "In Andraste's name, I call upon the Maker to watch over his child and creation. Watch over her path, O Maker. Give her light in the darkness. So let it be. Now if there is nothing else I will leave you to do the Maker's work." She said sitting back down.
"Thank you, Revered Mother, Maker watch over us." I stood and walked out of the Chantry to find my men, we had work to do.
