And here's the next little bit. Thank you so much for the follows/favourites/reviews that have already come in for this story. It's going to be a long one, but I'm really excited about it.
Previous disclaimer still applies.
Hope you enjoy!
After a while of aimless wondering, simply soaking up the atmosphere, Elissa found herself outside the dining room and a knight sidled over to her from a small corridor beside it.
"There you are," he said, a warm smile on his face and his flaming red hair slightly askew. "Your mother told me the teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt."
"Good thing, too, Ser Gilmore," Elissa replied, "considering Father's company."
"Yes, I saw the arl arrive," the knight said with a nod. He then chuckled and gestured over his shoulder. Elissa could now make out the sound of barking and a woman's frantic caterwauling. "I fear your hound has the kitchens in an uproar once again. Nan is threatening to leave."
"Did he get into the larder again?" Elissa asked with a frown.
"No matter how the maids try to keep him out, he always finds a way in. You know these mabari hounds." He pointed at Elissa. "He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off."
Elissa raised an eyebrow and smirked a little. "Then I guess I should go collect him."
"That would be wise," the knight said, and grinned. "Before Nan tears down the walls.
"You're quite lucky to have your own mabari war hound, you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say. Of course, that means he's easily bored. Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself. At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?"
"To the kitchen, then," Elissa replied, gesturing the knight in the direction of the disturbance.
Ser Gilmore chuckled. "Just follow the yelling. When Nan's unhappy, she makes sure everyone knows it."
Elissa gave the knight a small smile and nodded, then the two of them headed off towards the kitchens.
Once inside, they found the cook 'Nan' berating two cowering elves. "Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!"
"But mistress! It won't let us near!" the female elf cried.
Nan growled. "If I can't get into that larder, I'll skin both of you useless elves. I swear it!"
"Err," Sir Gilmore tentatively interrupted. "Calm down, good woman. We've come to help."
"You!" Nan spun around and her eyes zeroed in on Elissa. "And you! Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!"
"I'm sorry he's bothering you, Nan," Elissa replied lowering her head slightly.
The old woman sighed. "Just get him gone. I've enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers." She turned back to face the elves. "You two! Stop standing there like idiots! Get out of the way."
The two slaves hurried back to work, hoping not to anger Nan any further.
Elissa and Ser Gilmore moved past Nan and into the larder. Inside, was a gigantic, caramel-brown dog. It had its head to the ground and was sniffing about intently. Suddenly, it stopped and lifted its head towards something off to their right. Its lips furled back, revealing a set of enormous teeth, and it let out a deep growl then started to bark.
Beside her, Ser Gilmore let out a heavy sigh. "Look at that mess. How did he even get in here?"
At the sound of his voice, the dog stopped barking and spun around. The moment he saw Elissa, his stumpy tail started wagging and his ears perked up. He almost looked like he was grinning.
He let out a few more barks, this time more excited than threatening.
"Are you trying to tell me something, boy?" Elissa asked.
In reply, the dog barked more and spun around on the spot.
"He does seem like he's trying to tell you something," Ser Gilmore agreed. Suddenly there was the noise of a pot breaking further in the larder. "Wait. Do you hear that?"
As soon as he said that, a small horde of giant rats came pouring out from whatever crack and crevice they'd been hiding in and headed straight for them.
Elissa pulled out her daggers and out the corner of her eye saw Ser Gilmore unsheathe his sword. The three of them got to work and the rats quickly fell without too much hassle.
"Giant rats?" the knight asked, once the last of the vermin had been dealt with. He had a few flecks of blood on his face and armour, but they were likely from the rats rather than any injury. He chuckled. "It's like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather used to tell." He turned his attention on the dog. "Your hound must have chased them in through their holes. Looks like he wasn't raiding the larder after all."
The war hound gave another excited bark.
"It certainly looks that way," Elissa replied, giving her dog a warm smile.
"Those were rats from the Korcari Wilds," the knight continued. "Best not to tell Nan. She's upset enough as it is. But, seeing as you've got your mabari well in hand, I'll be on my way. I'm to prepare for the arrival of more of the arl's men." He gave her a bow and walked out.
Elissa turned her attention to her dog and was met with the giant war hound happily rolling around on his back. She rolled her eyes at him and grinned. She was suddenly reminded of a game they'd used to play when she was a child.
"Do you see anything interesting, Loki?" she asked the hound.
The dog gave a bark and scurried off, hurrying around the room in search of something interesting for his mistress. A short while later he ran up to Elissa and deposited a slightly damaged cake at her feet. It was covered in dog slobber and something had clearly been nibbling on one of the corners, but she nevertheless picked it up.
"Cake!" she said grinning at the dog. "Excellent! Good boy, Loki!"
He bounced around, letting out a few happy barks.
Elissa chuckled and nodded towards the door. "Come on then. I better wash up a bit." Like Ser Gilmore, a few splatters of blood had landed on her and she desperately wanted to wash it off.
The two walked out of the larder, only to be met by the steely eyes of Nan.
"There he is," she snapped, "as brazen as you please, licking his chops after helping himself to the roast, no doubt!"
"He's not so bad, Nan," Elissa said, trying to defend her hound. "Just a dog being a dog."
"Look at him, now. Snuck into my larder once again and makes off like a free thief, he does."
"Oh, mistress!" the female elf screamed. "There are rats in the larder! Big ones!"
"Looks like the dog killed them!" the other elf added with relief clear in his voice. He wouldn't have to be the one to try and take care of them.
"Hmph," Nan muttered. "I bet that dog led those rats into there to begin with."
Loki tilted his head to the side and let out a pitiful whine.
"Oh, don't start with the sad eyes! I'm immune to your so-called charms."
He did it again and the gruff old woman sighed. "Here, then," she said and pulled some scraps of dried meat from her apron pouch. "Take these pork bits and don't say that Nan never gives you anything! Bloody dog."
Loki scoffed down the meat and let out a happy bark
"Thank you, my lady," Nan said, turning to Elissa. "Now we can get to work." She glanced at the elves. "That's right you two. Quit standing about!"
Elissa took the chance and headed over to one of the large sinks along the wall to wash the blood off her skin and armour. She'd been told horrific stories about what happened to mages who used blood magic, how they'd turn into awful creatures and destroy everything around them. And, while it'd never even crossed her mind to try it, the presence of blood on her skin and the knowledge of what it could do, had always made her uneasy.
She grabbed one of the washing stones and frantically scrubbed at her hands, making sure to get every last speck of red off of them.
"Thank you for your help," Nan said. Her voice was surprisingly gentle but her proximity made Elissa jump. She placed a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "I mean it. Thank you for coming to your old nanny's rescue." She let out a chuckle and waited for Elissa to turn around before she continued with a mock glare. "That blasted hound is more trouble than he's worth, he is."
Loki let out another whine.
"Don't start with me," Nan said with a chuckle. "You've gotten all you're getting today."
The dog seemed to concede and settled to the ground with a humph. Nan nodded her approval and turned her attention on Elissa, concern clear on her face. She was one of the few people who knew about Elissa and the secret she held. "And what about you, my lady? Been keeping safe and well behaved, I hope?"
"Of course, Nan," Elissa said quietly.
"Good. I'm not exactly privy to your goings-on now that you're grown. Just an old nanny, never invited to your father's fancy meetings." She paused and shook her head. She sighed. "Do you remember that bedtime tale I used to tell you? 'The Dog That Bit'?"
"I remember it."
"Good," Nan said. "Then you can start."
Despite the clear definition in rank, Elissa had never been able to disobey Nan. And so, she cast her mind back to her childhood and the stories that the old woman used to tell her before bed. "Before our fathers' fathers came down from the mountains -"
"A war hound was born to the elder bitch of a tribal chief," Nan continued. "They named him Hohaku and gave him everything. He grew up a fine, strong pup, destined to be the partner of the chief's eldest son."
"And Hohaku grew prideful," Elissa added.
Nan nodded. "The young hound became arrogant, taking food from his kin and warning them - in the way of dogs - that the chief's family would punish them if they tried to attack him.
"Years passed, and the time for the chief's son to take a war hound came closer. Hohaku's pride swelled, and many people of the tribe came to the chief, quietly whispering of the dog's bullying. With each complaint, the chief saw only Hohaku's strength and pride, and sent his people away. But as his son grew, the chief watched more closely. The day might come when his boy's life would depend on this dog. If the humblest of his people would not trust Hohaku, how could he?"
"Hohaku's own misdeeds bit him," Elissa said, cutting in.
Again Nan nodded before continuing. "When the day came, Hohaku sat proudly, waiting to be called. But the old chief chose Hohaku's brother as his son's hound.
"Hohaku was shamed, but felt no remorse. So great was his rage that he darted across the fire pit and bit the chief's hand. The chief and his son struck at Hohaku, cursing him. The hound ran into the village, seeking shelter in the tents and kennels. The other dogs snapped at him, and the tribespeople threw stones at him. Before the chief could reach him, the tribe had torn Hohaku apart.
"Now, what should you carry from this tale?"
"No one is above justice," Elissa replied, giving Nan the answer she had a hundred times before. She wasn't sure why the old woman had thought it important to remind her of that story now, but she respected Nan enough to listen and accept the woman's words.
"Precisely," Nan said, clearly pleased that her former charge had remembered what she taught her. "The tribe and their dogs granted the chief and his dogs their authority. When they saw that Hohaku was unworthy, they turned on him." The old woman sighed and looked at Elissa, a touch of sadness in her gaze. "But you're far too old now for an old woman to be reminding you to watch how you behave, hmm?"
"Thank you for the story," Elissa replied. "It was thoughtful of you."
"It's a story worth repeating, that's all," Nan said with a shrug before squaring her shoulders. "But off with you, then. Tell your brother farewell before he rides off to war."
Elissa nodded and gave the old woman a smile before turning and leaving the kitchen.
She returned to the path she'd been on before being intercepted by Ser Gilmore and soon reached the atrium, where she grimaced at the sight of her mother standing with a small group of well-dressed people.
Schooling her features, she continued up the slope towards the gathering. She could hear her mother telling the others a funny story about father's last trip to Orlais. "And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king." The four all burst out laughing.
"Mother," Elissa said as she reached them.
"Ah," the Teyrna turned towards her. "Here's my daughter. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"
"Yes, Mother. Nan is back to work as we speak."
"You've always had a way with her," the other woman said with a smile. She then gestured at the woman beside her. "Darling, you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?"
"I think we last met at your mother's spring salon," the woman said, prompting Elissa's memory.
Elissa gave the woman a small, tight smile. "Of course. It is good to see you again, my lady."
"You are too kind, dear girl," the woman said with a chuckle. "Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"
As if Elissa could have forgotten.
"And made a very poor case for it, I might add," said a smartly dressed man to her other side.
"You remember my son, Dairren?" Lady Landra continued. She had a sparkle in her eyes as she grinned between the two young people. "He's not married yet, either."
Elissa was seriously beginning to think she should have scaled the walls and taken the roofs up to Fergus' room, or let the rats eat her.
"Don't listen to her," Dairren cut in, and Elissa actually thought she might thank him later. "It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever."
Spoke too soon, Elissa thought, trying extremely hard not to roll her eyes. "Thank you," she said, trying not to let her discomfort show.
"And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona," Lady Landra said, gesturing to the young woman to her left.
As Elissa's eyes traveled to the girl her breath hitched. She was very pretty.
"Do say something, dear," Landra said.
Her voice snapped Elissa out of her trance and she tried frantically to come up with something to say, before realising that her mother's friend hadn't been talking to her.
"It is a great pleasure, my lady," the young elf said with a curtsy. "You are as pretty as your mother describes."
Elissa could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.
"You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult," the teyrna said.
Elissa felt her blush deepen. Why couldn't the rats have been more vicious? Maybe if they'd taken an arm or something she wouldn't have to be here having this conversation.
"Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship," said Dairren. "You should be proud."
Maybe both arms? It surely wouldn't have hurt that much.
"Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren."
Grandchildren?!
"May I go now, please, Mother?" Elissa managed to squeak out.
"Of course, darling," the teyrna said with a smile. "You must have many things to do before Fergus and your father leave."
"I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear," Lady Landra said. "Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."
"Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now," he said.
Iona nodded and followed him, although not before a quick glance towards Elissa.
"Good evening, your Ladyship," Lady Landra said, before she too left.
Elissa was also about to go when her mother called to her, pulling her up short. "You should say goodbye to Fergus while you have the chance."
"I will," Elissa replied. She frowned and her mother waited for her to say whatever was clearly on her mind. "Did you know there's a Grey Warden here?"
"Yes, your father mentioned that." The teyrna's brows furrowed. "You haven't gotten it into your head that you want to be recruited?"
"Would that be so bad?" She gave her mother a pleading look.
But the older woman's frown just deepened. "There's enough here at the castle to occupy you. I don't need you off chasing danger like your brother."
"But, why can't I go with Father and Fergus?" Surely her mother knew she'd be better suited out there? She wasn't someone who could run a castle, look after people, make sure things were done properly. She just wasn't that type of person. Add her magic to that, not to mention her general fear of being in a room full of people, and her mother had to know that her being in charge was just a recipe for disaster?
"You know why you can't," the teyrna said, her tone crisp. Then she sighed. "I know it's difficult to stay in the castle and watch others ride off, but we must see to our duties first. You understand that, don't you?"
"I could make a difference!"
"You are - here," her mother said firmly. She shook her head. "Trust me, you'll get your chance for excitement soon enough."
Elissa sighed. She knew she wouldn't be able to make her mother budge, she never could. The teyrna was a very strong woman. "Are you staying at the castle?" she asked.
"For a few days," her mother replied softly, clearly glad that the argument had passed for now. "Then I'll travel with Lady Landra to her estate and keep her company for a time. Your father thinks my presence here might undermine your authority."
"As you wish," Elissa said, bowing her head slightly.
"Good," the teyrna said firmly. "I was worried you might be nervous about running the castle alone. I needn't have been concerned."
They were quiet for a moment before Elissa frowned."I have a bad feeling about all this," she said and worried her bottom lip.
"As do I," the older woman agreed. "Your father and brother are marching off to fight Maker-knows-what. All the assurances in the world don't comfort me." She stood up straight and looked her daughter straight in the eyes, making sure she was listening. "But it wouldn't help for us to take up arms and follow. Fergus and your father have their duty and we have ours."
Elissa gave a reluctant nod. "Do you know where Fergus might be?"
"If he's not out with his men, then probably upstairs with Oriana."
"Thank you," Elissa said, not looking her mother in the eye. "I should go."
Just as she turned, the teyrna placed a hand on her arm and she paused.
"I love you, my darling girl. You know that, don't you?" Her eyes searched the features of her daughter's pale face.
Elissa's heart constricted slightly in her chest and she had to clear her throat before continuing. "What brought this on?"
"You've grown up so fast," the teyrna said with a shrug. "And now Bryce is leaving you in charge of the castle." She sighed. "I suppose there's no point in dwelling on it. Go do what you must then. I will see you soon."
Elissa gave her mother a small smile and walked off. She knew she should probably finally get up to the family's living quarters and speak to Fergus, but she couldn't deal with more family talk right now. So, she headed to one of the only places in the castle where she ever felt relaxed and happy.
A short walk later and she was walking into the castle's library. It wasn't huge as far as libraries went, and she had long ago read every tombe it contained, but it was generally quiet and the soft smell of parchment that washed over her as she entered immediately lessened some of the tension in her shoulders.
She started to wander the shelves, not looking for anything in particular, when she came across the old tutor, Aldous, trying to teach a couple of very bored looking squires.
"Hello, my dear girl," the old man said as Elissa approached. "By chance, I am beginning to teach these young squires about your family's history."
One of the boys groaned. "Do we have to? History is boring!"
"Boys," Aldous snapped. "You are referring to the Couslands, the very family in whose castle you live! Show some respect!"
"Still the same taskmaster, I see?" Elissa said with a warm smile.
"If the mind is not exercised, it withers just as the body does," the old man said with a decisive nod. Then his eyes lit up like he'd just had a wonderful idea. "I say, perhaps you'd care to join me in teaching the lesson?"
She raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "I'd be happy to."
"Wonderful!" Aldous said with a grin. "The Cousland history is long, indeed. Where shall we start?"
"How about our relationship with Arl Howe?" Elissa suggested.
"The history between the Couslands and the Howes reaches back to the Orlesian occupation," the tutor started. "This was during your grandfather's rule. Of course, Orlais found it difficult to hold these lands. During the rebellion against Orlais, several battles were fought near Highever. The port village of Harper's Ford was the Teyrnir's center. Its arl was Tarleton Howe. Though nearly ninety, he was still as sharp and bitter as cheap ale. Your grandfather openly supported the rebellion, but Howe sided with Orlais. Your family was forced to seize Harper's Ford before it was all over."
Elissa frowned. "But my father and Arl Howe are old friends."
"The Howes eventually joined the rebellion, when all of Ferelden united behind King Maric and General Loghain. Just as now we unite behind Maric's son, King Cailan, to fight the darkspawn."
"We predate the founding of the kingdom, yes?" Elissa prompted, trying to bring the conversation away from the current plight lest the boys get too excited.
"Well," Aldous said, beaming. "I'm glad some of my lessons don't disappear into the yawning chasm between your ears, young lady."
Elissa frowned at the old man, and after she had just saved his lesson from darkspawn. "I'm doing the best I can," she said, her voice overly sweet.
"It seems you have already plumbed the depths of your potential, then," the old tutor said with an over-the-top sigh. "A pity."
He gave her a wink, before turning back to the boys and continuing. "At any rate, the family held the teyrnir of Highever since before King Calenhad united Ferelden. In fact, Teyrna Elethea Cousland battled Calenhad to maintain Highever's independence."
"We opposed the King?"
"The Couslands are ardent royalists now, but at the time, Calenhad was unknown and considered dangerous by many," Aldous explained. "When Calenhad's army reached Highever, Teyrna Elethea led the local banns against him. Obviously, Calenhad won."
"And Calenhad let us keep the teyrnir?" Elissa asked.
"Calenhad wished to unite Ferelden, not conquer it. After Elethea's men were defeated, Calenhad asked her to swear fealty. The boulder where they held council still stands today as a memorial of the event."
"When was our line founded then?" Elissa asked.
"Records are vague, but the Couslands became teyrns during the Black Age," said Aldous. "Is that familiar, child?"
"During the lycanthrope plague?" Elissa replied.
"Good!" the tutor exclaimed. "At that time, your family held only the minor title of 'bann'. When the werewolves reached this area, Bann Mather Cousland organised a curfew and patrols within the city. Several other local banns supported his efforts by swearing oaths of fealty, making him their teyrn.
"But, I think we've taken enough of your time, my lady. Thank you for indulging an old man."
"Any time, Aldous," Elissa said with a warm smile.
The other boy whined. "Does that mean we have to listen to you, now?"
"Silence!" the old tutor snapped. "I will not have you two becoming smart-mouthed hooligans." He turned his attention back to Elissa and looked at her apologetically. "Perhaps you should go. I doubt they need any more distraction." He sighed and returned to his charges, muttering under his breath. "I'm just going to settle in here and apparently just talk to myself."
Elissa sent a look towards the two boys that clearly told them to behave and left the group to it.
Not ready to leave the library completely just yet she turned and headed for the study that was attached to the main library. There were books in there as well and some tables and chairs if she found something she wanted to read for a while.
She opened the door to the study and froze for a moment when she realised that the room was already occupied. She'd forgotten that two of their visitors, Dairren and Iona, had said they'd be in the library. Both of them looked up from their perusal of the selves when they heard her enter and she gave them both a polite smile, before heading over to a set of shelves in the far right corner of the room. They returned to what they were doing and Elissa hoped they were too engrossed to notice as she very slowly made her way down the shelves towards the beautiful elven girl.
"Hello, Iona," Elissa said quietly.
"Oh hello," the elf said. She smiled at Elissa and when her eyes landed on Loki she positively beamed. "That is a wonderful dog! He seems very noble and intelligent."
Loki gave her a very happy bark letting her know he appreciated her compliment.
The two women smiled at him.
"Greetings once again, my lady," Iona said, bringing Elissa's attention away from her hound.
"You, uh -" Elissa started, but had to stop and clear her throat before trying again. "You are very pretty, if I might say so."
"My lady is very kind," the elf replied, bowing her head slightly. "Thank you."
"I haven't seen many elven ladies-in-waiting," Elissa said. Immediately, her eyes went wide and she fought hard not to actually hit herself in the face. Why would she say something like that? Idiot!
Iona thankfully seemed to notice her horror and took pity on her. "Lady Landra has been very good to me. I am lucky." She smiled at Elissa, trying to let her know it was all right. "If I may, I see that you have no ladies-in-waiting. Is this usual for a noblewoman of your rank?"
"I don't like others serving me," Elissa replied.
"That is not a sentiment I see amongst other noblewomen," Iona commented and Elissa couldn't quite tell from her tone whether this was a good thing or not.
"How do you come to know Lady Landra?" she asked, hoping for a safer topic.
"My family has been in service to hers for many years," Iona said with obvious pride. "Lady Landra elevated my place as a reward for our loyalty. I hope this position might pass to my daughter."
Elissa frowned. "You have a daughter?"
"Forgive me; I shouldn't have mentioned her." Iona hung her head and Elissa quickly felt like she'd said something wrong again.
"I bet she had your beautiful eyes," she blurted out, hoping to salvage the situation.
"She does," the elf said, a little unsure of herself "Many people say he looks a great deal like me. I am the only one who sees her father in her."
"It sounds like Lady Landra has been good to you."
Iona nodded. "Lady Landra is good to her elven servants. That is not true in many households, but I hear it is in yours. It shows well of your father to show such compassion."
Elissa smiled at the elf. "Tell me more about yourself."
"I am an open book, my lady," she replied, again seeming unsure of what she was supposed to say. "What would you like to know?"
"Where were you born?"
"Lady Landra's manor is not half as large as your castle, so my family lives in the Alienage."
"Do you enjoy living there?"
"There we do not -" Iona started but paused, trying to find the right words. "There we do not stand out quite so much. In an alienage, my daughter learns what it means to be elven, as much as possible. So much of our history has been lost."
"What do you think of humans?"
The elf frowned. "That is an awkward question. What do you mean?"
"Do you find humans attractive?" Elissa explained with a shrug. "The reverse is true enough."
"Oh. Some humans, yes. Without question." The elf chuckled.
"Is there anyone special back home?"
Iona shook her head. "No longer. I have little time for such things."
"Surely you're joking," Elissa said, shocked. "Someone as beautiful as you?"
Again Iona giggled awkwardly. "You flatter me, my lady. I am not so pretty that suitors are lining up, if that's what you mean."
They were quiet for a moment as Elissa thought about how to word her next sentence.
"I think we should get to know each other better," she finally said.
"Aren't we doing just that?" Iona asked. "What else did you have in mind?"
"Perhaps something more intimate?" Elissa suggested. "Later on in my room."
The elf seemed to think it over for an age before a warm smile spread across her face. "I see. I think I might like that." She took a few steps forward until she was barely a foot away from Elissa and looked up at her through her long eyelashes. "If I came to your door once everyone is asleep? Would that be agreeable, my lady?"
"Please," the taller woman said, "call me Elissa."
The elf stood up on her tiptoes and leaned forward until her lips brushed Elissa's ear. "Until tonight then."
She then settled back down and winked at the blushing noblewomen, before turning her attention back to the shelf of old tombes.
Elissa grinned and spun on her heels. She left the library and began making her way up to the family's rooms, a distinct spring in her step.
As she walked past the guard post she noticed that the door was cracked open slightly, and through the gap, she could see two guards sitting across from one another at one of the long tables. Curiosity got the better of her and she detoured once again in her task, sneaking into the room.
She was all but upon the men when one of them noticed her arrival and leaped up, his face going pale. "Oh! My lady, we were just … ah…"
Elissa looked down at the table. "Playing cards?"
The guard shifted from side to side. "Well … the treasure's safe… I'm not even sure why the teyrn stationed us here …"
Elissa frowned slightly. "Did my father fear someone would steal something?"
"I … don't know. Nobody has come to look at the treasury."
"Who has the key?"
"The teyrn, and perhaps the teyrna?" He shook his head. "I honestly don't know, my lady."
Elissa thought it over. Did her father not trust that she'd keep the treasury safe? Or perhaps he suspected something bad was going to happen?
She made a mental note to ask the teyrn about it later, then shook her thoughts loose and turned her attention back on the guards who were patiently waiting for her to speak.
"Continue your game," she said with a soft smile. "Pretend I never came by."
The poor guard looked like he was about to pass out. "My lady is very kind to show us such lenience," he gushed.
Elissa gave them both a nod of her head, then left the room.
A few corridors and twists and turns later and she was finally up in the family's quarters.
She collected herself and ambled into her brother Fergus' room, where her nephew was speaking animatedly to his parents.
"Is there really gonna be a war, papa?" he asked, his eyes wide. "Will you bring me back a sward?"
A warm smile tugged at Elissa's lips at the way her nephew pronounced 'sword'.
Fergus sighed and knelt down so he was at eye-level with his son. "That's 'sword', Oren. And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise. I'll be back before you know it."
"I wish victory was indeed so certain," his wife cut in. Her voice was quiet and she twisted her fingers nervously. "My heart is … disquiet."
"Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth," Fergus said firmly. He then seemed to notice Elissa standing in the doorway and stood up. "And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well."
"No darkspawn could harm Fergus!" Elissa said bumping her brother in the shoulder with her fist.
Oriana frowned. "He is as mortal as anyone, despite his refusal to believe."
"Now, love," Fergus said with a sigh. "No need to be grim."
"Do you really think the war will be over quickly?" Elissa asked.
Fergus nodded. "Word from the south is that the battles have gone well. There's no evidence that this a true blight - just a large raid."
"Could that be true?" Oriana asked.
"I'll see for myself soon enough," Fergus replied with a shrug. His eyes settled on his wife and his expression softened. "Pray for me, love, and I'll be back within a month or two."
Always awkward with such emotional moments, Elissa cut in. "Did you know there's a Grey Warden in the castle?"
Little Oren's eyes went even wider than before. "Really?! Was he riding a griffon?"
"Hush, Oren," Oriana said instantly shutting him down. "Griffons only exist in stories now."
"I'd heard that," Fergus said as he turned to Elissa. "Did he say why he's come?"
"He says he's recruiting," Elissa replied.
"Oh?" Fergus' eyes went almost as wide as his son's. Then he grinned. "If I were a Grey Warden, little sister, I'd have my eyes on you." He chuckled. "Not that Father would ever allow it."
"Oh yes, he was quite firm on that point," Elissa remarked with a frown. She shook her head a sighed, before looking up at Fergus with a sad smile. "You'll be missed, Brother."
A brief flicker of surprise raced across Fergus' face at his sister's rare show of emotion. He knew she found it hard, so he grinned and quickly moved the conversation into lighter territory. "If it's any consolation, I'm sure I'll freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe."
"I am positively thrilled that you will be so miserable, husband," Oriana joined in.
"I wish I could go with you," Elissa said with a sigh.
"I wish you could come!" Fergus said cheerfully. "It'll be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself."
"In Antiva," Oriana cut in, "a woman fighting in battle would be … unthinkable."
"Is that so?" he asked. "I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous."
"With kindness and poison only, my husband," his wife replied with a smirk.
Fergus let out a bark of laughter. "This from the woman who serves me my tea!"
Once he had calmed down, Elissa remembered why she'd needed to come up here in the first place. "Anyway, Fergus, I actually have a message from Father. He wants you to leave without him."
He let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. "Then the arl's men are delayed. You'd think they were all walking backwards." He turned to his son and grinned. "Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time!" He then turned to Oriana and his smile turned gentler. "Off we go, then. I'll see you soon, my love."
The teyrn's voice suddenly appeared behind them. "I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?" He walked into the room, accompanied by their mother.
"Be well, my son," Eleanor said. "I will pray for your safety every day that you are gone."
"You could have delivered your message yourself, Father," Elissa pointed out.
"And miss having both my children in one place before I leave? Not likely," the teyrn replied.
"The Maker sustain and preserve us all," Oriana started reverently. "Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us."
"And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it," Fergus joined in, slightly less reverently. At a sharp look from his wife, he chuckled nervously and continued. "Err … for the men, of course."
"Fergus!" Oriana scolded. "You would say this in front of your mother?"
"What's a wench?" Oren butted in and Elissa had to stop herself from bursting out laughing. "Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?"
"A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren," the teyrn answered, as diplomatically as he could. He paused, seemed to consider himself, then must have deemed it worth it to continue and grinned. "Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale."
"Bryce!" Eleanor laughed and shook her head. "Maker's breath, it's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully," she said turning to Elissa, "I have a daughter."
Fergus chuckled. "I'll miss you, Mother dear." He too turned to face Elissa, his face more serious. "You'll take care of her, Sister, won't you?"
"You can count on me," she replied, giving a firm nod.
"Oh good," Eleanore cut in, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "How thrilling to know I'm so well taken care of."
"Enough, enough," the teyrn said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "Pup, you'll want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow."
"If you should need any assistance in the coming days, I would be glad to offer it," Oriana offered.
"Thank you," Elissa replied. She turned back to her father and pulled him aside slightly. She had so much she wanted to say. She wanted to be comforting, supportive, encouraging, let him know how much she wanted him to come back safely. But she didn't know how. She'd never been very good at emotional talks at the best of times, let alone at a time as meaningful as this. She settled on "Are you sure you're going to be all right?" as the best that she could do.
"Your brother and I are going off to war, Pup, not afternoon tea. We have no way of knowing what will happen to us," the teyrn said, and gave her a studying look to see whether she truly understood. He sighed and looked her straight in the eye, making sure she heard every word and hoping that she felt the feeling and truth behind what he was saying. "I will tell you, however, that you're my darling daughter. I love you, and I trust you completely to carry on the Cousland name if the worst should happen."
Elissa froze, completely unsure what to say or do.
Thankfully, her father continued talking, his tone slightly more relaxed. "But don't worry about me, dear girl. You'll have enough to occupy your mind while I'm gone."
Speaking of … "Is sending all of our forces south a good idea?" She may not have the field experience, but Elissa had read every book that the castle had on battle strategies and she couldn't help but question her father's decision.
"When the king demands it," the teyrn replied, shutting down any argument from his daughter. "In fact, not sending our forces south would be a distinctly bad idea. Don't worry, pup. You shouldn't see many problems." He paused before continuing and a look that Elissa couldn't quite understand flashed across his face. "But, I want you to prepare the men left here. Just in case."
"In case of what?"
"Legends of the Blights tell of horrible things. These darkspawn once threatened many lands. If we can't hold them…" he paused. "You must prepare for the worst."
"This is why I should go with you," Elissa said forcefully.
"Ha!" her father let out a bark of laughter. "Stubborn, as always. I understand, but this is why it's so important that you stay.
"But, let's not speak of ominous things. We shall assume that all will go well and the Maker will watch over us."
"Father," Elissa started after a pause. The teyrn raised an eyebrow and waited for her to continue. "About this Grey Warden…"
"Ah. I was wondering how long this would take. Has he asked to recruit you?"
"He hasn't" she replied. She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice, but by the look on her father's face, he didn't believe her. She shrugged. "I was just wondering about him."
"If a Blight is truly upon us in the south, then Grey Wardens will be needed. There is no higher calling." He let out yet another heavy sigh. "If it comes to that, we can talk about it when I get back. Until then, just show him every courtesy. Duncan is a fine man and a hero."
Elissa nodded. "I best go now."
"I know that you'll do me proud. You've grown into a sensible woman, that much is clear."
They turned back to face the others and Elissa was just about to say her goodnights when Oren butted in. "Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?"
"Yes that's true, Oren," she replied, her voice gentle.
"What if the castle is attacked? Will there be dragons?!"
Oriana gasped. "Dragons are terrible creatures, Oren. They eat people!"
"Yeah!" the boy exclaimed. "I want to see one!"
His mother frowned and turned to her husband. "This is your influence, Fergus."
"What?" the man balked. "I didn't say anything."
"Are you going to teach me to use a sward, Auntie?" the boy continued. "Then I can fight evil, too!" He started leaping about the room, brandishing an imaginary sword. "Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sward of truthiness!"
"Truthiness?" Elissa asked.
"We're teaching him about honesty," Oriana said proudly.
Fergus smiled at his son. "Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise."
"I best go," Elissa cut in. "Good night all."
Fergus chuckled. "Getting sent to bed early, are we?" As a big brother, he never failed in his duty to tease her when he got the chance.
For once Elissa decided to bite back and smirked. "I don't mind," she said with a shrug. "I have someone waiting for me."
The room went silent before her brother burst out laughing. "What?!" he managed to gasp out. "You saucy minx!"
"Fergus!" Oriana snapped. "Really!"
Ignoring his wife, Fergus turned back to his sister. "It's the elven lass that arrived with Lady Landra, isn't it? Don't you tell me it isn't."
Elissa just gave a non-committal shrug.
Fergus shook his head and eventually calmed down. He looked at his sister and gave her a sad smile. "At any rate, I'll miss you. Take care of everyone and be here when I get back."
Elissa nodded, gave a final 'good night' to everyone in the room, and headed across the corridor to her own room.
She had a while before Iona would be there, so she took her time carefully placing her armour and daggers on their racks and washing herself clean from the day. She then put on some nightclothes and settled into bed with a book on the culture of Ferelden that she had found in the library's study a few days ago.
She made it through a few chapters before there was a soft knock at the door. She put the book down and went to open the door, finding Iona waiting for her on the other side. She smiled and, without a word, held out her hand and gently pulled the beautiful elf into her room.