"Sounds like someone liked to nip down for a bit of torture before bedtime."

After the defeat of Arl Rendon Howe, Castiel Cousland took up the title and claimed ownership of Amaranthine for the sake of his family. But one man has casted his entire family into exile, losing fortune and all. Oghren knows a thing or two about falling from grace.

Chapter 2

I entered the quarters of our newest addition to the order. Seeming to have walked in on a very important discussion, judging from this Nathaniel Howe's permanent scowl, and Arl Castiel Cousland's matching frown. When I entered they both turned their attention towards me. "Ah, Warden Commander," Castiel greeted far more warmly than he ever has before.

Nathaniel still didn't appear to quite believe I was the one in charge, the nobility in him still harboring strong. I handed him his Grey Warden Uniform that was just recently made. "Get dressed, we are heading to the city of Amaranthine." I explained to him.

He gave no response, but merely stared at the garment, as if he couldn't believe it. I made my leave and heard Castiel follow me, shutting the door behind him. "Brosca." He addressed me as he usually did, on a last name basis. "Are you quite sure you really want someone like him in the Wardens. It is already bad enough you allow a traitor like Teryn Loghain the honor."

I frowned, remembering all the long talks I had with Alistair...now King Alistair, so many years ago. The more we talked, the more I realized that being a Grey Warden was not all that it was cracked up to be. I didn't share my former lover's enthusiasm, especially all I went through under their oath. "Joining the Grey Wardens is as much of a death sentence. He's got about thirty years to live, he has no rights to anything under your rule."

Castiel stared at me long and hard before he cleared his throat and straightened his cloak, "I know my relations with him are...rather personal. His father slain my entire family. Save for my brother. But only because he was away. I barely made it out alive. Along with a family friend Elyssa Gladbrent. I hear she now serves the King in Ferelden as an advisor of sorts."

I remained silent, waiting for Castiel to get to his point.

"I know Rendon Howe is dead. I slain him with my own sword. But I cannot help my aversion to his spawn."

"From the sounds of things none of his children were responsible for what happened to you in Highever."

"You do not understand, Brosca. This is how the nobilities handle their problems on the surface."

"It is no different to dwarven politics, with all due respect Arl. Remember, my supposed king was betrayed by his own flesh and blood. The youngest slain by his older brother. I understand that things are what they are. They have already lost everything, would giving this man a death sentence satisfy you."

Castiel's face tightened, "Perhaps you are right, dwarf. This decision was...most wise...for his benefit however. I suppose I will never understand your fascination with the wicked receiving redemption."

"You don't know anyone who deserves redemption, Arl?" I questioned.

He didn't have to answer. He just held up his hand to inspect the ring on his finger.

DAA

I led Nathaniel to the courtyard of Vigil's Keep where Anders and Oghren were in the middle of bickering. "This is Oghren, he was with me when I had defeated the Blight. And this man is Anders. He is from the Circle of Magi. Gentlemen, meet our newest Warden, Nathaniel Howe."

Silence.

The whole way. Only Oghren attempted to speak to the silent exile. "So, Nathaniel," Oghren tried, "You know your way around that bow, right? You won't be trying to shoot us in-between the eyes at some point?"

Nathaniel didn't justify that with a response. As the escort caravan continued its rocky descent into town, Oghren continued his prodding, "The whole "quiet and stoic" thing must get you a lot of action, huh?"

"I take it you are an admirer, Oghren?" Was Nathaniel's response.

I felt a smile creep up on my face at the surprising sense of humor, and even Anders looked over with a look of pleasant surprise, "What say you, Oghren?" I asked, "I'm sure you've heard all about them Howes."

"What?" My fellow dwarf seemed baffled (for once) by the response. "No! No, well not unless-no!"

Now me and Anders were laughing at him, and Nathaniel had a sly smirk, "Good. Then I needn't worry about getting too drunk at camp."

A moment passed as Oghren actually ended up having nothing to say. Slowly he laughed along, "Heh. Okay, I like you. Just not in that way."

DAA

Our third night at camp within the Wending Wood, we set up our tents on an overpass looking over all we have traveled. Oghren didn't appear too comfortable with our designated spot. "Can we camp somewhere else? All this greenery is making my beard itch."

"Come on, Oghren," I reassured the dwarf. Having spent the past six months after the Blight on the surface, sailing inbetween Ferelden and the South Anderfels to Weisshaupt Fortress, then to Amaranthine, I have gotten over my phobia of the sea, and even of the sky. It still made me dizzy whenever I looked straight up, but I was a full-fledged surfacer now.

I had yet to return to Orzammar, but I knew it would be a lot to adjust to. Oghren was only on the surface for a month since we defeated the Blight, and it was before he joined the Wardens. He was called by King Alistair to help Teryn Fergus Cousland, Castiel's older brother in the forces. So Oghren still had the stone sense, whereas mine was long gone.

At camp, it was Anders' turn to make dinner, he settled on a simple vegteable soup, when I heard the familiar pop of a keg and Oghren glugged down his ale, taking a seat at the campfire by the bubbling pot. Nathaniel was tweaking his arrows when he watched him wearily. "My brother used to drink like you do, dwarf." He told him.

Oghren set down his ale with the smack of his lips, "Fun fellow to have around then, your brother?"

"He could find his fun almost anywhere. And then he would vomit on your shoes."

Anders let out a laugh as he stirred the pot. "Been there, done that."

The mage and the dwarf laughed heartilly at that as Oghren took another swig of his ale, "Ah, good times."

DAA

Back at Vigil's Keep, Velanna was resting after her Joining. Which left me being free for the day.

At least that was what I thought. I was given mounds of paperwork by Warden Commander Gerod Carron, and Seneschal Varel insisted that I answer the people of Amaranthine. "I thought this is the Arl's job?" I asked in confusion.

"Ah, yes, indeed, but the Arl informed me that many of his complaints were of concerns of the Wardens, and has sent these people to you. He said that you would take these matters into your hands."

So...that's how it's going to be Cousland?

After the long grueling day, I returned to my chambers to answer them letters. Although, becoming a surface dwarf, I actually craved going outside. I especially loved the night time, when the moon was out. It was not as overwhelming, and the atmosphere was agreeable with me.

I was reading a letter I received from my sister Rica. She spoke about Duran and about little Endrin. I was just happy that she forgave me. Shook me at my boots when a few weeks after slaying the Archdemon, Rica was standing before me. The two of us embracing each other and apologizing profusely with tears in our eyes.

She had gotten a letter from the King. A thoughtfully handwritten one by Alistair himself, explaining how it would mean the world to me if she came to Denerim. Braving to the surface with just one escort, I felt my life was made.

I thought of her more when I overheard Oghren and Nathaniel talking by the well. "Have you ever thought of returning to Orzammar?" Nathaniel asked, seeming more comfortable with Oghren now.

"Not sure I can. Technically, I'm a surface dwarf, now." Oghren admitted, taking a drink of his beer.

"Why "technically?" You don't know for certain?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"It's not like they send you a letter. 'Congratulations! You have been ejected from the warrior caste!'" Oghren explained the dwarven customs to the human former noble.

A long thoughtful pause followed as Oghren let out an autonomous belch.

"Do you care?" Nathaniel asked.

Another pause. "Sometimes. Then I drink more and it goes away."

I made my presence known to them, and Nathaniel offered me a curt nod. "Warden Commander."

"Hey, Boss." Oghren greeted, realizing his beer was finished, tipping his cup upside down as one measly drop landed on the dirt ground. He grumbled in annoyance.

Nathaniel appeared to be in a very good mood, as he suddenly said "Allow me to say, ser dwarf, that you are a frightening force on the battlefield."

Oghren could only crane his neck at him with a suspicious look on his face, "Is this a joke? I only let loose that time because I was surprised…"

I sighed, "Oghren, I think Nathaniel actually was being nice. People can be nice."

A strange expression crossed Oghren, but it was so quick I assumed that it was probably just the moonlight. But then he muttered a "I never get those."

"I don't see why." Nathaniel noted, "Your skills are very impressive."

I noticed Oghren was staring intently at the well, "Oghren? Are you alright?"

He suddenly hurled himself over the well, luckily I grabbed his waist as he vomited into it. I looked over at Nathaniel with a knowing expression, and he cleared his throat. "Okay, yes. I think I do see why."

DAA

"They talked about you in the army." Oghren said, as he and I set our swords down next to where Nathaniel stood, watching us train. "Fergus Cousland said you wouldn't have the stones to show your face again."

I nodded, smiling proudly at Nathaniel. Two months into his recruitment, and he is considered the most reliable member of our small party. "You proved the Couslands wrong. I respect that."

Nathaniel I think was blushing, because he started looking down on the ground, arms still crossed, letting his long dark locks obscure his face. "You...you do, Warden Commander?"

"Hell yeah!" Was Oghren's eager response, "Throw caution to the wind, run headlong into danger, and sod the consequences - that's the only way to live."

Another bashful chuckle, but then he looked up with a sincere smile that was most endearing, "Thank you."

"Keep it up, Nathaniel." I continued to encourage. I was proud of my wardens. My Wardens. And was pleased with how much they were growing. Sigrun was always ready for anything, and though Velanna's anger still needed work, she was a welcome addition as well.

But Nathaniel certainly came a long way. Oghren clapped the man on the back, "Yep. Don't you give a piss what the others think. Oghren's got your back."

As the red-headed dwarf made his leave, I was about to follow suit to see if the Warden Commander or the Seneschal needed my services. "Warden Commander…" I heard Nathaniel hesitantly call out to me.

I waited, and he seemed unsure on what to say. "Hey, you can talk to me."

He looked up seeming to gain a little courage from my little motivating words before he said; "You were there when my father died. That was what Cas...Arl Cousland had told me a couple of months back."

I remembered that night. I remember meeting Castiel, hearing his plight. Attempting to rescue the Queen. And I remember...the way he beheaded him. It was clean, it was quick...the man was a complete lunatic, nothing I have ever seen even in Orzammar. And I have seen some shit.

Alistair and I getting captured after the fact was another issue entirely but…"Nathaniel," I tried to approach this subject delicately, "I...I was there, yes. But...I had nothing to do...with anything having to do with the Couslands or your family. I was simply there to rescue Queen Anora. And...I just so happened to team up with Castiel because he offered to help me if I help him.

"While...yeah, I should have...understood more what exactly I was doing, and what it entails...I...tend to keep a one track mind when I have a goal. None of us knew what we were doing. But...that was not what you were going to ask, was it?"

Nathaniel nodded, and he kneeled down so he was at eye level. It almost reminded me of Alistair. How he often knelt down so I could look at him properly. I always appreciate any other humans or elves who did this for me. But this was something else entirely. "Whatever people say about him, he was still my father. And I just want to know if he... if he suffered."

I remember the horrible, evil things the man had said. Even if none of us knew him...I remember-'What are you? You dwarf whore? You are the one the Teryn is scared of. Please! I can have you carved up like a cow in the springtime. And what of your friend?'

Castiel was pushing Morrigan behind him, something we never had to do before, 'I would love to hear the noises she would make-'

'Shut up!" Castiel had hollered drawing his sword.

'You were not supposed to live Castiel. You nor that dual wielding bitch. As if I would ever let something as vile as your people anywhere near my children. Even to give you a chance to procreate-'

Castiel attacked Howe as he continued to taunt the late Teryn's youngest boy.

It was quick. He was already dead. But Castiel continued to stab and chop and hack until there was just flesh. Alistair had to pry the man off.

"Warden Commander...please." Nathaniel begged. "I never got a body. He is still my father just-"

"He was killed instantly." I told him.

That was all I was giving Nathaniel. If he wanted the details...I was sure Arl Cousland would have no problem obliging him.

DAA

"Hey, Ada!" Sigrun called out to when I arrived from the Offices. "Nathaniel's back."

After reuniting with his younger sister, we allowed him to stay a few nights with her as we continued our duties at Vigil's Keep. He actually came back a lot sooner than I had anticipated. After greeting him at the gates and hearing all about what his sister was up to, it was later in the evening at dinner time when Oghren returned with Sidona Andras.

"You know, when your father took over the Arl of Denerim's palace, he moved his bedroom next to the dungeon." Oghren remarked upon one of the rumors he overheard.

Nathaniel didn't seem jarred by any of these speculations and theories anymore. Perhaps Delilah enlightened the loyal young man on his father's antics. "What are you talking about?"

"Sounds like someone liked to nip down for a bit of torture before bedtime."

I did remember the torture chamber. Leliana was far more familiar with it. Luckily Alistair and Zevran made it just in time. I didn't bring this up, not wanting to burden Nathaniel of this knowledge, already knowing what his father did was enough.

"Delilah did say that Father had begun indulging his darker side…" Nathaniel responded calmly.

"Everyone needs daddy issues. Just trying to help." Oghren laughed.

Nathaniel shook his head at the dwarf, but offered a laugh in camaraderie.

DAA

It was the burial. We were all in Orzammar. Felsi, belly swollen was crying into my shoulder. Rica also appeared saddened by the passing of the man I worked with for so long. He having escorted Rica back to Orzammar after King Alistair and Queen Anora's wedding.

Speaking of Alistair, he was present, having spoken as King of Ferelden on behalf of Oghren's name. He couldn't hold back all the tears. Leliana sang our dwarven Stone Passage anthem, and Sigrun and Velanna watched as the dirt covered my friend's body with somber expressions.

Wynne was wiping the tears from her eyes with her hanky, while Zevran turned away, rubbing at his eyes. It was later, after the funeral was concluded I found Nathaniel. He was in the Orzammar Commons towards the entrance to the Diamond Quarter when I approached him.

"I am stricken with grief." He admitted. "He...is gone. A good soldier."

"Oghren...was one of a kind." I whispered.

"And what of Anders? No one found him or his body?"

I shook my head. By the corner of my eye I noticed a dwarven man with a long braided beard make his approach, "Are you Warden Commander Brosca?"

"Yes, can I help you?"

"I am a friend of King Duran Aeducan. Gerick Dace. I want to offer my condolences for the loss of your friend."

"...thank you." I said, glancing back at Nathaniel.

"Warden, do you know how long you will be staying in Orzammar?"

"I will most likely be leaving tomorrow. Why?"

"I have a matter of great importance. I cannot discuss further right no, but if you could meet me at my Estate tomorrow morning, it will be greatly appreciated."

He made his leave, and Nathaniel watched the dwarf walk away in curiosity. "That sound rather urgent."

I silently agreed. "I guess a Warden Commander's business is never done." I knew I couldn't overstay my Wardens in Orzammar, but I made a decision, "Nathaniel, I know this is asking you for a lot, but do you think you can make your way to Weisshaupt Fortress in the Anderfels with Velanna and Sigrun."

Nathaniel bowed in Grey Warden salute, "Anything for you, ma'am."