Cathiel leaned on the doorframe and watched her father. Teryn Cousland and Arl Howe looked almost like young men again as they discussed the king's call to arms.

"I trust, then, that your troops will be here shortly?" Teryn Cousland asked his old friend.

Howe nodded. "I expect they will start arriving in the next couple days, and we can march soon enough. I apologize for the delay, my lord. This is entirely my fault. I heard the rumors, of course, but thought we'd have time to get the harvest in before anything came of them."

"No, no. The appearance of the darkspawn in the south has us all scrambling, doesn't it? I only received the call from the king a few days ago, myself." Her father spread his arms. "I'll send my eldest off with my men. You and I will ride out together, just like the old days!"

"True." Howe tapped a finger to his temple. "Though we both had less gray in our hair then. And we fought Orlesians, not... monsters."

"Ha. At least the smell will be the same." He must have heard her snicker at that, as he turned towards her. "I'm sorry pup; I didn't see you there. Howe, you remember my daughter?"

"I see she's become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again, my dear." He gave her a small bow.

She smiled, and gave a similar bow in response. "Is your family here, Arl Howe?"

"Oh no, I left them in Amaranthine, well away from the fighting in the south. They do send their best wishes." He glanced at her father, then back at her again. "My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."

"I'd like that," she said.

"Good! My son saw you at a Denerim fair and has talked about you ever since. He'll be pleased you remember him."

She was about to ask after Thomas when her father interrupted. "At any rate, pup, I summoned you for a reason. While your brother an I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

"I'll do my best, Father," she replied.

"Now, that's what I like to hear. Only a token force is remaining here, and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?" He gave her a wink. "There's also someone you must meet. Please... show Duncan in."

#

Duncan gave the Teryn a small bow as he approached. He recognized the other man as Arl Howe. Judging by the resemblance between the young woman and the Teryn, she was likely his daughter. He racked his brain for a moment trying to remember if she was the elder or younger child. Ser Gilmore had been quite effusive of the young woman's skill at archery. "It is an honor to be a guest in your hall, Teryn Cousland."

How shifted slightly. "Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present."

"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced." Teryn Cousland raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?

"Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am... at a disadvantage."

"We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that's true. Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?"

"They're an order of great warriors," Cathiel said. Duncan saw her bright eyes look him over before she gave him a respectful nod.

Teryn Cousland smiled broadly. "They are the heroes of legend, who ended the blights and saved us all." He gestured at Duncan. "Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore."

Duncan weighed his options briefly. If she were the younger... "If I might be so bold, I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate."

Teryn Cousland narrowed his eyes, and Duncan realized he'd overstepped as the man shifted to stand between him and the young woman. "Honor though that might be, this is my daughter we are talking about."

Cathiel gave her father a teasing smile. "Perhaps that would get me into battle."

Teryn Cousland waggled a finger at her. "That discussion is closed."

Arl Howe laughed. "You did just finish say that Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend."

Teryn Cousland shook his head at the lot of them. "I've not so many children I'll gladly see them all off to battle." His face suddenly grew concerned. "Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription...?"

Duncan quickly reassured him. "Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue."

He nodded, then looked back at his daughter. "Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?"

"Of course."

"In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."

"But I'd like to stay and talk to Duncan."

"You'll have plenty of time later. We must discuss the battle plans in the south." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Be a good lass and do as I've asked. We'll talk soon."

Cathiel bowed, and left the room. Teryn Cousland smiled after her before turning back to Duncan. "Where were we... oh, yes, the supplies..."

#

Her brother was already dressed in his armor. Oren was practically bouncing up and down in excitement. "Is there really going to be a war, papa? Will you bring me back a sward?"

Fergus ruffled his son's hair. "That's "sword," Oren. And I'll get you the mightiest one I can find, I promise."

Oriana watched quietly. "I wish victory was indeed so certain. My heart is... disquiet."

He gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth." He met Cathiel's eyes as she entered. "And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well." He caught Oriana's chin and bent his head down to kiss her.

Cathiel made a playful gagging sound. "Just let me know when you two are finished."

Fergus continued kissing his wife for a few more seconds before looking back at her. "Ha! When there's a man in your life, you'll understand."

She gave him a haunty look. "No fewer than three, if you please."

"Such a thing would bring shame upon this house, Sister." Oriana glanced at her husband, and mischief danced briefly in her eys. "But if it's true, you must be discreet."

Fergus opened his mouth, then closed it again before turning back to his wife. "I'm... not sure how I should take that, love."

She laid a hand on his arm and Cathiel shot her a wink. Oriana looked up at her husband lovingly. "As the advice of a practical Antivan woman, my dear."

Cathiel shook her head at both of them before turning her attention to her brother. "I wish I could go with you."

"I wish you could come!" He gave her a confident smile. "It'll be tiring, killing all those darkspawn myself."

"In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be... unthinkable." Oriana's voice was more puzzled than disapproving.

"Is that so?" Fergus ran a hand down her cheek. "I always heard Antivan women were quite dangerous."

"With kindness and poison only, my husband."

"This from the woman who serves me my tea." Fergus shook his head and laughed.

"Did you know there was Grey Warden in the castle?" Cathiel asked.

Oren's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Really?! Was he riding a griffon?"

"Shush, Oren. Griffons only exist in stories now." Oriana smoothed her son's hair.

"I'd heard that," Fergus said. "Did he say why he's come?"

"He's going to test Ser Gilmore."

"Good for him! I hope he makes it." Fergus looked her over. "If I were a Grey Warden, though, I'd have my eye on you -" He shrugged. "Not that Father would ever allow it."

"Well, as much fun as teasing you is, I bring a message: Father wants you to leave without him."

"Then the Arl's men are delayed. You'd think his men were all walking backwards (sighs). Well, I'd better get underway. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time. Off we go then. I'll see you soon, my love." He bent to kiss Oriana again, and Oren and Cathiel looked at each other before making gestures of disgust. Fergus held out one hand to give a rude gesture of his own.

Their mother let out a small cough from the doorway, and everyone immediately put their innocent faces on. Teryn Cousland stepped in. "I would hope, dear boy, that you planned to wait for us before taking your leave?"

"Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety every day you are gone." Worry and pride fought for control of Eleanor Cousland's face.

"Fergus will be fine," Cathiel said.

"I keep telling you, no darkspawn will ever best me."

Oriana laid a hand over her heart. "The Maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers and bring them safely back to us."

Fergus put his own hand over his heart. "And bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it." He caught Oriana's look. "Err... for the men, of course."

"Fergus," Oriana set her face into prim lines. "You would say this in front of your mother?"

"What's a wench?" Oren asked. "Is that what you pull on to get the bucket of of the well?"

"A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale," Teryn Cousland said, stepping in to save his son from the wrath of wife and mother.

Eleanor shook her head fondly. "Bryce! Maker's breath, it's like living with a pair of small boys. Thankfully, I have a daughter."

"She means you," Cathiel said to Oriana, eliciting another eyeroll from Eleanor.

Fergus chuckled. "I'll miss you, Mother dear. You'll take care of her, Sister, won't you?"

"Mother can handle herself. Always has."

"It's true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the deep roads." Fergus ducked as Eleanor gave him one of her looks.

"Well, I'm glad you find this so funny," she said, crossing her arms and smiling.

Teryn Cousland laughed. "Enough, enough. Pup, you'll want to get an early night. You've much to do tomorrow." He took his wife's arm, and drew her away.

Fergus smiled at Cathiel. "Getting sent to bed early, are we?"

"I don't mind." She gave a slow, considering smile. "I might have company."

"What?" Fergus gaped at her before laughing. "You saucy minx!"

"Fergus! Really!"

"Well, I sure hope he's worthy of your time, or I'll have to have a chat with the fellow. Heh. At any rate, I'll miss you. Take care of everyone, and be here when I get back."

Oren grabbed her hand. "Mama says you're going to be watching over us while papa is gone. Is that true, Auntie?"

Cathiel smiled down at him fondly. "I wish you wouldn't call me that."

"But you are my auntie! What else could I call you, silly?"

"Your aunt no doubt thinks it makes her sound too old, Oren."

"But she is old! But not as old as you, mama."

Cathiel nearly fell over laughing as Oriana turned to glare at her husband. "This is your influence, Fergus."

"What?" He held his hands up in a warning gesture. "I didn't say anything."

"Are you going to teach me to use a sword, Auntie? Then I can fight evil, too! Take that, dire bunny! All darkspawn fear my sword of truthiness."

"You bet! Let's go!" Cathiel said, mimicking his excited jumping.

"Fergus, there are times your family causes me great pain." Oriana almost couldn't get the last few words out without laughing.

Fergus shook his head. "Now, now. Mind your mother, Oren."

"I never get to do anything!" Oren kicked the ground before walking towards his bed.

"Don't worry, son. You'll get to see a sword up close real soon, I promise."

#

Duncan found the young woman in the hall as he walked towards the room he'd been given. She smiled at him. "Is it true Grey Wardens used to ride griffons into battle?"

"It is, though they have been extinct for many years now."

She laughed. "Pity. I'd join up in a heartbeat for the chance to see one. Have you tested Ser Gilmore?"

"I intend to in the morning."

"Shouldn't take you long. He is one of the best we have. The smiths mentioned we'll be supplying you with some additional weapons?"

"Your father is a generous man."

"He is," she said, smiling fondly. "I'll make sure everything is ready for you when you return from Denerim." She cocked her head at him. "What are you doing now?"

"It has been a long journey. I intend to put these old bones to rest."

"You don't look that old," she said. "I was hoping we could get the chance to talk more."

"I will certainly see you at tomorrow's dinner, if not sooner."

She took a step towards him. "What about tonight... in my room?"

He blinked as she ran her hand down his arm. "I-I appreciate your enthusiasm, but it would be inappropriate for me to be in your quarters unescorted." He was considering how to extract himself from the situation when he heard the voices of Teryn Cousland and Saitada. He glance behind him as they walked into the corridor, then looked back at Cathiel. She was leaning against the wall again, her face a portrait of innocence. "Until the morning, then. I look forward to it."

She gave him a brazen smile before sauntering off. Teryn Cousland was looking down at Saitada, but it was clear from the twitch of Saitada's lips that she'd caught on to what had just occurred. He sighed, and went to his room.

#

Duncan tried to avoid the knowing glances Saitada sent him. He was fortunate, he supposed, that none of the others had come along to speak with the Teryn. He was doubly fortunate that the Teryn himself apparently hadn't noticed... he stopped a moment. "Saitada, did the Teryn..."

"Get thoroughly distracted showing off the Highever forges to a certain dwarven warden recruit? He most certainly did. And they aren't bad, actually, for human work."

Duncan smiled. "I truly appreciate what you suffer through on my behalf."

"Not so much suffering. When we stop back by on the way from Denerim, there will be a nice new set of armor waiting for me."

Duncan nodded.

"So..." Saitada prompted.

"I'm glad you were able to get new gear. That stuff you stole off a darkspawn was getting a bit battered."

"She'd make a good warden."

"I'm not recruiting her just because..." Duncan caught sight of Saitada's teasing smile. "She would, actually."

"Probably why she was able to get you alone so easily."

"Yes, she was quite interested in hearing about the history of the Wardens."

"Good with a bow, too, I hear."

The innocent lilt in Saitada's voice was starting to make him nervous. "Ser Gilmore said she's got her mother's gift for archery. The Couslands fought in the rebellion."

"Never hurts to have allies with fine forges."

"True, and you aren't the only one who got some new equipment," he said, touching the new dagger that hung from the back of his belt.

"And she's got a fine set of breasts"

"Yes she..." Duncan buried his face in his hands as Saitada tried to hide a smile. "I'm old enough to be her father. Way too old to be distracted by..."

"A shapely rear end?"

"I was going to say a lovely and intelligent young woman..." Duncan sighed. "Yes, fine, I got cornered and manhandled by the Teryn's young daughter. You can laugh now."

"My dear Duncan, I would never dream of laughing at you. Aloud. Where you could see me." She smiled. "Don't worry. I won't say anything to the others. Perhaps you should have taken her up on the offer. Always helpful to remember what it is we are fighting for." He didn't miss her eyes traveling to the direction of the mountains, but was wise enough not to mention it. She continued, "of course, it would be easier to not mention anything if I was busy say, checking out the library at the tower?"

Duncan smiled. "You just wasted your blackmail, I was planning on bringing you anyway." Saitada laughed. "Irving, the First Enchanter, has a potential candidate for a recruit in mind."

"I've met a couple mages, but never actually seen one in action. Should be interesting. You know, if you need to sneak away later, I can cover for you."

Duncan shook his head, and laughed quietly. "I have no intentions towards the daughter of the Teryn."

"Is it the noble blood that is shying you away?"

"No."

She gave a catlike smile. "Good." She walked off, leaving him staring after her. After a moment, he smiled.