This is probably the longest chapter I've written yet. I'm slowly learning how to use this site better and have figured out how to add stuff (like this introduction) as you can tell by the last chapter. There will be light smut in this chapter. It should be easy enough to skip over if you need to. Thanks to all my viewers and reviewers! Also thanks to my beta, BlondMoments, for all her help! Please enjoy this chapter and review if you have the time! We're almost to the end of this little mini story!

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Chapter Nine

A couple more years passed by. Dairren never told Fergus how he felt; he was just too shy. Eventually Father took Fergus on a trip to Antiva. He met a girl there, Oriana, and fell madly in love. He brought her back with him and they were to get married in the spring. She was a nice girl but she seemed quite shocked that Fereldan women were allowed to fight. She was quite lovely with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. It was obvious to anyone who saw them how much they were in love. Dairren was crushed but assured me he wished them the best. He said there was nothing more painful, though, then unrequited love. I felt bad for Dairren but couldn't hide my happiness for Fergus. I only wished I could be that happy with Nathaniel. Instead, he was still with Caroline.

A year ago my parents had gotten me the Mabari war hound I had always wanted. That day had been a very special one indeed.

The smell of hay and hound was strong. A female Mabari lay sleeping nearby. She was surrounded by puppies, squirming and wiggling little things. I was in awe of how sweet they looked as pups. They varied in color, ranging from light tan to white to black.

"Careful, Pup. Mabari are a very particular breed. They will bite if anyone but their master gets too close," Father cautioned.

I nodded my head and walked forward carefully. I stopped before I got within arm's reach and knelt down in the hay. I watched as the puppies rolled around and nipped each other. Eventually one wandered over to where I was squatting. It was a deep charcoal gray with a black mark on its back.

The hound cautiously approached me and I held out my hand for it to sniff. It wasn't long before it was wiggling beneath my hand, wanting to be petted. It licked my hand and barked once. I looked over to where Mother and Father were standing and grinned.

Mother smiled. "It looks like that Mabari has imprinted on you, Eilonwy."

It turned out my Mabari was a female and I named her Naga. She was a beautiful hound and very loyal. Father always said a Mabari was clever enough to speak, and wise enough to know not to. There was nothing more prized in all of Ferelden than a Mabari.

I was standing near the oak tree that stood on our property. I leaned against it and closed my eyes as the breeze played with my hair. This was the place where it had all began; the first place Nathaniel and I had an adventure together. I bet he had forgotten that day but it lived vividly in my mind still.

Nathaniel and I were still friends but we rarely spoke anymore and when we did it was tense. I missed the closeness we has once shared. Caroline still visited him every chance she could. The pain I felt when I saw them together had become a dull ache. I still loved Nathaniel, that would never change, but I had long since given up hope of us ever being together.

There was this moment though, when we were both trapped in this little cave down by the sea, where I almost thought he was going to kiss me. It was a month ago but it felt like yesterday.

I could hear the waves crashing noisily against the rocks. I had ridden down to the sea to explore the nearby caves. Aska was tied up nearby and Naga was following close behind.

"What are you doing here, alone?" I heard a voice ask from behind me.

I turned quickly and lost my footing, tumbling down into the cave. I landed hard on my back, my ankle twisted in pain. Naga jumped down in after me and I saw a shadowy shape looming above.

It was Nathaniel. I saw him shake his head in amusement. "Clumsy little Ely, what will we do with you?"

I scowled up at him. "Well, for starters, Nathaniel Howe you can help me out of here. I think I sprained my ankle."

He laughed lightly before jumping down into the small cavern. "Alright, you can lean on me."

Naga chose that moment to try and climb out. In the process she somehow managed to cause a bunch of rocks to cave in and block the exit; after she had escaped of course.

"Andraste's ass!" I growled in frustration. "How in the Maker's name are we going to get out now?"

Nathaniel looked at me, an odd expression on his face. "What? Would you rather it was your precious Dairren in here with you?" he asked, his tone mocking.

I rolled my eyes at him. Everyone was convinced Dairren and I were a couple. "Don't be an ass, Nathaniel."

Nathaniel narrowed his eyes at me, the anger plain on his face. He was always angry with me anymore, though I didn't know why. "If he really loved you he wouldn't let you wander off alone like this."

I sighed in exasperation. "Well, that probably has something to do with the fact that he doesn't love me, you ass. Besides, if you hadn't startled me I'd be fine right now. I can take care of myself, you know."

Nathaniel stepped closer to me. "If you know he doesn't love you, then why in the Maker's name are you with him? And stop calling me an ass."

"Then stop acting like an ass! And I'm not with him; everyone just assumes we're together. Besides, he likes..." I stopped and bit my lip; Dairren had made me promise not to tell anyone about his crush on Fergus now that the latter was engaged.

Nathaniel grabbed me by the shoulders and looked deep into my eyes. "Dairren likes who, Ely?"

"I-I can't tell you!" I said, refusing to meet Nathaniel's steady gaze.

"Ely… why don't you trust me anymore?" Nathaniel asked, his voice quiet and filled with hurt.

I looked at him then, shocked. Is that why he was so angry? "Of course I trust you Nathaniel! It's just... it's not my secret to tell."

Nathaniel sighed and backed away from me. "Look, if you love Dairren, just be honest with me. You don't have to lie."

"I don't love Dairren!" I stomped my foot and then winced in pain; I had forgotten the injury.

"It's obvious, Ely. You two are always together, whispering and giggling." Nathaniel said, his voice sounding tired.

"That's because Dairren likes Fergus!" I gasped and threw my hands over my mouth. I didn't mean to say that; Nathaniel just had me so flustered.

Nathaniel looked up in shock before laughing. "Dairren likes Fergus? That's why you two have been so close these past few years?"

I hung my head. "Please, don't tell anyone! I wasn't supposed to say anything," I said. "I don't see why it matters to you, anyway. You have your precious Caroline." I knew my tone was snide but I couldn't help it. I was terribly jealous of the blonde-haired beauty that had caught Nathaniel's eye. My chest had finally grown in, a little, but I still wasn't anywhere near as pretty as her.

Nathaniel walked over to me and pulled me in for a tight hug. I hadn't been hugged by him in so long and his warm body felt good pressed against mine. "Oh Lady Eilonwy, there's so much I want to tell you." He looked into my eyes, leaning in close. My heart started to race beneath my chest.

"Ely? Nate? Are you in there?" I heard a voice call out from the other side of the rocks. It was Fergus's voice. Nathaniel sighed and rested his forehead against mine for a moment before stepping back. Naga had probably alerted Fergus to where we were.

I forced myself to snap back into reality. Nathaniel and I hadn't spoken since that day; our training had intensified and neither of us had any spare time. It didn't matter though because a couple of days ago I had seen him with Caroline again and he was holding her close and murmuring something in her ear. I could tell she was crying. I figured it was because Nathaniel had told her he was leaving for the Free Marches soon. His father had decided that was a good place for him to continue his training. Nathaniel seemed excited at the idea of exploring a foreign place. He always loved adventuring.

I sighed heavily and walked towards the stables. Naga needed to be fed. When I reached the stable my hound bounced happily around my feet, barking and panting. Nan didn't like her in the castle because she was always getting into the larder. She was a clever hound, my Naga.

Yesterday was my fourteenth birthday. Mother had wanted us to throw a huge party but I begged her not to. The idea of putting on a dress and socializing was not a pleasant one to me. I had broken my nose a few times in practice bouts and it had gotten to a point that not even a healer's magic would fix it. My nose was permanently crooked. It was ridiculous to worry about such trivial crap but part of me worried about how I appeared to others. Mother said I needn't worry; it added charm to my face. That was a load of bull.

Of course, Mother got her way. We were having a huge party tonight with all of Highever to be there. She had bought me a new dress to wear and had been bustling about the castle all month in excitement. Even Delilah and Thomas were to be there. They had both arrived with their father a week ago. It had been a few years since I had seen them and I was a little bit jealous of how beautiful Delilah was. Would I have been that lovely too, had I followed a different path?

I sat alone in the hay, petting Naga. Before long I heard a noise behind me and turned to look. It was Father.

"Hello, Pup," he said with a smile. "Are you excited for the party tonight?"

I snorted loudly. "Hardly. I think I'd rather be trapped in the Fade then go to some blasted party."

Father just laughed and ruffled my hair. "I know how you feel, Pup. Try to pretend to enjoy yourself, for your mother's sake?"

I smiled a little. "Of course, Father. I know how much these silly parties mean to Mother."

I noticed then that Father was hiding something behind his back. I looked up at him, one brow raised in inquiry. "What's that you're hiding, Father?"

He smiled broadly before handing me a strange looking weapon. It was a cudgel, the end thick with spikes. "My birthday present to you, Pup. I bought it from a merchant in Antiva who said he found it in the Deep Roads." My eyes lit up: I loved collecting old weapons! I hugged my father tight before heading back to the castle.

Later that evening I stood in front of a tall mirror with Delilah and Oriana. They were helping me get dressed since I had decided a few years ago I didn't need a lady in waiting. Oriana was tightening the laces on the back of the dress and Delilah was doing something to my hair. Delilah's hair was done up in an elaborate style that showed off the elegant curve of her neck. Her dress was different shades of gold and silver and full of bustles and ribbons. Oriana was wearing a dress she brought over from Antiva; it was a lovely shade of midnight blue and was made from the softest of silks. Her hair lay in soft curls around her shoulders. They both looked beautiful and I felt a twinge of jealousy.

I was wearing a dark red dress made of soft velvet with a creme under-bustle. Mother had given me a heirloom necklace: a lovely blue sapphire with gold edging hung on a simple gold chain.

Delilah ran her fingers gently through my hair. "You have such lovely hair, Ely. I think we will just do a simple twist like this," she said as she did something to my hair. "Then we can let pieces of it trail down to frame out your face." She smiled at me then as she continued pinning up my hair.

I fidgeted slightly. "It doesn't matter, 'Lilah, what you do with my hair. I'll never look as lovely as either of you."

Oriana shook her head. "You Fereldans are certainly an odd sort. You look lovely, Sister." She had taken to calling me Sister already but I didn't mind. She was to be family soon, after all.

Delilah shared a look with Oriana and laughed. "Oh Ely, do not be silly. Besides, I am sure my brother would disagree with you on that," she teased.

I turned to look at her. "Why would you say such a ridiculous thing, Delilah? Nathaniel doesn't think I'm pretty. He likes girls that look like Caroline," I scoffed.

Delilah looked at me strangely. "Have you not spoken to my brother, as of late?" she inquired.

I shook my head no. "Ah, well then," was all she would say. When I pestered them for more Delilah refused to say anything and Oriana just giggled lightly.

We walked downstairs together, arms linked. I wished in that moment Delilah was around more often. She had a kind soul and a gentle demeanor. She was very different from me but I felt like she helped to balance out my harshness. It would have been nice, to have a female friend around.

When we reached the main hall where the party was being held the sight took my breath away. Mother had truly outdone herself. All of our finest crystal was on display and the main hall seemed to glitter with the decorations Mother had put up. I had been avoiding the main hall so I hadn't seen the glamor until now. The room was filled with people laughing and dancing. I had asked Mother to start the party before I arrived so that not all eyes would be focused on me when I entered. Delilah smiled at me and suggested we mingle amongst the crowd. I nodded my approval; I had promised Mother I would try and enjoy the evening as best I could.

Oriana left our side soon to go and dance with Fergus. I saw him smiling with delight as she walked up to him. I smiled to myself; it was good to see Fergus so happy.

Eventually Delilah and I wandered over to where a squire of ours, Gilmore, and a couple of boys from town were standing. They didn't see us standing behind them. Delilah had developed a small crush on Gilmore since she had arrived.

"What about the girl we saw earlier? The dark-haired one?" I heard a boy I didn't know say. I had seen him in town but had never spoken with him.

"The pretty one in gold? That's Delilah Howe," Gilmore said. Delilah blushed and smiled at me. I pressed my finger to my lips: I wanted to hear what else they had to say.

The first boy shook his head. "No, the one in red."

"Oh. That's Eilonwy Cousland," Gilmore replied.

A third boy spoke up. "She's training to be a warrior. Sorry, my friend, you might as well be kissing a man if you kissed her."

Both men started laughing. Sir Gilmore scowled at them. "You shouldn't speak of the Teryn's daughter like that."

"Yeah, women like that are too rough. She should just stick to knitting if she ever wants a husband," a third one chimed in, ignoring Sir Gilmore.

My hands clenched in anger and hurt. I saw Delilah's eyes fill with pity as she reached out to touch my arm. I shrugged her off and stomped off to where the wine and alcohol had been set up. I grabbed a pint of brandy and downed it before grabbing another. To the void with this.

After drinking enough brandy to make my head spin a little I left the main hall and headed out to the stables where Naga was sleeping. Mother never liked my Mabari to be indoors when there was a party. I refused to stay inside and be laughed at. Andraste's knickers, I never should have agreed to this blasted party.

When I reached the stables I saw a figure petting my hound. Naga only let one person besides me that close and that was Nathaniel.

"Grow bored of all the dancing, did you?" I heard him ask. I felt daring all of a sudden. Maybe it was the alcohol.

"Mmmm. I came to go on an adventure. Wanntto go on an adventure with me, Nate?" I said, my words only slightly slurred.

Nathaniel chuckled. "I suppose that depends on what kind of adventure you want to go on." His grin made my skin tingle. I wanted very much for him to kiss me.

I stepped in closer to him and leaned my body against his, feeling bold. I ran my fingers across the open part of his shirt, playing with the coarse, dark hair that grew there.

"The really fun kind of adventure," I said, looking up at him. Maker, I had never realized how much taller he was than me. Or maybe I was just abnormally short.

Nathaniel laughed as he pulled me away from him. "Uh... Ely, I think you might be a little drunk."

"I'm s'not drunk," I pouted. "You just find me too intimidating. I don't knit enough."

"You don't... what?" he asked, clearly bewildered.

"Don't you want to kiss me, Nate? Or am I not pretty and buxom enough for you?"

He raised his brows at me. "Ely, what in the Maker's name has gotten into you?" he asked.

"Never mind. It doesn't matter," I replied. I turned to walk away. What was I thinking? Of course Nathaniel didn't want me. He had Caroline. Men didn't want girls who fought with longswords. This is why Mother didn't want me to be a warrior. She was trying to protect me from this rejection.

Suddenly Nathaniel reached out and spun me around to face him. I felt his warm lips press hard against my mouth; his tongue darted in to mesh with mine. I felt dizzy and lightheaded all of a sudden and I gripped tightly to Nathaniel to keep steady. When he pulled away I was breathless. So this was what a kiss was supposed to be like.

I blinked up at him, dizzy from his kiss. "Why'd you stop?" was all I could say.

"Are you sure you're ready for this, Ely? I'm leaving for the Free Marches soon to continue my training and..."

I cut off his protests with a kiss of my own, wrapping my arms tight around his neck and pressing my body as close as I could to his. He was lean and hard, all muscle and warmth. I felt like I had waited forever for this moment. Years of unspent passion and lust were suddenly unleashed and I kissed him as fiercely as I could.

Nathaniel nipped at my mouth and then licked the sore spot. The mix of pleasure and light pain was intoxicating. He trailed his lips down my jaw and onto my neck, nipping and licking all the way. A soft moan escaped my lips and I felt Nate shudder in response. I knew where things were heading and I eagerly awaited the pleasure it would bring.

Slowly he slid my dress off one shoulder and continued to use his mouth on every inch of skin he freed. The feel of his warm lips against my bare skin caused another moan to surface. His other hand slid up my waist to softly knead my breasts. My head was spinning and an ache was growing between my legs. I yearned for him to touch me and ease the ache. I bit back another moan, afraid someone might hear.

We lied down in the hay and he looked deep into my eyes; almost as if he was asking one last time if it was okay. I nodded and he kissed me again before sliding my dress up and over my head. I tugged on his tunic.

"Off. Now," I demanded.

He chuckled and stripped himself of his tunic and leggings. I gasped; his hard tanned muscles glowed in the moonlight and his dark hair fell forward making his eyes seem dark and mysterious. I drank in every inch of him with my eyes. I trailed my fingers through the hair leading from his belly bottom down to his hardened length. He shivered when I lightly brushed my fingertips across his erection and held it in my small hands, curious. I stroked him gently until I saw his eyelids flutter.

"Careful, Ely. Keep that up and I won't last long enough to return the favor," he said breathlessly.

He leaned back in to kiss me again while stripping me of my remaining garments. He lowered himself down my body, trailing kisses down my breasts and stomach before kissing my entrance. I gasped as his tongue darted into my most secret of spots. He licked and nibbled until I felt like I was going to explode. He stopped too soon and raised himself back up to kiss my mouth once more.

"Lady Eilonwy, I've waited my whole life to kiss you like this," he murmured in my ear before kissing me again. I thought to myself just then that there was nothing in all of Thedas more wonderful than Nathaniel's kisses.

I moaned again, unable to hold back this time, as I felt him carefully entering me. There was a sharp pain as he took my womanhood and then bliss. I heard Nathaniel moan as well and soon his body was moving in a steady, fast rhythm.

I could feel the pleasure slowly building up before the stars exploded beneath my eyelids and I dug my nails into Nate's back. I felt him shudder as he had his release as well. For a while we both lay there, out of breath and content.

Eventually Nathaniel propped himself up on one arm and looked at me, a warm expression in his eyes. He traced my face with his fingertips. Suddenly, I remembered Caroline.

"Nathaniel? I'm sorry for coming on to you like this. I probably ruined things for you and Caroline," I said, ashamed.

Nathaniel just chuckled. "Ah, my clumsy little Ely. Didn't you know? I love you, silly girl. I always have." He leaned down and kissed my eyelids.

He loved me? Really and truly loved me? I felt my heart soar with happiness. I had waited so long to hear those words but had long since given up any hope of him actually saying them. "Really? You never told me."

Nathaniel nodded before kissing the tip of my nose. "I was afraid you would reject me."

"I could never reject you, Nathaniel Howe. I've loved you for so long." I pulled him back down for another kiss and we made love again, taking our time to explore each other's bodies more thoroughly.

Afterwards Nathaniel suggested we get dress and head back to the castle, before anyone noticed we were gone. My hair was a mess now, all of Delilah's hard work undone in our moments of passion.

Nathaniel got dressed quickly and then helped me with my dress. As he was lacing the back a shadow loomed in the doorway. It stepped forward and I could make out the face in the moonlight. It was Fergus.

"You bastard! Maker help me, I'll kill you!" he growled and lunged at Nate with the long dagger he always carried.

Nate laughed lightly and easily ducked the blow. "Whoa! Fergus, take it easy." There was a hard thunk where Fergus's dagger hit the wooden beam.

"Take it easy? You arrogant bastard! That's my sister!" he replied fiercely before lunging at Nate again.

Nathaniel continued to dodge Fergus's mad swings. "Uh, a little help here, Ely? I think your brother really aims to kill me," Nathaniel said, his voice now holding a hint of nervousness in it.

"Fergus Cousland! Stop that, right now," I said, stomping my foot for emphasis. "It's not like Nate took my virginity by himself, you know."

"Don't talk to me about your blasted part in this! I know this damn Howe got you drunk so he could have his way with you!" Fergus roared.

"Have his... What? Are you insane? Or just drunk?" I asked, not sure whether it would help if I started laughing or not.

I could tell Nathaniel was getting tired; our exertions had probably worn him out. I grabbed a nearby pitchfork and got ready to defend him. Nathaniel slipped on a patch of hay and went down with a thump. He raised himself up partway and scuttled back against the pole that held up the roof of the stable. My brother raised his dagger high above his head and started a downward swing. Before it made contact I ducked under the blade and used the pitchfork to stop it from stabbing Nathaniel in the chest.

Fergus's eyes grew wide when he realized how close he had come to killing me instead of Nate.

"Ely, I," he began sheepishly.

"No, I don't want to hear it Fergus Cousland! I am allowed to have... relations with whomever I want. You are my brother and I appreciate you trying to protect my virtue but I don't need your help," I said firmly. "Besides, I came on to him. Nathaniel has been our good friend our whole lives, would you truly kill him so easily?"

Fergus's shoulders slumped and I saw the fight leave him.

Nathaniel gave a nervous chuckle. "Andraste's ass, Fergus. You nearly had me in there."

"Well, she's my sister. What did you expect?" Fergus replied with a slight grin. "How would you feel if Delilah and I were to... have relations?"

Nathaniel smirked. "Before or after I died laughing?" Nate replied.

"Shut up."

"Hey, Fergus? Don't mention this to our parents," I said before walking back towards the castle alone.

I slipped inside and snuck up to my room and prayed to the Maker no one saw my messy hair and lopsided dress.

For those concerned with Ely's age just remember that it is set in a medieval time period. Historically, women married quite young in those days which means they were having sex quite young. Sure, Ely isn't married but her having sex outside of wedlock would be akin to someone in there late 20s having sex out of wedlock in our times. Normal for the time period, or at least the time period I associate with the Dragon age games.