Naruto: Knight of Highever

Chapter 5

Written by KitBeast

Beat'd by Vixen's Shadow

Disclaimer:- In no way do I own the franchises of Naruto and Dragon Age. They are the property of Masashi Kishimoto and Bioware. No profits are made by this story.

Standing on the edge of the courtyard Naruto was still in awe of the ceremony that was being organized in his honor. There were vast amounts of Elves running to and fro, desperate to make the ceremony the best in living memory. The reason for all this commotion taking place was because tomorrow was the day when Naruto and the rest of the Knight Apprentices, became full Knights of the realm. It was the day Naruto had been working towards for 2 years. Naruto had also worked out that tomorrow would be October 10th, his birthday. Because Thedas didn't use the same calendar as the Elemental Nations, it had taken a while for him to figure out just when the coinciding date would be, but later he had figured it out. And to be honest with himself, he thought it couldn't have been better. Tomorrow was not only the day that he became a full Knight, it is also the day he turned 16 and became a man.

"Excuse me Ser Knight, but I need to get past." came the voice of a young elven woman

"Oh? Sorry about that. I'm a little distracted." Naruto said, paying no attention to whom he was talking to.

"That's understandable Ser Knight."

"Wait a minute, I know that voice." Naruto said, finally turning to see who she was. "Iona?" Naruto asked

"Hello, Ser Knight. I see you have grown well." Iona said kindly.

"It's good to see you again Iona. How are you?" Naruto asked pleasantly

"I'm good, thank you Ser Knight."

"Please Iona, call me Naruto. We have known each other for years, ever since your husband's unfortunate illness."

"Indeed we have Naruto. However, as much as I would like to stay, I need to carry on with my duties."
"Of course. Perhaps we could meet up later. I really would like to talk to you again."

"I'd like that Naruto."

Watching as Iona left, Naruto was once again captured by the events around him. After staying for hours and seeing tomorrow's event take shape around him, he decided to leave and get some food before tracking down Iona once again.

After finally completing her daily duties, Iona had finally been released for the evening by Lady Landra. As Landra's Lady in waiting, Iona had accompanied her to visit Landra's childhood friend, Teyrna Cousland. While it had not been the first time she had visited Highever, it was the first time she was not consumed with grief.

The first visit she had was when she had still believed that there was some way of saving her husband from his illness. It had taken hold of him very quickly and watched as he wasted away before her very eyes. She was lucky enough however that the skilled healers at Highever had been able to take away the pain accompanying the disease and allowed her husband a peaceful passing.

It had been then that she had met Naruto. Having been overcome by the grief of her husband's passing, and the uncertainty of how she would manage to raise her daughter, Amethyne, Iona had wandered the castle grounds for hours until she had found a secluded spot where she could finally release her emotions. She had spent nearly 20 minutes crying before she realized she had company in the form of a young boy with blonde hair, and deep blue eyes.

After introducing himself as Naruto Uzumaki, a Knight Apprentice at Highever, he had spent the night with her consoling her over her loss, and being a shoulder for her to cry on. Something she really appreciated, since most people would just leave her to her own devices because she was an elf.

After they had left Highever, Naruto had kept in touch with her, with letters, and he often sent her gifts on her birthday. Over the years she had come to depend on the support and friendship his letters gave, and during the times where Lady Landra visited the Teyrna, or the Teyrna visited Lady Landra, Naruto and Iona would often spend the evening talking, and soon she had found that Naruto had become one of, if not her closest, friend.

That had been reinforced when she had visited her daughter in the Denerim Alienage. Lady Landra had feared for her safety from bandits on the road to Denerim, so Naruto, who had been one of the Teyrna's bodyguards, had volunteered to accompany her. The Teyrna had agreed saying she didn't need a bodyguard with Landra, and that the experience Naruto would gain seeing the world would do him good.

The path to Denerim had been fairly quiet with only a couple of bandits, which had been easily dispatched by Naruto, which had given them time to get to know each other on a more personal level. After the 4 day trek had come to an end and they found themselves at Denerim, Iona had said that Naruto could stay at her house, as payment for his protection on the road.

There he had quickly formed a bond with Amethyne and was often seen walking with her in the Market, buying her all sorts of gifts and toys. Seeing this and with all of the previous interactions she had with him, Iona had found herself being steadily drawn towards Naruto.

Nothing had been done about their relationship for several reasons. The main of which was the age difference between them; she was nearly 24, while Naruto was simply 14. Not to mention the fact that she was, until recently, still in grieving for her late husband. A small part of the problem though was simply the fact that they were from two very different cultures. As a city elf she was considered to be lower than her human neighbors and Naruto was a knight. Not that it mattered to Naruto, but Iona didn't want to cause any problems for anyone. She had already done very well for herself, being raised to the position of Lady-in-Waiting, something that had been unheard of for an elf, something she didn't want to jeopardize.

But now, Naruto had grown into a fine young man, and she had finally put her grief behind her. Perhaps it was time to try to find happiness once again. And of course Amethyne had taken a very good liking to him. And that was essential in her eyes.

The constant chatter surrounded him as Naruto tried to eat. However it seemed no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't bring himself to do anything other than to just sit there. If anything went wrong tomorrow, he would be devastated. To Naruto it was the most important day of his life. And while graduating from the Academy in Konoha was important, he had always felt that it was too easy. If it hadn't been for the neglect of the teachers, he would have passed on his first attempt, and it was easy. The only thing they needed was a basic understanding of TaiJutsu and GenJutsu and to demonstrate the 3 basic NinJutsu. But to become a Knight, Naruto had to work for years. Master a great many techniques and learn to wield a vast array of weapons. Not to mention the specialized training he'd been given to help Highever. If something went wrong, then all that training, all that time and effort would be for nothing.

Deciding that since he couldn't eat that he would try to clear his head, Naruto left the dining hall and made his way towards the courtyard. It was a beautiful day; the sun had just started to descend below the horizon. Coming to a stop to in the courtyard, Naruto sat on one of the benches that were scattered around.

Staring at the sunset, Naruto once again tried to calm his nerves. But no matter what they refused to settle. It wasn't helped when he was startled by the placing of a hand on his shoulder.
Turning to see who it was he was immediately relived to see it was just Iona.

"You seem troubled Ser Knight." She said softly while taking a seat next to him, gazing at the sunset.

"I've told you many times Iona, call me Naruto. We are friends, aren't we?"

"Of course we are Naruto. Now please tell me what troubles you."
"I'm not troubled, just nervous. I've devoted 3 years to becoming a knight, and tomorrow I might find that I have wasted that time by not succeeding."

"There is no need to waste your time imagining what might or might not be. Instead you should feel proud of your achievements."

"I am proud of what I have done but I can't help but feel nervous."

Smiling gently Iona turned so she was facing him, grasping his right hand in her own. Bringing it up to her lips, she gave it a soft kiss, surprising Naruto.

"I'll make you a deal Naruto. If you succeed tomorrow, not only will you become a Knight, but I will help you become a man as well."

"Become a man? What do you mean?" Naruto asked confused as to what she could mean.

"You shall see Naruto. But trust me, you will enjoy it." Iona said with a smile.

The morning came quicker than Naruto would have liked, although his nerves had settled somewhat overnight. Having eaten a good breakfast Naruto made his way towards the Courtyard. After all it wouldn't do for him to be late for such an important day.

Entering the courtyard, Naruto saw that he wasn't the only one to have this idea, because the vast majority of the other apprentices had the same idea.

Walking towards the group of apprentices, Naruto could help but notice how different they all looked now that they were in their new armor. Although it was a common, Grey Iron Scale Armor that they wore, it symbolized that they were all fully trained, and ready to become a Knight. Naruto spent the next 20 minutes listening to his fellow apprentices while waiting for the time when the ceremony began. Although his patient waiting was interrupted when he heard a surprising thing mentioned by one of the apprentices.

"Can you believe it? Today is the day that we become Knights and we already have our first deployment." The apprentice said in excitement.

"I know. We have to march straight away after the ceremony." Another replied

"Wait, you're leaving straight away?" Naruto asked in shock. And when he saw the apprentice nod Naruto said, "Then that means you're leaving with Fergus. So you're going to join the King's army at Ostagar."

"I know, it's brilliant isn't it. Although I don't know why you didn't already know this, since you're coming with us, right?"

Naruto was about to say that he wasn't, when Bryce, Eleanor and Fergus entered the Courtyard. Knowing how disrespectful it would be to talk now that the ceremony was beginning, Naruto stopped replying. But he told himself that he would find out what is happening after the ceremony.

Taking his place alongside the other apprentices for the ceremony, Naruto stood waiting for what was sure to become a memorable day for him.

The group of apprentices took their place to one side of the raised stage which Bryce, Eleanor and Fergus was stood upon. Glancing around the crowd of both nobles and commoners Naruto searched for Iona. Seeing her towards the back of the crowd Naruto relaxed somewhat.

"Good Moring everyone. Today is a very important day for not only Highever, but the seven young apprentices stood here before you. For years each of them has sacrificed their time, their blood, and their family to grow and become powerful enough to be classed as a full Knight. And today is the day their sacrifices are rewarded. Now to continue, will all of the apprentices come and kneel before me." Bryce had said in a loud and clear voice, which resounded throughout the courtyard.

Confidently the apprentices moved up onto the stage and knelt in front of Bryce.

"A knight is nothing without his word. Without it, his life is meaningless. And now to become a knight you must give your word. Do you swear to protect the people of Highever with your lives?"

"We give our word, my lord." The apprentices said as one

"Do you swear to never sheave your sword while enemies threaten your people?"

"We give our word, my lord."

"Do you swear to always shield your people from anyone who would harm them, whether they be foreign or domestic?"

"We give our word, my lord."

"Then rise as a Knight and claim your Shields." Bryce said as he took a step to the side, allowing Eleanor to take his place. As each Apprentice steped forward, she presented them with a Kite shield made from Yew wood, and each had the Cousland Heraldry painted on the front.

After watching the other apprentices gain their shields, Naruto stepped forward. He was surprised at the shield that Eleanor now held.

"You have grown exponentially over the last 3 years Naruto. Both Bryce and I agree that you have more than earned the honor of wielding this shield." Eleanor said giving Naruto one of the most prized items possessed by the Cousland Family: The Shield of Highever. A kite shield inscribed with the Cousland Heraldry just like the normal guard shields, however this one was made out of a much more sturdy Grey Iron.

"My lady, why give this to me? Surly if anyone should wield this it should be Fergus." Naruto said surprised as to what was happening.

"As I have said before Naruto, your strength means that you could become as great as any of the legendary warriors of our past. And hopefully this shield will serve you as well as it did Ardal Cousland."

Stepping back to the rest of the apprentices Naruto secured the shield on his back, held by the scabbard of his Longsword.

"My lords and Ladies, I give you our new Knights." Bryce said walking to the front of the stage, causing the crowd to burst into applause. Allowing the applause to die down after several moments, Bryce carried on with "And now I give you my son."

"Thank you Father." Fergus said stepping forward "As I'm sure you all know the King has decreed that the army is to gather at Ostagar. Therefore I will be leading the men and women of Highever, to join the King's army. If all things go well, we will be back within the month, safe in the knowledge that the blight has been defeated and the lands of Highever are safe once again."

Hearing this, the crowd cheered energetically, proud of what their son and daughters, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives would soon be doing for their people.

"The army will depart within the hour." Fergus said before heading down threw crowd.

After several minutes the crowd had settled down enough for Naruto to approach Bryce.

"My lord, may I have a word with you?"

"Congratulations on your Knighthood, Naruto. Now what can I do for you?" Bryce said kindly

"Thank you my lord, but I was wondering why I am not to march with the army?"

"I knew you would ask about that, but I had thought it would not be for a while yet." Bryce said with a sigh "The reason why is rather simple. With the majority of the army gone, we need strong soldiers to be here to guard to castle. And tomorrow when I leave to join Fergus in Ostagar you will be in command of the Castle Guard."

"Guard Commander? Are you sure, my lord?" Naruto asked shocked

"Yes Naruto, Guard Commander. You've shown your leadership qualities a great many times in your training, so now you have a chance to show that on a larger scale."

"I won't let you down my lord. You have my word."

"I know you won't Naruto." Bryce said confidently.

Having been essentially promoted from apprentice, to full Knight to Guard Commander in a single day had taken a lot out of Naruto, so that's why he had been sat on the same bench as he was the previous night, watching as the crowd dispersed. But once again it seemed his peace was not to be, as he was disturbed when he felt someone grasping his hand. Looking at who it was, he saw it was Iona. Returning the smile that she was giving to him, Naruto returned to relaxing in the cooling air.

That's the way they remained for what seemed like hours, before Iona stood, still grasping his hand.

"Come Ser Knight, I believe I promised you a reward." Iona said leading him back towards the castle.

Entering the room that had been his for the last three years, Naruto couldn't feel more relaxed than he was at the moment. Feeling the soft push of Iona, as she directed him towards the bed, Naruto allowed her to lead him. When he reached the bed, he turned to face her, and lay casually on the bed, watching as took several step back.

"And now Ser Knight, I will show you the pleasures of the female body." Iona said provocatively, as she unclasped the straps that held her dress up.

Now I have recieved several reviews saying that Naruto seems to have 'forgotten' his past. Well I would like to point out that he hasn't. Just because he hasn't used his Shinobi Techniques yet doesn't mean he's magically forgotten them. At 12 years old, he only ever used Kage Bunshin in Battles, and he hasn't been in anything other than spars so far. He hasn't had any need for Kamiwari or Henge yet. And the only other techniques he has are the Rasengan and Summoning. Again only used in battles. And another problem with summoning is that it needs blood to be used which is classed as Blood magic in the Dragon Age Universe.

Now if you haven't already guessed there was a time skip in this chapter. He's now 16, the same age as in Shippuuden.

Another thing is I have finally decided on both the Pairing and the Weapons. The pairing will be kept secret (Not NarutoXIona By the way) but I will announce the Weapon, It is Primarily a Longsword and Shield, but he will use another 'secret' weapon. Not really an announcement but oh well.

Vixen's Shadow: Sorry for everyone who had to read the previous, uncorrected version. Crazy amounts of school work. Particularly, a very difficult research paper and final exams; you try doing a paper on a topic that people seem to avoid. Took forever to piece the thing together, but never fear, I will finish up what is already posted and the one or two I hear KitBeast might have held off. More or less I'm back with no known computer or internet problems in the near future, with lots of time between my summer classes too. I even have three day weekends!