-The Couslands-
For generations your family the Couslands has stewarded the lands of Highever earning the loyalty of your people with justice and temperance.
When your country was occupied by Orlesian empire your father and Grandfather served the embattled kings of your land.
Today your elder brother's takes up the house Couslands Banner in service to the crown—not against the men of Orlais but against the bestial darkspawn rising in the south.
"Kaillen…" Brendan tried again, but no avail. The pony-tailed blond haired rogue continued ignoring him, her blue eyes intent on the page she was reading.
"Don't tell me you're still mad at me for hiding your swords." The brown haired warrior muttered rolling his hazel eyes.
Kaillen turned another page in her book. She was determined to ignore him. Brendan had been trying to get her attention all day. She wasn't going to beg him to get her sword and dagger back though. "When mabari's fly!" She thought venomously to herself. It was at that moment she was hit with a flying book. The book hit her in the face and landed in her lap.
"…" Kaillen immediately stood and sprinted at him smacking the book she was previously reading in his face. Brendan grabbed another book off the shelf but was assaulted by rapid fire books being thrown at him. If they weren't both wearing armor they might've seriously injured themselves. Brendan managed to tackle Kaillen to the floor and was about to smack her face with another book when she grabbed his arm and made him hit himself in the face with the book. They both wrestled on the floor for a little while before an messenger appeared in the doorway.
"My lords, uhh…" He wasn't exactly sure how to tell two seasoned fighters the message while they were fighting.
"What's the matter?" Kaillen yelled out while struggling to fight Brendan off of her.
" I- uhh You've been summoned by the Teryn my lady!" The messenger yelled over Brendan's cry of "AHA! IVE GOT YOU NOW!" As he picked up another book and attempted to throw it into Kaillen's face. In one swift movement she grabbed the book and managed to throw the warrior off her, as he slammed into the chairs nearby she replaced the book back onto the shelf.
"Tell my father I'll be there soon." She told the messenger while breathing heavily.
"Y-yes my lady!" The messenger ran off.
"2786 fights…" Brendan managed out from his position.
"And I've won 1393 of them… Stay safe in that war, when you get back well have our tie breaker." Kaillen replied as she walked out the door smiling.
/
"I trust, then, that your troops will be here shortly Arl Howe?" A middle aged man wearing noble clothes asked the approaching Arl. He had remains of stubble on his chin and grey hair but his eyes were sharp and discerning.
"I expect they will start arriving tonight, and we can march tomorrow, I apologize for the delay my lord, this is entirely my fault." The Arl replied apologetically.
"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. I'll send my two eldest off with my men. You and I will ride tomorrow, just like the old days!" Bryce joked.
The Arl smiled. "True. Though we both had less gray in our hair then. And we fought Orlesians, not….monsters."
"At least the smell will be the same" Bryce replied chuckling. He had failed to notice that one of the nearby doors had opened and Kaillen had walked inside. She stood at attention for a few moments; Arl Howe gave a small smirk while Kaillen brought a finger up to her lips to shush him.
Bryce continued on with how Eleanor continued to nag him about sending both Fergus and Brendan off to fight with him, he eventually noticed that Arl Howe's smile continued growing bigger and turned around to see what was so funny. He was eventually facing a pony-tailed blond haired Rogue with one long sword and one dagger (She found them stuck to the ceiling of her room). She was wearing her traditional black leather studded armor. Kaillen was currently struggling to keep her smile a neutral line on her face. Her arms were behind her back as she stood at attention.
Bryce was a little caught off guard "Exactly how long have you been standing there pup?" He laughed as she finally broke her stoic position and had to laugh.
"Just a few minutes father… and long enough to hear everything." She replied still laughing
"Just don't tell your mother…You know how she is about these types of things. Howe, you remember my daughter?" Bryce asked as he turned his attention back to the Arl.
"Of course, I see shes grown into a lovely young woman. Please to see you again my dear." Arl howe nodded to Kaillen.
She bowed to him "And you Arl howe."
"My son Thomas asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him next time." He smiled at her.
Kaillen blushed, Thomas was always nice to her. She believed he had a crush on her, although she was very unsure of her own feelings. She managed to compose to herself before answering(Thank the maker).
"And to what end?" she joked.
" to what end she says…Well done your lordship, a temperament to match her fighting skill." The Arl responded causing the rogue to smirk.
"See what I content with Howe?I doubt Brendan would be receptive either , my fierce boy has his own mind these days. Maker bless their hearts." Bryce sighed shaking his head.
"No doubt because you've trained them in the art of fighting, how unique" He continued, laughing a little.
"At any rate pup I summoned you for a reason while your brothers and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle." He said turning to face Kaillen.
Kaillens face grew hard at that and she suddenly developed an interest to the pattern of the rug. "I-I understand Father." She managed out. More than anything, she wanted to be a part of that battle, to protect Ferelden, to protect… her family. She should be there by his side…
"Im certain you'd more than prove yourself, but I am not willing to deal with your mother if you join the war. Shed kill me if I let you go she's already twisted into knots about Fergus and me going." Bryce smiled sadly at her. Kaillen was still very interested in the pattern.
"This is no needless task. I ask you to take a great responsibility. Only a token force remains in here and you MUST keep peace in the region, you know what they say about mice when the cat is away, Yes?" Bryce smiled joking a little. Kaillen looked up and smiled a little.
"There's also someone you must meet. Please….show Duncan in." Bryce gestured to a nearby guard. Who in turn, saluted and left, Soon after returning with an older man in tow. His black hair was tied back in a small pony tail, his face was serious and had a beard, he had steel and white armor and radiated proudness, experience and nobility.
"It is an honor to be a guest within your hall Teyrn Cousland." Duncan started, as he walked into the hall.
"Your lordship, you didn't mention that a grey warden would be present." Arl Howe said a bit taken back from the sudden introduction.
"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced. Is there a problem?" Bryce asked.
"Of course not, but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am… at a disadvantage." Arl Howe replied to him a bit cautiously.
"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?" Bryce asked Kaillen.
"Of course." She straightened. She paused, and then laughed a little. "Where should I start? The grey wardens were heroes who defeated the darkspawn a long time ago. As legends state they rode into battle riding griffons." She paused and began to speak again but Bryce managed to stop her.
"It seems you have done your homework, pup." He laughed. "Without their warning of the darkspawn rising now, half the nation could have been overrun before wed had a chance to react. Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow wardens in the south. I believe hes got his eye on Ser Gilmore."
"If I might be so bold I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate." Duncan replied looking at Kaillen.
She stared at him. Her thoughts were scrabbling inside her head : "Me? A grey warden? I-." She was cut off by Bryce's words.
"Honor though that might be this is my daughter were talking about, ive not so many children that ill gladly see them all off to Unless you intend to invoke the right of conscription.."
"Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find. I've no intention of forcing the issue." Duncan assured the Teryn. Bryce's face seemed to relax a little more afterwards.
"Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I'm gone?" Bryce asked the rogue who was still stuck in her stupor.
"What? Oh yes father. I'll take care of it, have no fear." Kaillen smiled.
"In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him that he and Brendan must lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me." He continued.
Kaillen bowed "Then I'll be off." She turned and left the hall. Before closing the door she could hear the three of them continuing their chat.
As she made her way into the courtyard she took a deep breath. Father had always told her to maintain a good outlook for anyone. Brendan was told the same but Kaillen had always given a more noble air then he ever did. She secretly wondered if Brendan would have preferred a more townsmen-like family.
"There you are! Your mother told me the teryn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt." A voice from behind her suddenly rang out.
Kaillen turned around, behind her was a short-red haired man wearing armor and carrying sword and shield.
"Hello to you too Ser Gilmore." Kaillen smiled as the man approached.
He winced "I apologize my lady its just that ive been looking all over for you…" He began.
Kaillen laughed "Its alright, and you know just calling me "Kaillen" Is okay, its not like we don't know each other that well."
Ser Gilmore shook his head, laughing, "Standard procedure for a lovely lady such as yourself." He taunted.
"Oh, I bet you say that to every girl you meet." She shot back at him, giggling.
Ser Gilmore laughed a lot louder at that. "At any rate my lady it seems your mabari has gotten into the larder again. I must apologize but he is causing Nan to go into a fuss. And when she gets upset, she makes sure everyone knows it."
"to the kitchen then." Kaillen replied jogging at a brisk pace. Ser Gilmore followed shortly behind and they made their ways through the winding corridors of the castle. Ser Gilmore and Kaillen chatted for a while. She knew a lot about him already. He was sent here as a squire in training, they met when they were younger and immediately began good friends. He and Brendan fought a lot as well, Brendan usually won but immediately backed off when Kaillen came into the scene. His father was a minor Arl. The rest of history was made by their adventures.
/
They eventually found their way into the kitchen, followed by Nan's yelling. "Get that bloody mutt out of the larder!" She yelled at two nearby elf servants.
"But, mistress! It won't let us near!" one of the elf's cried out.
"If I can't get into that larder, ill skin both of you useless elves, I swear it!" She threatened them
"Err… Calm down good woman. Weve come to help…" Ser Gilmore began nervously.
"You! And you! Your bloody mongrel keeps getting into my larder! That beast should be put down!" Nan yelled furiously at Kaillen.
"Calm down, Nan ill take care of Kernan." Kaillen sighed.
"Just get him gone! Ive enough to worry about with a castle full of hungry soldiers!" Nan muttered. "You two!, Stop standing about like idiots! Get out of the way!"
Kaillen and Ser Gilmore opened the door and walked inside. Kernan was currently pawing the floors and sniffing around. Several of the bags were nipped open, by sharp teeth marks it seems. Kaillen crouched down. "Are you trying to tell me something boy?"
Kernan jumped around and barked happily then turned to one of the sacks and growled. Almost on cue a large rat came out and launched itself at Kernan who in turn bit into it and threw it to the side. Ser Gilmore Immediately drew his sword and shield while Kaillen had drawn her dagger and sword. More rats came out of various places but Kaillen had fought many times with Ser Gilmore and Kernan together. These enemies were nothing. Soon they had defeated them all.
"Those…are some VERY big rats." Kaillen remarked sheathing her sword and dagger.
"Ive seen bigger, sometimes ones the size of dogs come out of the wilds." Ser Gilmore said rather half joking-half serious.
"Are you serious?, never mind I don't want to know…" Kaillen turned around, muttering.
Ser Gilmore laughed "oh its not that bad, and a few rats shouldn't faze the legendary champion shouldn't it?"
"Oh come on, don't tell me that fighting tournament is still embarrassing you?" Kaillen retorted laughing.
"It only does when the guy who supposedly won was a girl." He replied rolling his eyes.
The banter continued until they parted ways at the treasury, Kaillen walked inside, there were two guards playing cards.
"My Lady! W-we were just-" one guard stammered.
Kaillen put her hands up "It's alright, I won't say anything if you don't" She replied laughing.
"T-Thank you, My Lady is so kind!" The guard bowed before sitting back down.
"Looks the family sword is safe for now." She thought to herself. Brendan was taking the family shield with him to the battle, while Kaillen was left with the family sword. It was sort of a joke between them since their father was always saying how Kaillen was sharp as the family sword and has a wit to match, while Brendan's stubborn-ness and big heart could outlast even the maker.
Kaillen continued along the path regarding how peaceful everything was, the sky was blue as always and the world seemed So at peace. Eventually she stumbled upon Dairren….speaking with her mother(Eleanor Cousland) and Lady Landra( Dairren's Mother) and Iona (recently made into Lady Landra's lady in waiting).
"Mother, Lady Landra." Kaillen bowed as she came within earshot.
"Ah Kaillen, it seems you remember Lady Landra." Eleanor began, "darling you remember Dairren don't you?"
Kaillen nodded towards the red-haired man. "Dairren its good to see you again." She replied smiling.
"Don't worry he hasn't been married yet either." Lady Landra began smiling.
"Mother!" Dairren sighed, "Don't pay my mother any mind, you're looking beautiful as always though."
Kaillen smiled. "No hard feelings about the tournament?"
Dairren smirked. "I won't mention it again if you won't."
"Maybe I will just for fun." Kaillen replied smirking.
"Don't look now Eleanor but I believe my boy has a crush your daughter." Lady Landra whispered even though both of them could hear.
"Mother please!" Dairren sighed.
"And this is my lady in waiting. Iona, do say something dear." Lady Landra sighed turning her attention towards the elven lady.
"I…have heard much about you from your mother Lady Kaillen! You are as beautiful as they describe." Iona finally said, bowing to Kaillen.
"Ah your very beautiful yourself Iona." Kaillen replied sheepish of the comment.
Kaillen was used to be told that her sword-skills were unrivaled or that her strength out-matched at least 20 men. That was silly! There were tons of better swordsmen then her. Like her father or maybe her mother with her archery skills. Then again Kaillen wasn't very good with a bow. She would always miss the target.
"Mother I apologize but I must take my leave and deliver a message to Fergus." Kaillen said as she smiled.
"Very well then, I believe hes in his chambers saying a last farewell to his wife and my grandchild." Eleanor replied while she moved to fix Kaillen's hair tie that had slipped.
"Mother!" Kaillen replied exasperated.
"Off you go now dear." Eleanor replied smiling.
Kaillen left for jogging once again, turning around various halls and corridors, If she didn't live here she swears she would've gotten lost! Kaillen turned down another hall and FINALLY after what seemed to be eternity she reached Fergus's bedroom. Inside a brown haired women with kind green eyes and a young boy with short brown hair and blue eyes was talking with Fergus.
"is there really going to be a war Papa? Will you bring me back a sward?" the little boy asked
Fergus laughed "That's sword Oren. And I'll bring you back the mightiest one I can find!" Fergus replied jokingly, blue eyes shining with pride.
"I promise, I'll be back before you know it." He added after a moment of pause.
"I wish victory was indeed so certain. My heart is disquiet." Fergus's wife replied a bit nervous.
"Don't frighten the boy, love. I speak the truth." Fergus replied reassuring the brown haired maiden.
He turned to the door way, while Kaillen was leaning against the door frame, smiling.
"And here's my little sister to see me off. Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well." He said smiling as Kaillen walked into the room.
"Shall I leave you two alone for a while?" Kaillen teased stopping a few feet from them with her arms crossed.
Fergus laughed "Haha! When theres someone in your life, youll understand! Im sure Brendan does already."
As if on cue Brendan walked into the room without his shield. "Very funny Fergus, and for your information I doubt anyone could tolerate her." Brendan replied half angry half teasingly.
"Awh whats the matter brother dear? Lose something?" Kaillen grinned taunting the warrior.
"Don't worry Brendan. Im sure someone will be able to handle her soon!" Fergus replied causing Brendan to laugh and Kaillen to punch him lightly on the shoulder.
"And you people wonder why I'm not going to miss you." Kaillen said, rolling her eyes.
"If its any consolation…" Fergus replied rubbing his shoulder "Im sure ill freeze in the southern rain and be completely jealous of you up here, warm and safe!"
"Right Fergus, and here I thought you were supposed to make Oriana feel more relieved!" Brendan sighed turning to the brown haired women.
"I am positively thrilled you that you will be so miserable husband." Oriana added, sighing. She had a sad smile but her eyes were hopeful.
"Oh and by the way, did you know that there was a grey warden in the castle?" Kaillen asked a bit puzzled.
"really? Was he riding a griffon?!" Oren interrupted suddenly exicted.
"Shh, Oren. Griffons only exist in stories now." Oriana replied silencing the little boy.
"I'd heard that. Did he say why he's come?" Fergus asked questioningly.
Kaillen shrugged her shoulders "I heard he was going to test Ser Gilmore."
Brendan raised his eye brows "Really? And here I thought he was going to take you away. One less menace to look at every day!" he joked.
"Sure, ill be recruited and have a wonderful tale of heroism and skill! While you can sit around be that guy who was the brother to the hero!" Kaillen shot back laughing.
"Well if I was a grey warden, id have my eye on you both, not that father would ever allow it!" Fergus replied to the rogue laughing all the while.
Kaillen suddenly looked down onto the floor. "I wish I could go with you…" She trailed off.
"I wish you could come! Itll be tiring killing all those darkspawn myself." Fergus laughed lightening Kaillens mood at the same time.
"Surely your father would not place all three of his heirs in danger." Oriana replied.
"Mother and father have already been fighting about Brendan going with us for days now. It's too bad. The three of us together are unstoppable after all!" Fergus laughed again.
Old memories resurfaced for them. The three of them were siblings, they always had the best team work especially when stealing into the kitchen for late night snacks. They had successfully sneaked into the Larder to steal various food items without getting caught. On the 10th attempt however, they were almost mistaken for thieves and fired at. It was amusing watching the two warriors dodge arrows while Kaillen gracefully moved out of the way. The memory at the very least was reminding.
"Oh, father asked me to bring a message. He wishes for you and Brendan to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of him." Kaillen suddenly blurted out, as she remembered the reason why she came here at the first place.
Fergus only sighed. "So the Arl's men are delayed, I swear, you'd think they were all walking backwards or something!"
Brendan turned to Kaillen "Well sis I guess this is goodbye." He said, his voice holding regret and sadness.
"Yes Sister, do take care here. Try not to burn the castle to the ground while were away!" Fergus joked.
"I do hope you would at least say goodbye to us before you leave." Another voice from the doorway called. Bryce and Eleanor walked into the room, smiling.
"Of course we would mother!" Brendan replied to the middle aged woman. He approached her and brought her into a quick hug before Fergus came to take Brendan's place.
"You will be missed my sons." Eleanor replied lamentingly. "I will pray for your safety every day you are gone."
"Fergus will be fine, no darkspawn can best him." Brendan snorted. "At least while I'm there he will be."
"Are you sure you won't be the one to run from battle first?" Kaillen shot back to the warrior who was still laughing.
"The maker sustain and preserve us all. Watch over our sons, husbands and Fathers and bring them safely back to us." Orianna said while sighing. She and Eleanor were the only ones upset about this, or at least the only ones who show it.
"and bring us some ale and wenches while you're at it. Err… for the men of course." Fergus added, jokingly.
"Fergus! You would say this in front of your mother?" Orianna replied, shocked.
"Whats a wench? Is that what you pull on to get the bucket out of the well?" Oren asked, cutting into the conversation.
"A wench is a woman that pours the ale in a tavern, Oren. Or a woman who drinks a lot of ale." Bryce replied chuckling at the second part.
"Bryce! Makers breath, I swear its like living with a pack of small boys. If not for my daughter here I wonder if this would even be bearable…" Eleanor replied sighing.
Kaillen, Brendan and Fergus laughed. "Ill miss you, mother dear. Youll take care of her, Sister wont you?"
Kaillen continued laughing. "Mother can handle herself. Always has."
"Its true. They should be sending her, not me. She would scold those darkspawn back into the deep roads." Fergus replied. Brendan and Kaillen were still laughing.
"Well im glad you find this so funny." Eleanor replied.
"Enough, enough. Pup, youll want to get ready for dinner and perhaps an early night. You've much to do tomorrow." Bryce said to the rogue, himself laughing partly.
"I understand Father, good day then." Kaillen bowed before she left the room sighing. She was going to miss her brothers, even Brendan.
Kaillen looked at the sky, the sun was still overhead. "might as well train a little…" Kaillen mumbled as she head off to the training area. Soon she was mercilessly hacking at a dummy.
"Do you have a problem against the straw dummy my lady?" A voice from behind her called out, laughing.
Kaillen turned around, Ser Gilmore was smirking leaning against a pillar. Kaillen sheathed her sword, breathing heavily. "Yes because I carry heavy grudges against motionless objects." She replied sarcastically.
Ser Gilmore chuckled, "Would my lady grace a lowly knight such as myself with a match?" he asked, pushing himself off the pillar and striding towards Kaillen.
Kaillen scoffed, "Somebodies still mad at what happened~" She replied sing-song. She drew her blade and pointed it at Ser Gilmore, "But I never turn down a match." Kaillen's eyes grew cold and unnerving.
Duelist state her father would always say, Kaillen has hardly ever lost a duel, by clearing her mind and focusing on her task at hand she would be near invincible, calm, cool, calculating, just like her father. Most would see Kaillen as cold however, merciless and harsh. That never bothered Ser Gilmore though, it only amused him. He knew Kaillen as the cold rogue she was, the sarcastic noble, and a sweet young girl.
"It'll take a lot more than just a stare to beat me, Kaillen." Ser Gilmore taunted. Kaillen narrowed her eyes, timing her breath she lunged at him with one swift movement. He quickly drew his sword and crossed blades with her, spinning she drew a second sword and tried a second attempt. It was too predictable however as Ser Gilmore had his shield drawn and ready as her blade reflected off the metal.
"You're going to have to do better than that." Ser Gilmore smiled, trying for a stab. Kaillen easily parried the attack and went into an immediate offense, the duel continued at a furious pace, neither side budging or flinching at attacks.
Kaillen feinted left while Ser Gilmore's sword attacking nothing but air, seeing the chance Kaillen immediately looped her sword and disarmed him in one shot. She raised her other sword to his face. Both of them were panting hard, as Ser Gilmores hands were in the air raised in defeat.
Kaillen smirked, "You've gotten better. But it looks like I'm still one step ahead."
"It's the straw dummy, he's been giving you tips." Ser Gilmore replied shrugging his shoulders as best as he could in his position.
Kaillen sheathed her swords, "Next time, perhaps I'll go easy on you."
"I wouldn't have it anyhow other way…my lady." He replied as Kaillen walked off to the corridor.
He walked over to the dummy while picking up his sword, he shook his head. "how does she do that?" he thought to himself as he began his training.