Chapter 5: Homecoming of a Sort
Delia spent the night caring for her brother. The poultices worked to heal the bump on Dairren's head, and as soon as she was confident that he was better the siblings settled into a fitful sleep. Morning arrived too quickly, and they dressed and walked wearily to the galley. As they sat at their regular table, Delia noticed the elf across the room. He caught her eye and gave her a small smile, while lifting his glass in her direction.
As they were nearing the end of their meal, Chloe looked around the room. "My, I wonder where Nehairel is. I know that he will come to breakfast late, but he is usually here by now."
Delia looked at her plate. "Maybe he decided to stay in his room this morning."
"Didn't you spend some time with him yesterday?" Chloe leaned toward Delia with a mischievous look in her eye. " He seemed to have taken a fancy to you, my dear."
"Why, yes, I did see him in the afternoon," she said, blushing. "I had to tell him that I knew we could never be anything to one another as my father would disapprove. Ser Nehairel could be the most important knight in all Fereldan, but 'twould make no difference in my father's opinion. He will not permit me to see anyone who is not nobility."
"That must have been difficult for him to hear. The poor lad seemed smitten with you."
"Yes, he was very unhappy." Delia paused, sighed for effect, and looked down at the table. "Perhaps he did not want to see me today."
"Ah, the poor dear. Vernon, if we see the lad, perhaps we can interest him in a book to take his mind off of his troubles."
Vernon kissed her lightly on her cheek. "Ah, Chloe, you always have the mind of a merchant. I think the lad will work through his broken heart well enough on his own." Chuckling quietly, he led his wife toward their cabin.
Dairren led his sister back to their cabin. On the way, he noticed Delia nod toward the elf, and it made him feel unsettled. Once he closed the door behind them, he asked her about the elf, and she told him everything that had happened, including how the elf was hired to protect them by Salvatore. They settled into more mundane conversation only to be interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Don't mean to startle you, it's just me," the jovial voice of the captain lilted through the door. "Just wanted to let you know that I expect that we will be docking in Amaranthine tomorrow morning. You may want to spend some time today packing your things away."
They thanked the captain for the news, and after he left to speak to the other passengers they decided to organize the few belongings they brought with them. Once clothes were folded they would be easy to stash into their packs. Lunch time came quickly, and Chloe dominated the conversation. She was looking forward to showing her favorite customers the assortment of spices and fabrics they brought back with them. The rest of the day passed quickly. Delia and Dairren spent some time looking out the porthole trying to recognize any part of the coastline that was quickly approaching.
The final dinner of the crossing was meant to be a formal affair. Delia chose to wear an emerald green dress, and braided her hair into a tight bun. Dairren wore a dark brown tunic which had elaborate embroidery. When they arrived at their table, Chloe clasped her hands together and commented on how stunning the two looked.
"Oh, wait until Nehairel sees you tonight, Delia. He won't be able to keep his eyes off of you!"
Delia looked at Dairren, who coughed into his fist. They sat down, and as they were served their meal, the steward poured an Orlesian wine. It complemented the Ferelden roast lamb, and the mood in the room was festive. Most of the crew was gathered at a table, and Delia noticed Gibbet staring at her. The look in his eye was threatening, and she turned to Vernon to ask about where he planned to sell his goods. No one commented on the missing Nehairel, much to Delia's relief.
After the meal, Delia took Dairren's arm, and muttering excuses about needing sleep she hurried him to their cabin. Gibbet's eyes never seemed to leave her. Once in their cabin, Delia insisted on placing their baggage in front of the door as a precaution. She didn't want anyone walking in on them. Dairren thought it was unnecessary, but didn't complain.
Sleeping was difficult. Delia was excited that she would be seeing her mother, but was worried about her future. Oh please, Maker, find a way to keep me from having to return to West Hill! When the morning finally came, they had breakfast in the galley and said their goodbyes to their traveling companions. Dairren asked the captain to send a cabin boy to help them with their bags, and then they went back to the cabin. A young lad came quickly, and the three made their way to the deck. It seemed as though the ship had split open and everyone was on deck. It was difficult to move through so many people, and Delia became separated from Dairren and the cabin boy. Suddenly a hand grabbed her arm.
"You cost me, you did. Where is Ser Nehairel? He owes me money, an' I know you did something to him."
Delia was shocked, but before she could say anything the elf was at her side. "My good man, take your hand off of her. You should know better than to treat your passengers this way, yes? I am certain that your captain would take offense to this mishandling."
Gibbet snarled and let her go. The elf took her arm and led her away quickly. They caught up to Dairren, and the elf bowed to the two. "May the remainder of your travels be safe." With that, he disappeared into the crowd.
The siblings crossed the gangplank to the dock, and before long they saw their mother waving frantically to them. They walked quickly to her, and greeted her with hugs. A knight was with her, and she introduced him as Ser Gordon, from Highever. Ser Gordon arranged for some of his men to gather their crates from the ship's hold, and then he led the family to a waiting carriage.
The ride to Highever was pleasant. The air was crisp and smelled like it had recently rained, but the skies were bright blue. The hills were a vibrant green. Delia noticed some farms with herds of cattle and sheep, and she became sleepy from the rhythmic clip clop of the horses hooves. Several hours later, they arrived at Castle Cousland, the jewel of Highever.
As they exited from the carriage, Terynna Eleanor Cousland walked out to greet them. It had been several years since Delia and Dairren had visited, so they walked to a private garden for refreshments and conversation. The castle was busy with warriors of all sorts bustling about readying themselves for their deployment to Ostagar. Lunch was pleasant in the garden. The flowers were in bloom, and Delia commented on the beautiful roses. The colors were vibrant and the aroma was intoxicating.
It would have been perfect, had it not been for the incessant barking of a mabari somewhere nearby. Terynna Cousland excused herself for a few minutes, and when she returned she told her guests that she asked one of the knights to find her son, Aeden, to deal with his mabari. Apparently, the dog was constantly in trouble, and it had imprinted on Aeden so he was the only person who could control it.
The barking finally stopped, and soon after Aeden joined them with the mabari at his side.
"Ah, you remember my son, Aeden?"
Dairren gave him a hearty handshake in greeting. "It is good to see you again, my friend."
"And you as well, Dairren. And this, this can't be Delia. The last time I saw you I could have knocked you over with a feather! May I say you have changed quite a bit?" He smiled a lopsided smile at Delia, and she returned a shy smile at him.
"It's nice of you to notice, Aeden. Is this your mabari? I have always wanted to have one. Are they as intelligent as I have heard?"
The mabari licked her hand and sat at her side. Aeden chuckled. "Sometimes they are too smart for their own good. His name is Dusty, and yes, he is my mabari."
Delia put her hand on the dog's head and scratched him behind the ears. "What a lovely dog. You are very lucky to have such a noble animal."
Dusty barked appreciatively, earning a laugh from everyone present.
Terynna Cousland looked at her son. "Aeden, I need you to find your brother, Fergus, so that you can say goodbye to him."
"Alright mother, but I still wish that you would let me go to fight with him and father. It isn't fair for me to be stuck here."
"I understand your feelings, but I need you here to take care of the castle business while your father is away. I will be here for a week with our guests, but then I will be traveling with them to West Hill for a month. You will be the head of the house."
"Yes, mother. By the way, did you know that there is a Grey Warden here? He is recruiting for his order and he will be testing Ser Gilmore in the morning."
"Yes, I have known Duncan for a long time. Ser Gilmore will be a worthy recruit for the order. We will talk more about this later. Now, go find Fergus."
Aeden excused himself and disappeared through a door.
Dairren looked at the terynna and smiled. "My lady, I was wondering if I might have a look in your library to borrow a book or two while we are away. I'm afraid I have read and reread the books that I currently have to a point where the bindings are breaking."
"Of course, my dear. Why don't you and Delia go there now and enjoy yourselves. We will meet in the dining hall for dinner in an hour."
The two walked to the library and poured over the volumes. Dairren selected a book on Ferelden military history and a book on horticulture. Then they went to the dining hall and found their mother with both the Teryn and Terynna.
Bryce Cousland stood up to greet them. "Ah Delia, Dairren, how good it is to see you both. I'm looking forward to having you alongside me, my boy." He gave each of them a warm hug.
"Thank you, Teryn Cousland. I hope that I will not disappoint you."
"Dairren, there is no reason for you to be so formal with me. From now on, I expect you to call me Bryce."
"Alright, Bryce. I will try." He smiled shyly at the teryn.
"May I introduce you both to our distinguished guest? This is Duncan, Warden Commander of the Grey Wardens."
Delia looked at the warden. His eyes were friendly and his voice was warm. He immediately was caught up in conversation with the men at the table about battling darkspawn. Delia found that she was far more tired than she expected, so as soon as she could she excused herself and went to her room. The Couslands had given them their usual guest quarters, just down the hall from the family's own suite. The room Delia was given was comfortable and furnished in an elegant but understated fashion. It always felt better than home when she stayed here. Putting on her nightdress, she settled herself into the bed. She needed a good night's sleep. Tomorrow she would have to say goodbye to her brother and since she had never been separated from him before, it would be very difficult. Luckily she didn't have much time to think about it, as exhaustion and a warm bed helped her to slip into much needed sleep.