A/N: Yay, the hits just like doubled! BAM! Not so much for the reviews but that's ok. Hopefully, as the story progresses and our characters go from the frying pan and into the fire, there will be suggestions, opinions, blah, blah, right? Right? And I'll do my best in answering reviews in the succeeding chapters as well.
To:
YoshisSupport: This is my favourite pairing too, whether the Cousland is a female or male. Of course, I prefer seeing a hot male making out with Alistair. Maybe that's just the fangirl in me! Since the Anders/M!Hawke fanfiction has a strong correlation to events happening in this story, I will continue this story. So that's the good news! No bad news, yet! As for the Isolde part, yes, let's just say she'll wish she was dead when Hadrian finds out about her evil treatment of Alistair.
Aki: Yes, I keep my promises and this is one of them. I just want to show how grateful I am in getting reviews from you and everybody else. I try to be descriptive so my readers can imagine what's going on. Sometimes, I can overdo it though. Let me know when that happens. Also, does this fic seem a little bit angsty to you? It kinda does to me. I need to lighten it up a bit. Hmmm. Suggestions?
Alasse Telrunya: Awesome! A new reader/reviewer! Yes, I've decided to post the story. It's mainly dedicated to all the readers out there and myself. Plus, the increasing number of hits on this story helped me decide whether or not I should continue it.
To all readers, enjoy the chappie!
ARC II: WOLF'S JOURNEY
Mask of the Wolf
Hadrian woke up to find himself lying in his bed at the Cousland Castle. Regus was standing on all fours, growling at the door, its hairs standing up on all ends. He has seen this before, heard the screamings of people being murdered in their beds. Thinking that maybe the Maker gave him a second chance, he did not hesitate in unsheathing his weapon and grabbing his shield. He ran out of his room, killing all the Howe's men who dared to block his way. It was already too late for his brother's wife and niece, their dead eyes staring into nothingness. However, his parents were still alive, somewhere in this burning castle. The Antechamber was in flames, the heat burning his eyes even as he stood far away from it. Without regard to his own safety, he barged through the door, using the shield as a cover against the raging flames that licked along the walls. There, his parents were kneeling down, with Arl Howe standing over, making a motion with his finger.
He reached out to his parents who were urging him to flee, to escape Howe's treacherous hand and avenge their deaths. Someone was holding him back and he fought back, trying to slip away from grasping hands. Then a voice called out to him, an unknown voice followed by an image of a twelve year old boy. The young child smiled at him and waved, saying that it wasn't his time yet and they had to meet before that time comes. When he asked what his name was, the boy gave him a knowing grin and replied, "you already know my name. But what is yours?"
Hadrian startled awake, his heart beating so rapidly, so strongly, it felt as if it was going to burst from his chest. Movement occurred nearby and he instinctively flinched when a hand was laid on him.
"It was just a dream, Hadrian," someone said and the young man looked up at the voice's source. There standing before him was the man who had so conveniently stepped into their family's life. What was his name again? It began with a D.
"Duncan?" Hadrian managed to remember the man's name, retrieving his memory from the unwanted others that still haunt his dreams.
The named man nodded curtly and he handed him some dried meat. Hadrian was about to refuse, not wanting to take food from the man who was linked to his family's death, even if it was unwarranted. However, his stomach growled loudly and the young man felt kind of sheepish at initially refusing food when he was clearly famished. Duncan, to his relief, hadn't commented on that and the pair ate in heavy silence near the campfire.
"We must move quickly. We are still too close to your home. Relieve yourself now so that we can move on."
The Grey Warden spoke this all the while dousing the low fire he had made when Hadrian slept, exhausted by recent events. He didn't have very much to pack and by the time he finished talking to his recruit, he was sheathing his weapons.
His recruit at first didn't move and Duncan was afraid that he would have to be stern with the last survivor of his clan. No, second to last if Fergus could be found at Ostagar. The older man hoped Fergus could be there, alive and well, to greet Hadrian and comfort him in their loss. He was just about to say something to the brooding young man when his senses tingled and he withdrew his weapons. A dagger was brought in front of his face in time to block an arrow that was aimed at his head. Howe's men!
He hadn't needed to tell his partner about the enemy for Hadrian had already equipped his family shield and sword. Good, even filled with grief he can still fight. That will fuel his future battles, giving him the strength to endure this Blight. The Grey Warden easily parried a blow that came at him from behind, skillfully relaying the motion and bringing his own dagger into his enemy's flesh. He was long inured to the sight and smell of blood, that particular pained look on his fallen enemy's face. Once he had dispatched his enemies, he turned to find his recruit decapitating one of Howe's scouts, a fierce expression on his face with blue eyes glinting and a satisfied grimace.
"Howe's men have reached this area sooner than I expected. We must leave now." Hadrian didn't need to be told twice about their exigent situation and he hastily packed his own personal things in a small pouch. He tucked the pouch into the small opening of his breastplate, wanting to keep his mother's amulet as close to him as possible. It was the only thing he had of his mother and he sorely wished that he would not lose that last link to his family.
-o0o-
It took them only a week to reach Ostagar by horseback. Several miles before the entrance to Ostagar was in sight, Duncan suggested that the mounts could smell the taint from far away and it would be prudent to drop them off at a nearby village. Hadrian was all for it seeing how skittish his mount was with him to begin with. It shied around him initially, its eyes almost rolling in unexplainable fear and the young Cousland growled out of frustration. Almost immediately, it stopped prancing, staying stockstill even when the young Hadrian mounted him and took hold of his reins in firm hands. The young Cousland had never been cruel to animals, even in anger.
The first few days had been almost unbearable. With the full moon in sight, all Hadrian wanted to do was run, to bask underneath the silvery rays of the moon, to hunt down those who hunted them. His usual feverish bouts were miraculously kept at bay as he didn't really want Duncan to ask questions. He knew that if Duncan spoke, it would bring up horrible memories of that day of his unexpected arrival. His voice unintentionally acted as a trigger for those nightmarish visions of the past and Hadrian had to stop several times, to bring his feelings under control.
Only once Duncan asked if there was something wrong and it was the last time as well.
It was on the second night, when they made camp by a creek. Hadrian had walked off the campsite, his headaches killing him and almost blinding him. Regus was with him, deliberately brushing against him to act as a guide. If the dog turned right, then Hadrian would turn right, to avoid walking into a tree or an oncoming shrub.
The dog stopped in front of him, sensing that its Master was tiring after him. When Hadrian made no attempt in walking ahead of him, Regus turned his body around and let out a sad whine. The Cousland's hand patted him on top of his head, his fingers often twirling around the small ears. Regus enjoyed his ministrations and he flopped down at his master's feet, placing his head on his front paws. Although he gave off a seemingly relaxed pose, Regus was still alert, his senses still hearing, still tasting his surroundings for any danger that could strike his master when he was at his most vulnerable. The air shifted and there was a pained moan coming from above him. However, having gone through this multiple times with his master, he knew there was nothing he could do except to keep watch.
The moon peeked out from her cover of clouds that rolled by in the black sky. Its rays hit everywhere and Hadrian was no exception. When it landed on him, his eyes glowed in the darkness and the unseen spectator watched at how his silhouette changed. The spectator stepped back almost in shock and Regus stood up, snarling at the intruder, despite the scent being somewhat familiar.
The noises of the woods and the intruder halted the spell that had overcome Hadrian and he whirled around to face a very surprised Duncan.
The Warden couldn't believe what he was seeing. Was it an abomination? Bryce made no mention of having mages in his family line; in fact, his was the only noble line without any mages, a fact that had caught notable attentions of the First Enchanters throughout Thedas. When he came back to the camp holding three rabbits in his hands, he had expected Cousland to disappear into the comforting darkness. To see this was wholly shocking and the Warden's hand almost reached for his dagger but the humanoid in front of him seemed rational, despite the disturbing glow of his eyes.
"Hadrian?" Duncan's hand slowly dropped from its original position and his body relaxed, trying to portray a non threatening posture. It worked as Regus did not lunge at him. Instead, it merely stayed at Hadrian's side, growling and slightly baring its teeth, a clear warning to Duncan that should he make a move toward his Master, Regus would not hesitate in attacking him.
"Duncan, you should not be watching this," the voice spoke, but it was deeper, much deeper than Hadrian's already timbre tones.
"Are you-?"
The man let out a harsh laughter and for a moment, Duncan thought that maybe Bryce had lied to him about having no mages in his immediate or even distant family.
"No, I am not one of those abominations. They are shameful creatures of the Fade. I am something more, something far older."
"Then what are you? Where is Hadrian?"
"I am Hadrian."
"No, this isn't, this isn't Hadrian." Duncan's body tensed as the body of Hadrian Cousland suddenly thrust itself at him. By the Maker, he was so fast! He tried to dodge out of the man's directed path but couldn't. The force of the man slammed him against one of the evergreen trees and his ribs groaned underneath the additional weight.
"How do you know who this man is? You who have appeared out of nowhere at my father's Castle, you who somehow saved my father from Howe's men only to leave him there, to die, to force a promise out of a dead man."
"Is this what you want then, revenge? The Blight takes precedence over personal matters." Duncan said, his body coiled and ready to move if Hadrian wanted to kill him.. He had rare moments of fear, where he felt Death coming for him back in the Deep Roads. This was such a moment and he wondered if perhaps he should have left Hadrian back at the Castle, to be captured by Howe's men or to die there with his parents and friends. He stared into those blue eyes and gasped when he found normal eyes staring back at him, still full of anger and rage
"I want Howe's head on a stick and not even the Blight will stop me."
As soon as he said those words, he released Duncan from his iron grip and stumbled away, as if exhausted by this conversation. He managed to catch himself in mid-stagger and Regus went to his side, guarding him from the Warden, who was panting and heaving, still recovering from whatever had happened.
A few moments had passed and clouds rolled by. They smothered the moon and Duncan saw that Hadrian's form had reverted back to the one he was used to seeing. The man turned around and normal eyes widened when they espied Duncan leaning against the tree.
"D-Duncan! I'm sorry…this…you…were not meant to see it."
"Yes," was all Duncan could say. He pushed away from the tree and his hands unclenched. Hadrian looked the same. His body had grown smaller from its previous form and the eyes no longer glowered in pure rage. He was not one to pry into personal matters, but with his life at stake here, he had to ask.
"How often do you experience this?"
Hadrian's head ducked shyly, as if embarrassed or maybe even shamed by this incident.
"Every full moon. I…it feels as if…I'm burning…but from the inside out…" His hands trembled and Duncan, seeing the man much closer and more clearly now, could see that the man did look feverish. There was a faint sheen of sweat on the man's face and his body trembled, shaking like it would on a cold night. "Most of the times, I can control it, but that was before…"
Duncan didn't need for Hadrian to finish. He knew what his recruit meant. This man standing in front of him had lost everything, everyone close to him. His brother was still alive, but even that wasn't for certain. That could break any man and Duncan understood why Hadrian had lost control of himself, quite literally. It doesn't explain why he was an abomination though.
"You almost killed me," Duncan said matter-of-factly. "Why?"
"Like I said," Hadrian explained, "you weren't meant to see it. No one is."
"Who told you that?"
Silence pervaded the area and for a second, Duncan thought Hadrian wouldn't answer him.
"Zarieth," the man finally murmured and a strong breeze picked up, carrying the name with it. Duncan almost missed hearing it because of that.
"Zarieth?"
"Yes, he's our spiritual guardian, Wolf Protector of the Cousland Family." The phrase was said so nonchalantly and so matter-of-factly, as if Hadrian expected everyone to know of this. Duncan gasped for he had heard of such a name. The Couslands were well-liked in Highever and all of the Teryns had ruled it with a kind but firm hand. The Warden himself was born in Highever, There were legends of large wolves roaming around the countryside and how some of them could communicate; however, they only spoke with the Couslands, if any of this was true. The gossips say that the leader of these monstrous wolves was named Zarieth, meaning Guardian in ancient Tevinter.
"Are you well now? Dinner's getting cold and we must be on our way."
"I'll be there...it's not safe for me to return just yet," his recruit said in a strained way and Duncan's head nodded in acknowledgement. The Warden Commander walked away and upon arriving at the campsite, he heard a howl. It raised the hairs on his neck when he realized that wolves didn't venture this far south of Ferelden and that the howl originated from where he used to be, north off the campsite. This was going to be a very long night.
-o0o-
There were no further mentions of what transpired the past night as the threat of Howe's men hunting them preoccupied the two men. Thanks to Regus, those who hunted them were long gone before reaching the two men. The Warden and his recruit left a bloody trail of corpses as they traveled further south, down to the famed Tevinter fortress of Ostagar.
Hadrian's eyes widened at the sight of the impressive fortress. Made out of stone and toil, Ostagar had definitely earned its namesake. It meant Stone Wall in ancient Ferelden and for a brief minute, the young recruit felt a flutter of hope that maybe this Blight could be ended here. If so, then he could find Fergus and both would take out Arl Howe and reclaim their lost House.
They were approaching the causeway of Ostagar when a group of three men accosted them. Hadrian had recognized the young King from a far distance, his golden armour easily recognizable by any noble and peasant. His face fell at the sight of his once companion and he flushed slightly when the King looked at him knowingly. However, he remembered all too well the way his affair ended, with bitter words and a broken heart. He seethed with rage at how these events occurred, how they happened only to him.
The King, as young and seemingly tactless as any twenty old would be, thankfully said nothing of that time. He merely gripped Duncan's forearm in a strong grasp that stayed far longer than necessary. If his guards had any opinions of that moment they kept it to themselves.
"Duncan! It's good to see you!"
"Your majesty! I did not expect this. Aren't you supposed to be in Denerim, planning from afar?"
"What? And miss all this excitement?"
Duncan sighed heavily. He already had a bad feeling about this and the King being here worsened his fears. If the King falls, then the throne of Denerim would be vacant and open to any aspiring noble unless…
"You look familiar," the King addressed the man standing quietly beside the Grey Warden. Hadrian knew that this was only a cover-up and he couldn't help but give a small smile when a memory dawned on the King's face. "Ah yes, you're Bryce's youngest son, Hadrian Cousland. If you are here for Fergus, you just missed him. However, I was expecting a much larger troupe than just you two. Where is Teryn Cousland? Has something happened?"
"Yes, your majesty," Duncan replied, watching the grief momentarily grip his young recruit before being replaced by seething rage. If it were anyone else watching though, it would appear as if Hadrian hadn't cared at all about his family, but Duncan knew it was just a mask. During their weeks of travel, Hadrian barely said a word about anything and if there were any questions to be asked about the Blight, they were kept quiet. Even his dog Regus made little noise, only barking or growling when food was near or if there were enemies still stalking after them.
"He is dead, as is my mother," Hadrian stated with a heavy heart. He hadn't wanted anyone to know of this for it would be easy for anyone to predict the death of a noble.
"What? How did this happen?"
"It was Arl Howe, that bastard who was my father's closest friend and advisor." Hadrian spat out vehemently, uncaring of the coarse language he used in front of a King. King Cailan's face became furious at the news and he stepped to the side, trying to compose himself before he lost his temper. Arl Howe! He has disgraced his family's honourable name! He took a couple of deep breaths and decided on a plan.
"I promise you," Cailan said, turning to face his two guests. "Once we win this battle, I will gather my army and head north to Amaranthine, to make Howe pay for his deed. First thing first though, Duncan, I will be in a war meeting soon but I want to discuss something with you before that. Hadrian, it was good to see you have survived this tragic event. You are free to roam around camp and gather what supplies you may need."
Without further ado, he turned his back on them and headed for the causeway, his guards following closely behind him. Hadrian felt rather hot from this moment and he barely heard Duncan saying something to them. Once his head cleared, he regarded the Grey Warden and was told pretty much the same thing about roaming around the camp.
"There are other Grey Wardens here. I suggest you find Alistair, who can show you around and lead you to the other recruits. I have a meeting with King Cailan, but when you are ready, you should find me near the pyre."
Hadrian nodded to show his understanding of Duncan's instructions and he watched the Grey Warden also follow the King. Regus whimpered at the departure of the Grey Warden and Hadrian petted him.
"Well, my friend, let's find this Alistair," Hadrian murmured to his canine friend and he looked to the sky, marveling at how bright and blue it was, despite recent events.
-o0o-
Hadrian had found one recruit in his roams and the recruit appeared to be rather stupid and most unkempt. His locks of hair were in disarray and there was a condescending tone when the man spoke to him, as if he didn't' recognize a Cousland.
"So you're the new recruit Duncan's been talking about. We were waiting ages for you lot to come through."
"Errm…yes…" Should I tell him that he is speaking to a noble, a Cousland nonetheless? No, I don't wany anyone's pity… "Do you know where I can find Alistair?"
"Who? Oh yeah, Alistair was last seen in the old temple, talking to some mage. I guess, no one can escape from being a Templar, even if he is a Grey Warden now." There was a hint of spite in the other recruit's voice and Hadrian guessed that the man disliked Templars, although he didn't know why. Templars were there to protect the Mages and protect the citizens of Ferelden should those Mages turn into abominations. Maker forbid him that he should have to face one of those!
"Well, I'll be going. It was good meeting you," Hadrian said to the other man, shaking his hand. Daveth said likewise and Hadrian started for the old Temple.
The Old Temple was rather large and he had no idea of where this Alistair could possibly be. Daveth had said he was last seen here but the man gave no specific location. He then heard voices arguing with each other and decided that one of them must belong to Alistair.
When he reached the top of the raised platform, he expected two things: a Mage and a Grey Warden at least as old as Duncan. The Mage was checked off his list of expectations but the Grey Warden was another issue altogether. One, the young Warden bore a startling resemblance to King Cailan but there was no way those two were even remotely related. Two, the man was a Templar and he was delivering a message from a Revered Mother to the tall, dark-skinned Mage, a man who towered over the poor messenger by a few inches at the least. Last but not least, Alistair was younger in appearance and bearing. Hadrian could tell that the man had trouble with his confidence, easily seen by the slight slump of the shoulders and the way the man carried himself. This was a Grey Warden? An unconfident Templar who could be mistaken for Cailan from a distance?
"Look, I'm just delivering a message from the Revered Mother. No need to get testy and flustered."
"The King wished our presence and the Chantry has no control over us here. We will speak after the battle."
The Mage left in a huff and Alistair sighed. He truly wished the Revered Mother hadn't put him up to this. This new life was supposed to get him as far away from the Chantry's reach as possible. Clearly, the reach of the religious organization was longer than perceived. There was a soft cough and his eyes lightened on seeing the newest recruit.
"You know, there's one good thing about the Blight, and it's how it brings all sorts of people together."
"Too true," was the curt reply and Alistair winced. He hadn't thought that the newest member would be so bitter about being recruited for the Blight. Maybe it would have been better to have a female recruit….
"I'm Alistair by the way and you, you must be Duncan's newest recruit. The name…" Hadrian was amused to see Alistair screw his eyes in shut in trying to remember his name. Not only is this man an immature, bumbling Templar, but also a forgetful one! Good thing he's easy on the eyes.
"The name's Hadrian."
A hand was offered and Alistair took it in a firm grip of his own. Both men were slightly startled when they felt something, an electrifying sensation in the handshake. They hastily retrieved their own hands and an awkward silence took place. Finally, Alistair, not one to stay quiet for too long, had to say something to break this awkward moment.
"Well, it's getting late. Have you met with the others?"
"Daveth only. I haven't seen the others."
"Ah, well. Let's go and see Duncan. Jory and Daveth should be there. Lead on, Hadrian."
Hadrian naturally took the lead, with Alistair following closely behind him.
They found Duncan and the others standing by the large bonfire, perhaps too closely. Duncan looked pleased to see the pair of them arrive and he started to proceed in telling them of their quest. The others accepted the quest as if it was an everyday chore for them but Hadrian had a couple of questions, more particularly on the Joining Ritual.
"If we don't find these Warden treaties, what do we do next?"
"I'm certain that you will find them. No one has been to the watchtower in several centuries. Also, there will be plenty of Darkspawn for you to retrieve the three vials of blood from. Alistair and the others will follow your lead into the Wilds. Take care not to be long for the King wants to start preparing at first light."
"Yes, we will be back soon."
-TBC-
PS: Ok, I thought of an another idea. Because our lovely Wardens are virgins (woo!), who will come out on top? Since I already have a poll going on that will determine who will be Fergus' soulmate, review and pick your poison, I mean, man. :D
Alistair: Pick me! Me!
Hadrian (growling and tackling Alistair to the ground): You will submit to me and only me!
May the best man win! :)