Prologue

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Dragon Age franchise. Excluding, of course, any OC characters and/or alterations to the story line.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Foreign Language translated into English"

Written Word

It is currently the thirtieth year of the Dragon Age. Our story begins in the northern region of the kingdom of Fereldan. In one of only two teyrnir's left in the kingdom. Were one can see soldiers training and preparing to march south, to the ancient fortress of Ostagar. Which is the sight of a dreaded event that has not been experienced in nearly five hundred years, a Blight.

We then cut to a motley crew. Which is seen walking into the fortress of Castle Cousland, the seat of power for the teyrnir of Highever. The group consists of two humans, two elves, and two dwarves. The leader of the group is a dark-skinned man with black hair and is wearing finely crafted steel armor. This is Duncan, the Warden-Commander of the Ferelden Grey Wardens. A group that is dedicated to stopping creatures called Dark Spawn and ending massive incursions of these creatures, in events called Blights.

Following closely behind Duncan are the pair of dwarves. The first, who is looking around the fortress with a critical yet appreciating eye, is a relatively young adult dwarf. He is wearing worn but well-made iron armor, has long dark hair, eyes, and beard (A.N. Think of Thorin from the Hobbit movies.) with a surprisingly slightly tanned skin tone. This is Thorin Aeducan, the banished prince of Orzammar. (A.N. Yeah, I know. Unoriginal) He was framed for the murder of his elder brother, not in small part due to one of his younger brothers men claiming as such, and banished into the Deep Roads. Which is where he met the second dwarf of the party.

The second dwarf, who is looking around with a carefully hidden greedy look, is Natia Brosca. The elder sister to Rica, who is Bhelen Aeducan's, Thorin's brother, concubine. She is rouphly the same age as Thorin, has shoulder length rust-red hair, pale skin, and surprisingly bright purple eyes. She is wearing well worn leather armor that is practically falling apart. Natia met Thorin as she was escaping from prison in Orzammar. The two of them had decided to work together to find a Grey Warden they heard about for even a chance of surviving.

The second human of the group, who is looking around nervously, appears average in every way. He is average in height with common light brown colored hair and walnut-colored eyes with pale, but not unhealthy, skin. He wears a set of well-made robes that, though a bit dirty, are in good condition. This is Michael Amell, formerly a circle mage until a friend of his betrayed his trust. Due to these events, he ran the risk of being made tranquil by the Templars until Duncan showed up with his offer.

At the very back of the group are the pair of elves, a male and female, that could not be more different from one another. The first is Theron Maharieal, of the Dalish clan Sabrae, who is looking around the fortress with caution. He is rather tall for an elf, only two or three inches shorter than Michael. His features include forest green eyes, dark brown hair that goes just past his shoulders, tan skin, and facial tattoos that resemble a dear like animal called a halla. He is wearing slightly worn hunting leathers of the Dalish style. Theron only came with Duncan due to him contracting the Blight and would die a slow death, at best, otherwise.

The other elf, and final member of the party, is a woman by the name of Ana Tabris, who is looking around with an indifferent look. Her features include honey blond hair that goes to the middle of her back, peach colored skin, and bright yet cold blue eyes. She is a few inches shy of five feet tall, yet she appears to be strong with her movements, and is wearing a very poor-quality set of leather armor. She joined Duncan's group after she had killed a noble and his men, after said noble had crashed a group wedding, that she was a part of, and kidnapped some of its members. After all was said and done, she only had two choices, become a Grey Warden or execution.

Duncan had first met Theron after his clan sought him out when the young elf was first infected. From there the pair traveled to the Circle Tower where Duncan had saved Michael. The now trio then began their journey to Denerim so Duncan could take care of some business. While there they heard of some trouble in the Alienage, the term for the elves living area of the city, and proceeded to meet Ana. After this the group began to make their way to Highever, but were waylaid by Dark Spawn activity. While investigating they stumbled into a Deep Roads entrance and met Thorin and Natia. After this the group proceeded to complete their journey.

The group walks into the main hall of the castle and see a pair of older men talking to one another. These are Arl Howe and Teyrn Bryce Couseland. The pair, when they heard the various footsteps, looked over and took notice of the group.

"Duncan, I see you finally made it old friend," said Bryce.

"Yes, it took a bit longer than expected to make the trip. As you can see, though, I do not come alone. These are all new recruits I have gathered on my journey here," Duncan replied.

"Bryce, you didn't tell me a Grey Warden would be coming. I find my self at a … Disadvantage," Arl Howe said slowly with a bit of unease.

"Sorry about that Rendon. Duncan was supposed to have arrived last week. Though its now obvious why he was so late," said Bryce. Ignoring the unease with how his old friend spoke thinking that it has to due with the distrust some nobles have of the Grey Wardens.

"Oh, were are my manners. I am Bryce Cousland, the Teyrn of Highever. Welcome to my home. May I know the names of the newest editions to the Grey Wardens?" Bryce asked with the utmost of respect. However, as Thorin was fixing to introduce himself everyone began to hear loud bickering coming their way. Soon the door on the Eastern side of the chamber opened and let in two individuals and a very large mabari war hound. These were Bryce's youngest children. A pair of twins by the names of Aiden and Annette, though you could never tell by looking at them.

Annette is a twenty-five-year-old woman, with long curly crimson hair, lightly tanned skin, and emerald-colored eyes. She has soft, if some what stern, facial features and is walking around in more outdoorsy clothing. The only way to describe her is both as wild and beautiful. At her hip is a rapier that is well made that, though well made, has seen quite a bit of action.

Aiden, on the other hand, is the one that catches everyone else's eyes. He is quite large, standing at least seven feet high, and is built like a bear. He has tanned skin, clean shaven face, short hair the color of onyx, and eyes that he shares with his sister. However, in his eyes there seems to be a buried sadness. His choice of clothing is worn red steel plate armor. On his back he has a maul with a dragon design to it, and looks to be made out of an unknown material with a goldish sheen to it. The maul's hammer half is that of a dragon head baring its fangs. While on the other side is an axe head shaped like a wing of a dragon. The haft of the weapon has a dark leather wrap and a crafted spike pommel.

At Aiden's feet sits a frighteningly large dog. It has mostly black fur, with a rusty red color around its lower maw and front paws, and light grey fur on the chest area. Sitting down it is almost chin height to the elves. This is Brutus, an animal that naturally looks like he just killed something but has one of the sweetest dispositions. As long as him, his master, or his master's family is not threatened.

"I told you Ann. Brutus wouldn't have broken into the larder unless it was important." Aiden said to his sister with a tone of finality.

"Well how was I supposed to know that those things were in there," Annette yelled back. "And how many times have I told you not to call me … Oh, we have company," Annette says after noticing the group in the hall.

"Huh," Aiden says before looking towards the group. "Hello father. Ser Duncan. Arl Howe. Who are the rest of our guests?" Aiden ask as the majority of the group look at him with either shock or intimidation.

After this the Warden recruits introduce themselves, starting with Thorin and ending with Theron. Then Bryce exchanges some pleasantries with his children and the elder members of the group before he and Arl Howe go to discuss troop movements. While Duncan leaves his recruits to their own devices while he goes to check on the training soldiers.

After a brief moment of awkwardness. "Hey, how about me and Annette show you around," Aiden proposed.

After a moment of silent deliberation, they decided to accept.

As the now somewhat smaller group began to make their way towards the gardens, they heard a slight commotion in a storage room. They decide to investigate and noticed a pair of elvish servants struggling with some crates.

"Whoa there, let me help you with that." Aiden says as he then effortlessly lifts the crate the elves were struggling with into its place. He then proceeds to put the remaining crates in their appropriate spots. As the group watches, the two elves stare in shock. Ana thinking that even the nicer nobles wouldn't think to help with such a task as this. While Theron is thinking, 'why is this giant shem acting so kindly to an elf.' With him being raised to believe that almost all humans see themselves as superior to his kind and would never raise a hand to help them.

"Thank you, my lord," one of the elves replied.

"It was no problem, Robert, and how many times have I told you to call me Aiden." The young lord says with a joking manner.

"At least once more, my lord," the now named Robert says with a smile.

The group then continues on their way. As they open the door to the gardens most of the group stare in awe of its beauty. Most of them never seeing such a thing as the variety of colors and plants, particularly in the case of the dwarves, and never in the same place.

"Yeah, just about everyone has that look when they first see this place. I think that is why the Orleasian's never altered it during the occupation," Annette commented.

Michael, Ana, and Natia simply go around and enjoy the scenery. While Thorin starts asking questions about the plants, such as their names and if they have any practical use to them. Primarily due to him only ever seeing deep mushrooms and the occasional vegetable from merchants before. Theron, on the other hand, goes to talk with Aiden.

"May I ask you something shemlen," asked Theron

"You just did, but yes you may," Aiden replied with a half-smile.

"It's just, I have been raised to believe that shem nobles only ever care about themselves. My own experiences have also led me to believe that shemlen in general see any other race as vermin. However, when we saw the two servants and well…" Theron trails off. Unsure on how to continue his train of thought.

"And you were wondering why I didn't just ignore their plight," Aiden sighs before sitting down on a bench. "You're not wrong about how, often times, nobles are selfish, and humans are generally xenophobic. However, hear in Highever we treat all of our citizens as equals. We make sure there are equal opportunities for our citizens. In fact, the majority of our less well to do citizens are humans," Aiden says with a slight smile before getting a more serious expression.

All the while he is saying this Theron is thinking. 'Sure, like a shem noble would actually care about an elf.'

"As for why we act as such," Aiden continues, "it is because we Couslands know the meaning of hardship. About two hundred or so years ago we numbered to nearly a hundred members before a great slaughter nearly wiped us out. Only my great grandfather survived and before he passed the Orlais invaded. He died and his only son, my grandfather, was forced to flee. So, my family knows not to take our people for granted and to make sure to help & appreciate them whenever we can."

As Aiden speaks, Theron notices that there is a more personal reason for this explanation than what is being told. However, Theron decides not to press. Inferring that it is most likely a delicate matter and thinking more thoroughly on what he said.

'If what he says is true, then this place is not like anything I have ever heard of. Nor are these shem's like any I have ever interacted with before.' Thought Theron.

Before anything else could be discussed a voice is heard calling out. "My lord and lady, your mother has called for you," yells out a man in knight armor from the garden door.

"Alright Gilmore we'll go and meet her, but could you please continue to show our guests around," asks Annette. Meanwhile Aiden gets up to meet with them.

"Oh, and one more thing. Your father said to inform lord Fergus that he should leave immediately," Gilmore says as they are walking away.

As the pair are making there leave Aiden turns around and yells out, "if we don't see you before we will see you off in the morning." Aiden then waves, turns back around, and walks out with Brutus at his heels.

-Time Skip-

The Cousland twins made their way to their mother, Teyrna Eleanor Cousland. Who was entertaining three guests of their own in the form of Lady Landra, her son, and her lady in waiting. After the niceties were exchanged with the small group the twins proceeded to the family's quarters. It is there that they meet their elder brother, Bryce and Eleanor's eldest, Fergus. Who is saying goodbye to his wife, Oriana, and son, Oren. The parents of the three siblings arrive and see Fergus off on his journey to Ostagar. The family decides to head off and do their own thing before bead.

Meanwhile, the Wardens to be, after getting a more precise layout from Ser Gilmore, split up. Thorin and Michael head towards the library. Thorin to gain a better understanding of the world at large and Michael to better understand Dark Spawn. Theron goes around to talk to the elvish servants to see if what Aiden said was true. The response he received shocked him to say the least. The way they spoke about the lords and ladies of Highever and their home in general reminded him of how some of the more zealous Dalish spoke about the Dales. Natia, on the other hand, was just wandering the halls. Looking to see if she could find any coin lying around or small trinkets to sell. Ana was doing much the same, except for the small amount of looting part, until she saw Iona, Lady Landra's lady in waiting. She was good friends with her and the two began to talk well into the night.

-Time Skip-

In Aiden's bedroom he and Brutus, who is sleeping at the foot of the bed, stirs from their slumber. They hear a commotion outside so Aiden decides to get up and dress in his gear. Suddenly, the sound of slamming is heard from the bedroom door. Aiden lifts up his maul and Brutus crouches with his hackles up, preparing for what is to come.

Two armed men, after a great deal of effort, broke into the room. No sooner than they did then one was pounced upon and had throat ripped out. While the other, who was able to sidestep the dog, saw a maul swinging in his direction. The man raised his shield, but the sheer force of the blow flung him across the room and into the wall, headfirst.

After the foes are dealt with the dog and his master walk out into the hall. As soon as they did two more mystery soldiers came running down the hall from the other end. However, when they were halfway there Eleanor appeared, wearing leathers and wielding a bow. She immediately shot one of the men from behind and as the other, as he turns around to charge at her, is soon shot dead as well.

"Oh, Aiden, are you ok pup." Eleanor said, using an old pet name that she and Bryce call their children.

"I am fine mother but who are these men?" Aiden replies.

"They were the colors of Amaranthine, Arl Howe's men. Does he intend to betray us!" Eleanor exclaims with an air of disbelief.

"This seems a bit more than inten…" Aiden is cut off by a crying sound coming from Fergus's chambers.

The mother, son, and dog trio then rush into the already broken into room. The sight they came upon was gruesome. There were three dead in the room. Two were more soldiers from Amaranthine, one with a slashed throat and the other with a burned face. The last body was of Oriana, with three arrows in her back. The crying sound came from Oren. At his side was a slightly haggard Annette, trying to console the young boy. She had stayed up that night to try and sooth the mind of a worrying Oriana. Who was fretting over Fergus on his journey.

"Annette, thank goodness you and Oren are alright," Eleanor said. "What happened?"

"Grandmother!" Cried out Oren as he ran up to his grandmother. Soon followed by Annette's explanation on what happened.

"It was all quiet while me and Oriana talked," began Annette. "Then suddenly two men came barging into the room. The first rushed me and caught me by surprise. It took me a minute to take care of him with my blade. During which the other aimed his bow at Oren. Oriana saw this and covered him, it took three shots to take her down. After I dealt with the first man, I saw the second prepare to fire another arrow at Oren. I had no choice but to throw a fire ball to stop him. What I want to know is who are these men and why are they attacking."

"Howe, he most likely intentionally slowed his men down so that Fergus would leave with most of our troops. The storm that blew in also gave him the perfect cover. The bastard," Aiden replied.

"Howe!" Annette exclaims. "He is practically family. Why would he do this?"

"I don't know, but I intend to find out," said Aiden. "We need to move and find father. Mother you take the rear and watch our backs. Brutus, stay with mother. Annette, you stay behind me, and Oren. You stay next to Annette. Do not leave her side unless we say so," commanded Aiden, taking charge of the situation.

"We need to stop by the guest wing first. If Landra or her son lives, they can testify to Howe's treachery." Said Eleanor, with more than a hint of anger.

The group then start to move through the halls. Seeing death and destruction everywhere. As they made it to the nearby guest quarters, they heard the sound of repeated stabbing into flesh. They then rushed into the room and saw something they did not expect. Ana, the Grey Warden recruit, had taken a knife from the dinner tray and had proceeded to slash and stab the Amaranthine soldiers. Looking around they saw a wounded young man, Landra's son, a pale and startled Lady Landra herself, four dead soldiers, and a dead Iona. As the last soldier finally died Ana looked up preparing for another fight before realizing who was before her.

"Eleanor, thank the Maker it is you! What is going on?" Asked the clearly distraught Landra.

"Howe has betrayed us, and he intends to kill everyone in the castle to cover it up." Said a furious Eleanor.

"We need to move more are sure to show up. Can you fight?" Aiden asked the wounded young man, seeing his injured arm.

"I can still swing a sword and defend myself, if need be, but I don't think I will much help in an active fight." He said, picking up one of the dead soldier's blades with his good arm.

"Ok, stay behind me then and give my sister support if needed. Lady Landra, stay with them. Ana, could you stick with my mother and guard her flank?" Asked Aiden, who then sees the female elf take a necklace from off Iona's body.

Seeing his questioning look she says. "It's a family heirloom of hers. I intend to give it to her daughter in Denerim. As for your request, yes, I can." Says Ana, as she takes a light shield and sword from among the dead soldiers.

The now larger group then progress forward from the guest quarters. When they get to a fork in the hallways they decide to go left, towards the library. As they get closer to the library, they begin to hear heated battle. After commanding the others to stay where they are Aiden then charges forward and burst through the library door.

The sight he comes upon is an elf, a mage, and two dwarves taking down hardened soldiers with various odds and ends. Thorin was bludgeoning one man with what looked like a mabari carving from one of the bookshelves. Natia and Theron were stabbing soldiers with makeshift shives, made from a chair leg and broken deer antler respectively. Michael was the only one not using a seemingly random weapon due to his magic. When the Wardens to be finish their fight, Aiden looks around the rest of the room. He sees a few dead servants but most of the servants in the room still live if a bit roughed up.

"Glad that's over with." Says Natia before turning towards Aiden. "Who, in the name of the ancestors, are these bastards?!"

"These are soldiers of Amaranthine, Arl Howe's men," says Aiden. "How did the four of you end up here? Never mind, we need to get out of here. You guys should come with us, Ana is already with us. As for the rest of you," Aiden says in a loud voice towards the servants. "You need to escape. When the path is clear by our group make your way to the emergency exits. Go to your families, keep your heads down, you know what to do."

Aiden and the four Wardens to be join with the others. They see the path from the main hall is blocked so they make their way in the other direction. As they come upon the outside of the vault some soldiers come running towards them. The battle is quick and brutal. Most are put down by a combination of blows from Aiden and Thorin. However, one manages to get passed them and attempts to strike at the only child of the group. That is, before he is put down by a mystic bolt from Annette.

"You're an apostate (rogue mage)!" Michael yells is shock. With wide eyed stares from Lady Landra and her son.

"Yes, I am, but is that really what's important right now?" She replies with a bit of snark.

"Annette's right, we can discuss this …" Aiden trails off as he realizes exactly where they were. "Minor change in plans. We need to get some things in here first." Aiden says before he walks into the vault's antechamber. Eleanor and Annette soon followed realizing what Aiden was doing.

"We do not have time for this! We need to move, NOW!" Thorin yells in frustration.

"I hate to be a nuisance, Eleanor, but I believe the sir dwarf is correct. Do we really have time to be collecting some coin from your coffers?" Says a timid Lady Landra.

"There is more than just coin in the vault, Landra," Eleanor says. "As for the rest of you, we keep some spare gear in here as well. Take what you need."

"What is in heer that is worth risking our necks?" Asked a disgruntled Theron as he paruses the weapons.

"The family sword and shield. They act as the symbols of power in Highever. If Howe managed to his hands on these, he would have legitimate claim on all of its territories." Explains Annette as she replaced her rapier for a better quality one.

With that said the group pick out better quality gear attributed to their skills. (A.N. See below if you want a brief overview.) All of the weapons are made out of either high quality standard steel or its red variant. Only Aiden remained in using his signature maul.

After everyone was kitted up the group once again set out. When they finally made it to the main hall, after killing a couple more soldiers on the way, they saw that a full-blown battle was under way. The remaining soldiers of Highever were fighting valiantly against the encroaching soldiers of Howe's retinue.

Thinking quickly Aiden shouted orders to the rest of the group. "Mother, Annette, and Michael you stay back and guard the noncombatants while giving long range support. Thorin and Ana, you're with me in the front. Natia and Theron, you watch our backs."

With that said the group of warriors set out to push back the invading force. The three front line fighters broke the enemy line while their immediate support took out any man who tried to strike from behind. After the tide of battle began to turn some of the enemy soldiers in the back parted revealing that they had a mage among there number. The mage began to fire different kinds of elemental magics at the defending soldiers. Not caring if some of his own men were caught in the crossfire. When the mage launched a thunderbolt in Aiden's direction, he swung his maul which deflected the attack. Revealing that the large and impressive weapon was also enchanted.

This ended up shocking the mage, partly because of surprise the other part from his own thunderbolt. Taking the opportunity, Aiden then steamrolled through the enemy forces and struck the mage down with a single blow. Leaving not but a smear on the floor where his head should have been.

Seeing this the remaining invaders lost hope for the time being and decided to retreat. After the last of them fled the gates were shut, barred, and then reinforced. Aiden looked around to see if all members of his group were alright, and in doing so he caught sight of Ser Gilmore. Who was leading the defenders as their home was being invaded.

"Gilmore, it is good to see you. Have you seen my father?"

"Sire, thank the Maker you are alright. As for Lord Cousland, I haven't seen him since this whole mess began. Last I saw he was talking with Arl Howe." Gilmore said with a great deal of relief.

With a grimace at this news Aiden once again looks around the hall and its denizens. What he sees are weary and tired soldiers. Men who he has known and trained with for years. Outside the young man can already hear the sound of the invaders returning in mass. With this knowledge Aiden knew what he had to do.

Taking a deep breath, Aiden marches towards the dais that his father would normally stand upon. He turns around and begins to speak in a loud voice for everyone in the hall to hear him.

"Soldiers of Highever, you have fought bravely but this battle is lost. However, this is not the end. For Highever is not any single building or piece of land. It is its people, and as long as they survive so does Highever. So, I command a retreat. Flee from the castle, protect the civilians, and guard our people from these treacherous swine at our door. For we will bring our righteous vengeance down upon them who threaten our home." Aiden yells out with his fist held in the air and passion in his voice. Earning a great deal of shouts and yells of agreement from the surviving defenders.

As for the party that he arrived with, they had a mixture of reactions. Lady Landra and her son were filled with a sense of pride and inspiration for knowing such a man. Young Oren looks at his uncle with wide eyes filled with admiration. Eleanor and Annette look at their son and twin with nothing but pride. Thorin, Natia, Michael, and Ana looked on with nothing but approval for his decision. However, it was Theron who had the biggest look of the lot. His eyes were wide with shock.

On this night he has met humans and city elves who have thrown his whole way of thinking in disarray. Theron was raised to believe that all shems were selfish, greedy, and self-serving. While city elves were meek, quiet, and nothing but broken spirits that can't see anything beyond being a servant. Now, however, he has met city elves who would fight for their home as fiercely as any member of the Dalish. While this human noble commanded his men not to fight a hopeless battle to give him time to escape, but to retreat and continue to fight on for their home and families. All the while, the beautiful castle that welcomed and treated elves with such kindness was burning down around them. Theron could not help but ask himself this one question. 'Is this what the fall of the Dales was like?'

After He finishes his speech Aiden steps down and rejoins his group. He then beckons Sir Gilmore to join them.

"We need to keep moving. Some of the men will most likely stay behind to give the others time to escape." Aiden says to the entire group.

"We can use the emergency exit in the larder. Few know about it and we can all move around the Howe's forces without being seen. It is also the most likely place father could be if he is not here." Said Annette, coming up with an escape plan for the entire group.

"Its as good a plan as any. Hopefully we run into Duncan on the way. If he's not already dead with the others that were caught by surprise." Natia said with more than a hint of snark in her voice.

"Gilmore, come with us." Aiden said to the newest face among the group.

"I swore to serve your family unto my death, sire. It would be my honor to stand by your side wherever you may go." Gilmore replied.

The group then moves to the door on the other side of the hall from where they entered. From there they moved swiftly towards the larder. Killing a few of Howe's men that still remained within the castle walls.

Entering the kitchen area connected to the larder, Aiden immediately sees a sight that hurts him almost as much as seeing a dead Oriana.

"Nan!" Yells out Aiden who runs to the old woman's side, soon followed by Annette. Said old woman had looked after the twins whenever their parents were busy growing up. After they became old enough, she took up the role as head cook in the castle. Though she still treated the twins as children whenever possible. She began to watch over Oren on occasion after he was born, but her main duties remained being the head cook.

She laid on the ground, arms spread at her side, with a bloody kitchen knife in her hand. In her stomach was a single gaping wound, made by a dagger. Around her were several dead bodies of the attacking soldiers.

While the twins are tearing up at seeing the body of their old nanny, while Eleanor covers the eyes of the still emotionally scarred Oren, the others looked around.

"From the looks of things, the old lady put up one hell of a fight." Said Thorin with a bit of surprise.

"Three dead, two of which look like they were caught by surprise. The last looks like he managed to stab her as he himself was …" Theron cut off as he heard something moving in the larder off to the side.

Hearing this everyone readied their weapons. Everyone but Aiden that is. Overcome by his emotions, he holsters his maul onto his back. Marches towards the door and kicks it in with a single blow. Inside, instead of seeing a combatant they see two elven servants and a badly wounded Bryce Cousland.

"My lord Aiden! Thank the Maker it is you." Exclaims the male of the two servants.

"Bryce!" Eleanor shouts seeing her husband for the first time since this mess began. Running to his side and taking his hand.

"Jhon, Amanda, what has happened here?" Asked a worried Annette after catching sight of her bloodied father.

"We don't really know, my lady." Answered the now identified Amanda.

"We didn't even know what was happening at first. When those men came in, they immediately went after me and Amanda, but then Nan brings up her knife and slit two of their throats before they knew what happened. The last one only just had enough time to pull out his own blade before he went down along with Nan." Jhon begins his tail. Confirming the observations made by Theron.

"We have been hiding in here ever since then. That is, until master Bryce stumbled in. We have been trying to help as best as we could, but we have neither the supplies nor skills to treat his wounds." Amanda said, finishing their story.

With this said both of the twins returned their attention to their father.

"Cough. Cough. Thank goodness you and the children are alright my love, and is that Oren I see." Says the wounded Teryn Cousland, now able to focus on those in front of him.

"It is beloved, now hush. Conserve your strength. We need to prepare to move." Eleanor said in a tender voice.

Everyone else, both warrior and civilian alike, kept quiet. Being able to tell that this is a trying and emotional moment for the family. Then, behind them, they hear a single set of armored footsteps coming there way. The others, minus the two non-related human nobles, turn around preparing to bring forth their weapons at a moment's notice. The person who comes stumbling in is a winded and blood speckled Duncan.

"Your alive! At least that is a bit of good news from this mess." Duncan said. Then he takes notice of the injured Bryce and rushes to his friend's side.

"Bryce! Who did this to you?" Says an irate Duncan after seeing his friend in such a way.

"Howe." Bryce says with as much venom as he could muster. "Rite as the sound of fighting began, and my attention was drawn away from him, he came at me with a dagger. I managed to beat him away, but not before the damage was done. Duncan, I need you to do something for me. Save my family to safety. Cough. Cough."

"Bryce, you can't mean for us to just leave you." Said a distraught Eleanor.

"I can old friend, but I must ask a cost. I came here for a recruit; duty demands I leave with one." Said a saddened, yet also determined, Duncan. Shocking those who were not aware of the level of determination the Warden's had towards their duty.

Knowing what must be done, Aiden steps forward and speaks. "I will do it."

"Are you sure, Pup. Once you set forth on this path you can never step away from it." Warns Bryce to his son.

"I am aware father. If it means the others are safe, then so be it."

After another coughing fit Bryce says. "Someone needs to tell Fergus what has happened."

"I will go father. With Aiden busy with his new Warden duties, I will take care of telling Fergus of his new … promotion in station." Says Annette. "We have already collected the family sword and shield. I will deliver them to him as soon as possible."

After this is said everyone gets up and prepares to leave. Everyone, except for Eleanor. She simply readies her bow and turns around and faces the door.

"I am staying." The matriarch of the family said.

"Mother, you can't be serious." Says a shocked Aiden.

"I am serious. If those bastards want your father, they will have to go thru me first. I swore to be by your father's side in both life and in death." Eleanor says with a tone of finality. "Now go Pup. Take your sister and Oren and leave. Make sure they stay safe." She said with tears in her eyes.

With nothing left to be said the group turns to leave thru the hidden passage. Before passing, though, everyone takes one last look at the lady of Highever. Her friends look at her with both pride and sorrow. Her recent companions thru this debacle look on her and feel nothing but a deep sense of respect. Her children and grandson, however, look at her with tears and sorrow in their eyes. Knowing this would be the last time they would see her. After this is done the group finally turns and leaves.

-Time Skip—

The tunnel lets the group of survivors out inside of a lumber store house a half mile west of the castle. From there the group of companions make their way to the home of the Cousland's horse master, to get steeds to swiftly continue their journey. The home of this individual was another mile and a half west from the castle.

As the party crested a large hill, they all turn around and see the burning castle one last time. Each person is filled with a great deal of emotion. Natia and Ana are filled with a cold hate, once again feeling the hatred they have held for those of means and always crave more. Michael, Duncan, lady Landra, and her son are filled with sadness for both the loss of life and, in the case of the nobles and Warden, the loss of dear friends. Thorin has a sense of sadness, but more importantly, he has a feeling of deep determination to bring this Arl Howe to justice. Young Oren is completely distraught, losing not just the only home he has ever known but also his mother and grandparents. Gilmore is feeling like a complete failure for being unable to defend his home or his lord and lady. Theron is filled with a mixture of loss, confusion, and fury. He feels loss for the needles taking of lives. Confusion over just why he felt as passionate about this place as he does. While he is also furious that this wonderful place, that treats his kind as equals, was destroyed and that he finally understood what the loss of the Dales was like.

However, it is the twins who hold the greatest amounts of emotion for this situation. At first, they simply felt hollow and cold from there loss, but as they look upon there destroyed home a new feeling takes its place. They both end up feeling a burning hot anger and hatred within them. That, if it was able to take physical form, would blaze like dragon fire. Smoke starts to spew around Annette's feet while flames start to form around her clenched hands. While Aiden, who is grasping an oak tree's six- or seven-inch-thick branch, squeezes his hand so hard that the branch starts to brake and splinter. Turning into a pile of kindling within his grasp.

"Howe will pay!" Aiden said in a low, deep, angry voice. While Annette can only nod in agreement. Not trusting herself to speak in this moment.

"Gilmore, you need to go ahead and take Oren to the sanctuary. It will be safer for the both of you if you don't travel with us. Most will assume Oren is dead in the castle and won't look for him. Make sure he stays safe. Your first and only priority until either me, Annette, or Fergus arrives is to keep my nephew safe." Aiden says after turning away from the burning castle.

"It will be done sire." Sir Gilmore says with conviction.

He then turns to Oren and says in a soft gentle voice. "Oren, buddy, me and aunty need to go get your dad. We will be back as soon as possible."

"Do you have to go?" Oren asks with more teers in his eyes.

"I am afraid so, little one, but I promise we will be back together soon." Annette said, momentarily forgetting her anger.

With tears in their eyes the siblings huddle together with their nephew and hug one last time before they part ways. After they break apart Gilmore gently guides the young lord away from the group. Heading off into the woods, away from the battle, and away from all known civilization in the region. Many of the others are looking at the Cousland's with questioning looks, silently asking were Gilmore and Oren are going.

"Our family has a secret sanctuary that only we and our most loyal knights are aware of." Explains Annette after noticing their stares.

"Enough, we need to hurry before Howe's men start searching the surrounding territory for any witnesses. Hopefully any trackers will pick up our trail instead of Gilmore's and Oren's." Aiden says in a firm voice.

"Aiden is right. We need to move." Duncan agreed with the young lord.

With this said the group turn once more and continue on to their destination.

Authors Note: I am sorry if you do not like that I did not due full chapters for all of the character backgrounds, but I have only ever played the human noble line. Also, if you can't already tell, Aiden is the central hero of this story.

The following information will be a summarization of various bits of information on the OC characters.

Skills

Thorin Aeducan: Warrior (mace & shield) Natia Brosca: Rogue (dual hand-axe) Michael Amell: Mage (alchemist) Theron Mahariel: Rogue (dual daggers) Ana Tabris: Warrior (long sword & buckler) Aiden Couseland: Warrior (two-handed) Annette Cousland: Mage (skilled in swordplay)

Pairings (Yes, they are decided)

Thorin & Natia Aiden & Morrigan Annette & Allister Ana & Zevran Michael & Leliana Theron & OC