The Human Noble Origin - Part 2
Cobian followed Calenhad upstairs, notebook in hand. He put in his entries under Grey Wardens, with new subject names. Cobian snorted. Roderick didn't even realise he was studying Grey Wardens. Duncan was of course his most noteworthy one as the Commander of Ferelden, but Cobian had to admit he was interested in the newest ones as well. He even added a hopeful Roderick Gilmore. He could study him as a Grey Warden, not just as a human friend. Friends made Cobian nervous, especially when he had been a child, but treating it like it was something new to learn and study had eased his nerves considerably.
It had given him the closest friend Cobian could ever hope for. Someone outside the family and staff. He would miss Roderick of course, but he did want his friend to be happy too, and he seemed excited at the thought of becoming a Grey Warden. Cobian didn't really understand why. It was a hard life, full of difficult decisions and bloodshed. Just as he didn't understand why some of the younger soldiers seemed excited about the upcoming battle at Ostagar.
It was a war. War was horrible. His studies insisted upon that, despite how the tales were glorified. Cobian had asked the people who had been at those battles. Father, Uncle Loghain, Uncle Maric, and he had no idea why Cailan thought they seemed so exciting.
Cobian preferred the library by far. Warm, quiet and comfortable.
He hadn't realised he had reached Fergus' room until the door was yanked open. Cobian blinked at Fergus, who looked far too amused.
"Hey, you little menace. I can hear you rambling from inside." Fergus pulled him into his room, ruffling his hair. "What are you thinking about this time, Cobian?
Cobian debated about reviewing his thoughts with Fergus, but considering he was going to war perhaps such things would merely be distressing? Cobian tilted his head. "I prefer the library to outdoors." He decided on. Not exactly a lie.
"Did it take you all these years to come up with that?" Fergus snorted, ruffling his hair. Cobian almost replied, but braced himself when Oren squealed and rushed his way, clinging to his legs.
"Uncle! Daddy's going to bring me back a sward!" Oren grinned up at him.
"That's 'sword' Oren." Fergus corrected, smiling fondly.
Cobian reached down to ruffle Oren's hair. "Hello, Oren. And your dad's correct. It is sword. I don't believe a sward exists. There is shard, or sharp, or swan-"
Oriana sighed. "Please don't start listing off every word you can think of."
"I'll never march out otherwise," Fergus laughed.
Cobian paused. "Ah, yes, about the march, Uncle Rendon's army is late."
"Late?" Oriana startled.
Fergus snorted bitterly. "You would think they were all walking backwards."
"Are they? That's silly! But fun!" Oren chirped, trying out the idea for himself with a giggle.
Fergus sighed softly. "Unfortunately I don't think 'fun' relates to 'hurry up and get here'. I suppose father will wait for Uncle Rendon's men to arrive then. Did he say when they were due?"
"I would think tomorrow."
"I suppose father will want me to take our men today then." Fergus frowned. "Not my favourite idea, but I suppose I'll have to be responsible enough to lead them someday."
"Good field exercise." Cobian nodded. "Like a test-"
"I hate tests," Fergus sighed. "Unlike you."
"Brain training exercises are very good," Cobian insisted.
Fergus rolled his eyes. "Only you, little brother. Anyway, I better get going, Cailan will wonder where we are and will complain if I don't show up in time for the 'fun'."
"Ah, the happy-go-lucky personality. Good for moral boost." Cobian nodded. "Already making good choices!"
"How many messages have you been sending him on this 'moral' study of yours?" Fergus asked dryly.
"Only a few. Cailan's personality is already highly motivational and charming. I just wanted him to show Uncle Loghain there is good intention behind it," Cobian admitted.
"Little menace," Fergus laughed, cupping the back of his head, pressing their foreheads together. "You be good for mother, alright? Do try to keep yourself on track for her sake. I won't be here, and you'll run poor Ser Gilmore ragged."
Cobian smiled. "I'll try my best."
"To stay out the library?"
Cobian grimaced. "Is that a requirement? I might fail in this duty earlier than I thought."
Fergus laughed. "You'll be fine. I know you're nervous, but you have mother-"
"And me as well, of course," Oriana interjected, eyeing Fergus.
"Yes! And Oriana too. I didn't mean to leave you out-"
"I should hope not. I'd happily help my little brother if he needs it." Oriana smiled warmly. "But he's the smart one. I think he'll be fine."
"I might need some of Cailan's moral boosting confidence..." Cobian admitted.
"Why would you need that, pup?" Father hurried into the room, mother by his side.
"I can't go without the library!"
Father sighed.
"Fergus!" Mother rushed over and embraced Fergus tightly. "My boy, I will pray for you everyday while you are gone."
"If you get yourself hurt I will never forgive you." Oriana threatened, clutching Fergus' arm firmly who laughed nervously.
"Now that's incentive!" Fergus laughed. He gave everyone a firm hug, clinging the longest to Oriana. "Farewell, Mother, Father, and Oren you will behave for your mother won't you?"
"Yes, Daddy!" Oren grinned, clutching Cobian's leg once more. "I will watch Uncle too!"
Cobian blinked. "I thought I was to watch you?"
Oren pouted. "No, I want to help mother watch you."
"Ah, I see." Cobian nodded.
"I love you!" Oriana called out, smiling as Fergus kissed her once more and left.
Oriana's eyes immediately began to water but she composed herself quickly and pulled Oren off his leg to hug him close, kissing his brow. Oren made confused noises but accepted the tight embrace as mother ushered both Cobian and his father out, saying she would help Oriana. Once the door was shut father sighed heavily.
"This will be a long night," Father admitted wearily.
Calenhad barked in agreement. Cobian patted father's shoulder, hoping to reassure him. "We'll handle it. I'll even try to stay out of the library."
Father laughed, ruffling his hair. "Try your best not to be distracted, pup. But do make sure you're taking breaks too." Father softened. "I love you, Cobian. You won't ever be alone here, you will always have someone to turn to. Your mother, Nan, Brother Aldous, Mother Mallol and Oriana will all be here just in case you need them. They will help you if you ask for it."
"I will, Father." Cobian smiled weakly, he was scared, for him, for Fergus, for Cailan and Uncle Loghain. For all of them but he knew he had to manage here at home while they fought down South.
"You will do me proud. You always have." Father kissed his brow. "I love you."
"I love you too."
.::.
Ciara had been unable to sleep. The beds were too soft and comfortable and her body simply wasn't used to it. Instead she wandered, redressing herself in armour, and debated if she wished to brew herself some tea down in the kitchen. She left Narascha snoring in the pillows, and Lawrien sprawled over the dwarf. Epona had remained in the gardens, wrinkling her nose at the stone walls the moment they had been shown to their guest room. A shame, there were plenty of beds, but of course Lawrien decided she wanted to sleep on someone than alone.
It was quiet for a time, but a scream startled her. A cry that was quickly cut out.
Ciara drew her twin blades and quickly rounded the corner to where the scream had come from. There were three armoured men with blood soaked swords. A body laid on the ground, bleeding out, and an elven lady was cowering on the ground. A man pinned her down, hand clamped over her mouth, pawing at her dress.
It reminded her of Shianni, Faren's cousin, and it made her blood boil.
"Shut it, girl!" The man yanked her down, smacking the woman for her struggles. "Ain't needing a fuss, just lay there and I'll be quick. No need for you to be like the dead Lordling there."
Ciara lightly stepped up to the first guard's back and slit his throat. The dagger cut through his skin like butter. She threw a throwing knife, her timing just off as the second man turned. It sliced his throat, but not deep enough. Ciara darted in, shoved her first dagger into his eye, and drew a second to slash the man's face open.
The last man was only just standing up, trying to push his trousers up. He was no longer armoured. He had been stripping himself. Sloppy.
Ciara moved, and out of spite, she stabbed his crotch and yanked at the blade. He screamed, but she twisted round, knocking him to the ground, and stamped her boot in his face, knocking him out cold.
The men all wore bear emblems. The mark of Arl Howe's men. So they either had betrayed him, highly unlikely as it was, or the Arl had betrayed the Teyrn.
The elven woman whimpered. "Th-They killed Dairren-"
"Iona," Ciara recalled, tracking down her throwing dagger in the barely lit hallways. "You're Lady Landra's lady-in-waiting."
"Please, I just want to go home... To my daughter!"
"Do you know what's happening?" Ciara asked. Landra had been praising her lady-in-waiting during dinner, even called her by name. Unusual for an elven lady to be a lady-in-waiting, but nice to see.
"They've been killing the servants! And they said something about Teyrn Cousland-"
Ciara held out her hand, pulling Iona to her feet. "Then this is an assassination on the Teyrn's life. That's annoying." Ciara pulled Iona along behind her. "Come, we must move."
"Annoying? How can you-"
"What's your daughter's name?" Ciara asked. She was not bothered dealing with a break down at the moment. They had to get to safety, then Ciara had to ensure the safety of the recruits. If she had a chance, the Cousland family as well. They would be a good family to have allied with the Grey Wardens.
"A-Amethyne-"
"That's a lovely name. Does she look like you?"
"She's prettier. Lovely long brown hair oh a-and she has my eyes! I miss her so much."
"I'll try get you out of here. First we should warn the Teyrn and notify the guards. Try to stay close to me okay?"
"O-Okay. You're a Grey Warden aren't you?"
"Yes." Ciara nodded.
"I thought you would be warning your comrades?"
"The recruits are with our mage, all except one. They should be alright, but I will have to ensure their safety once I see you out. Duncan on the other hand will be fine." Ciara smiled. "He'll kill everyone who gets in his way."
Iona shuddered.
The last time she had seen Teyrn Cousland was with Duncan and Arl Howe in the study. That had been a few hours ago though. She had even heard Duncan return to his guest room before she had left her own.
If they were lucky the Teyrn had returned to bed as well.
Ciara reached the hallway that lead to the library and the study, but froze. Duncan was already there, and he was carrying someone over his shoulder.
"Duncan?" Ciara approached him.
"I'm glad you're safe, Ciara. You weren't in your room. In fact, you, Epona and Faren weren't there."
Faren too? Huh.
"So you came back out to check on us?"
Duncan nodded. "Mostly Epona with her condition, I wanted to play it safe. Instead I came across the Teyrn." He nodded to his shoulder.
The Teyrn shakily raised his head. "I'm so sorry-" he began.
He was bleeding heavily from a wound in his side.
Ciara frowned. "So Howe has truly betrayed the Teyrn then? How inconvenient timing. He couldn't wait until after a Blight?"
Teyrn Cousland laughed, but groaned painfully at the jostling of his wound.
Iona blanched. "How can you say that? H-How are you even so calm right now?"
"Grey Wardens tend to see plenty of horrible things." Ciara tilted her head. "What do we do now, Duncan?"
"I'll escort Teyrn Cousland to the main hall. I'll take your new friend with me." Duncan gestured Iona over to his side who hesitantly went. "I need you to keep an eye out for Ser Gilmore, Lord Cousland, Epona and Faren." He did pause. "Just in case try to find Lawrien and the dwarves too."
"It shouldn't be too hard finding her. Just look for the largest fire." Ciara smirked as she backed away. "May the Maker watch over you, Duncan."
"May he watch over us all."
She turned around and disappeared back into the shadows, knowing Duncan would be fine. He was the Commander after all, and these were simply humans they were fighting. They weren't tainted, monstrous beings like the darkspawn.
.::.
Oriana had heard how ruthless Cobian was. She couldn't understand it. The Cobian she knew was chatty, easily distracted, and a complete and utter bookworm. He liked to study, read all day even, and learn as much as he could cram into his head. He was also kind, helped the servants out, and spoiled Calenhad and Oren rotten.
But now she could see it. She could see it as Cobian cut down man after man, not stopping for even one second. Oriana barely had the strength to protect Oren, but she had to. It might leave her feeling even weaker than before, but a stab wound would not stop her from protecting her boy.
One moment Oriana thought it was all over. She had thrown herself between Oren, who had been asleep in his bed, and the armed man who invaded their room and took the blade meant for her son. Then Cobian had appeared from nowhere, and the man's head had been gone.
Oriana felt dizzy and weak, but it hadn't stopped her from covering her son. It didn't even stop her from watching Cobian march out her room and slaughter the enemy.
Calenhad stood between her and the door as Cobian worked on the other men. Calenhad was growling, teeth sharp and bloody, and the sight made her shiver. Calenhad was usually a big softy, begging for treats and cuddles. But now he was just as murderous as Cobian. Cobian who slaughtered through the enemy like butter. This was probably the reason Teyrn Loghain offered Cobian a place in the Royal Guard, despite how scatterbrained Cobian usually was.
A man screamed and tried to escape, but Cobian threw his sword like a spear and it pierced the man's chest. Cobian then disarmed another man and cut him down with his own sword, all with that cold, calculating look upon his face.
There was no thrill like Fergus had when he was training, or anger like on Lord Cousland's when he was focused on a battle.
Cobian just looked cold.
Fergus had once playfully called Cobian a monster, but Oriana was beginning to realise that it hadn't been playful at all. Cobian was a monster within the battlefield.
He wasn't even wearing armour.
The last man went down hard, but it wasn't Cobian who got to him. It was the blonde Grey Warden mage who whacked the retreating man with her staff, knocking him straight out.
"They're after everyone," the mage said, a hard edge to her voice. "They've been ordered to take out the entire Cousland line."
Cobian rushed to Oriana's side and pressed down on the wound. Oriana winced, but smiled weakly and raised a hand to stroke his cheek. "Thank you, Cobian," she whispered.
Oren was still asleep. He hadn't seen a thing. The thought made her sob in relief, and she pressed a kiss to his head. Everything was growing blurry. But Oren was safe. He would be safe with Cobian.
Cobian put more pressure on her wound. "Hold on. Just a little longer..." He sounded rough, like he had a sore throat.
"I don't know any healing spells. All I can do is burn it-"
"She's already lost so much blood, kiddo." A male dwarf reached the blonde girl's side. "There's nothing we can do."
"You said the Maker would help us in our darkest times," Cobian accused. "Why isn't he helping us now? He's proving all my studies correct. I knew he wasn't real-"
Oriana laughed softly. "It's called faith, Cobian." She shifted, gritting her teeth at the pain, but forced herself to keep going. She grasped Cobian's shoulder. "Take Oren and go. Get out of the castle. Fergus can't lose you both. Don't make him lose you both."
"But Fergus and Oren need you-" Cobian protested.
"I won't make it there..." Oriana admitted. The pain was growing distant, her hand on Cobian's shoulder felt weak, as well as the other she held against Oren. "Protect Oren. Please, Cobian... Please..."
"Oriana!" Eleanor cried out, throwing herself down by Oriana's side. Oriana bit back a sob.
She didn't want to die. She didn't want to die here.
.::.
Cobian pulled away, let his mother help Oriana. She could help. She always did. Calenhad nipped lightly at his hand, whining, and it reminded Cobian to breathe. Cobian returned to Lawrien and Torph, Lawrien looked as if she was in agony, but Torph seemed to be trying to distract her.
"Narascha booted down the door and knocked out some fuckers after that guy stabbed her side. She's insane-"
"Spilling her blood means nothing. It already soaks the ground. It fuels her strength. Fighting drives her and gives her a thrill nothing else can-" Lawrien tilted her head. "Her blood sings."
Torph grunted. "Her blood sings? Great. Of course the Princess would be fucking weird."
"Yeah, but we're all a bit weird." Lawrien smiled weakly at him. "I feel emotions, Ciara memorises things after one glance, you like exploding stuff, Faren is a thief, Epona feels old-"
Torph blinked. "Feels old?"
Lawrien paused. "Don't tell her I said that." She then faced him properly. "Cobian, what do you want to do now?"
"I need to get my family to safety, but I also have to get the Cousland sword." Cobian glanced back, and saw mother hand Oriana one of the poisons his sister always dabbled with. He froze, because no, Oriana had to come with them-
No. Couldn't. There was too much blood. Nobody could survive without a healer and they had no healer available right now. Uncle Rendon- No. No longer an Uncle. This was a calculated attack. Not a betrayal by Arl Howe's men. They had been deliberately delayed.
Oriana was dying. Howe murdered her. He tried to murder Oren too and mother and Cobian-
Another nip to his hand. Cobian flinched, blinked down at Calenhad as his thoughts scrambled to process all of this.
A traitor. That was what Arl Howe was. Traitors would be dealt with accordingly. Uncle Maric and Cailan had dealt with traitors before. Uncle Loghain had too. Traitors had to die.
"You want to fight him?" Lawrien asked, gripping her staff until her knuckles turned white. "I'll fight with you."
Calenhad barked eagerly.
"Yes, but no." Cobian shook his head. "This should never have happened, but it has. I'll live with it. First I must see my family to safety."
"He is the heir." Lawrien stared at Oren, who mother was cradling in her arms, hushing him as he stirred. "He is Fergus' and he's yours too."
"He's my nephew." Cobian hardened his resolve. "And everything that comes after him with ill intentions must die."
"First you need your armour," Torph said. "I'll keep an eye on the door, but considering the Princess went off to shove her axe up some asses, I think we'll be fine."
"Yes. I shall change." Cobian frowned. "And I'm sorry."
They were guests and the Cousland family had been unable to care for them. Mother would be horrified in their lack of manners if Oriana wasn't... Wasn't...
He didn't want Oriana to die.
"Not your fault the fucker is crazy." Torph scowled. "There's plenty of assholes like that out there."
"He wants power. He craves it," Lawrien murmured, scowling. "Stupid. So stupid. What can he do with it? Nothing, his family hardly wants it, what legacy would that make of him?"
Cobian filed away her ramblings for later thoughts. Instead he went and got changed into his armour, and armed himself properly. All enemies that stood between him, his family and freedom would die.
He'd kill them all.
Calenhad woofed, nuzzling his hand. Cobian frowned, gazing down at his sword nervously.
Cobian didn't want to kill them. Many of them would just be following their Lord's orders, but Cobian cut off that little voice of weakness. It would be of no use here. His family must live through it all and do their duty to the crown, and Cobian would do his duty to Fergus.
He'd keep Oren safe. He had already failed Oriana.
He dressed quickly and armed himself properly this time, before returning. Lawrien and Torph were still there, and this time he couldn't help but ask them why.
"Why are you helping us?" Cobian frowned. "There's more of a chance for you to live if you don't. We're the main target."
Lawrien stared him straight in the eyes. "I don't back down from monsters. I kill them."
"You're a Grey Warden. This doesn't have to be your business."
"I'm helping you," Lawrien said firmly.
"Guess we both are." Torph shrugged. "But if you wouldn't mind me taking some stuff as I go..."
Cobian chuckled. "Well, it will be going to Howe otherwise. Feel free. Might annoy him."
"Right, then let's catch up to Narascha." Lawrien gritted her teeth. "She's so angry at all the bodies and I want to help her protect."
"Protect?" Mother asked.
"She's rallied the guards. They are fighting to protect the staff and you as well." Lawrien stared at Oren. "He has to live. They all want him to live."
Mother sobbed softly, clutching Oren tight, who whined sleepily. It was long past his bedtime. No wonder he was barely awake. Hopefully that meant he wouldn't remember much that happened this night.
Cobian knew he would never forget.
None of it.
.::.
The Princess was surprisingly good at cleaning up house. There were bear soldier bodies everywhere. Despite that Torph remained on guard, anyone could be around a corner after all, waiting to stab ya, so it paid to be careful. It took them a bit to catch up with Narascha, and she was between way too many Howe guards, but somehow despite being a pretty bloody mess herself, she looked delighted.
"Her blood is singing again," Lawrien said, surprisingly mild. "It's pretty."
Yeah, because that wasn't weird or anything.
He dived in to protect Narascha's back, Narascha who threw him a grin, a wild, menacing grin, and that almost made him pause. She was having way too much fun. And he had to admit that fighting with the crazy Princess at his back was surprisingly fun, despite how fucked up the entire situation was. Seriously, what the fuck was going on? The friendly nose guy was trying to kill the friendly noble guy. He owned a castle so he must be a very high ranking noble, but still. Why was the friendly nose guy fucking them all over?
Lawrien said something about power, but the nose guy must already have power if he had all these guards! Why the hell did he need more? Did he not have a fancy castle? He had an army, so he had to have a castle right?
How the fuck did the surface world work like this?
Although, Narascha was betrayed for the throne, so maybe it was a thing nobles do in general? If so, that fucking sucked. He thought nobles were supposed to be pampered, spoilt brats. But then again, Narascha was supposed to become the Commander of Orzammar's armies.
Urgh, it was way too bloody messed up!