A.N: Thank you to all whom have read, reviewed, or both! We are coming into Highever finally!
P.S: I do not own Dragon Age, Skyrim, or any of the characters!
Chapter 5
The days passed in a peaceful rhythm as she traveled the road toward Highever, the dense forests of Ferelden stretching on endlessly around her. The sun rose and set with the same predictable grace, and with each passing day, the distance between herself and Denerim grew. For five days, she journeyed without interruption, and while she encountered no threats or dangers, the journey offered its own quiet moments of reflection.
On the first day, the dirt path wound through thick woods, the towering trees casting long shadows that swayed gently with the breeze. The rich scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, and every now and then the rustle of small creatures in the underbrush would catch her attention, though nothing seemed to approach. The sound of Sheton's steady hooves and Rain's soft steps provided a comforting cadence as they moved deeper into the wild. Shade darted in and out of the trees, always within sight, his black coat blending in with the shadows until he bolted ahead, his energy never seeming to fade.
That evening, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, she found a small clearing beside a gently flowing creek. The water bubbled softly over smooth stones, creating a soothing backdrop as she dismounted, rubbing Sheton's neck with affection before leading both horses to drink from the cool water. They had made good progress for the first day, and there was no rush. She unpacked a small bedroll from Rain's saddle and laid it out near the creek, enjoying the solitude.
The fire she built crackled softly as the stars blinked into view above her. With the horses grazing nearby and Shade curled up at her side, she felt a deep sense of contentment. The quiet of the forest was a welcome change from the noise of the city, and as she lay back, watching the night sky, the weight of the world seemed to drift away. She drifted to sleep beneath the open sky, the sounds of the forest lulling her into a peaceful slumber.
The second day followed much the same. She rose early, just as the sun was painting the sky in soft shades of pink and orange, the air still crisp with the coolness of dawn. After a quick breakfast of dried meat and bread, she packed up her camp and mounted Sheton once more, the horses eager to be on the move. The forest around them gradually began to open up, and by midday, they found themselves on the edge of a broad, sunlit meadow. Wildflowers dotted the grassy expanse, their bright colors a cheerful contrast to the deep greens of the forest.
As they crossed the meadow, a gentle breeze rustled the tall grass, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and the distant call of birds. Shade bounded ahead, his joy at the open space evident in the way he leaped and ran through the field, his black coat gleaming in the sun. She couldn't help but smile at his playful energy, feeling her own spirits lift in the peaceful beauty of the landscape.
By the end of the second day, she had made camp again, this time beneath the shelter of a large oak tree. The sky above was clear, with the stars once again stretching out in an endless tapestry. The firelight flickered against the trunk of the oak, casting soft shadows that danced with the movement of the flames. The night was peaceful, with only the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance to break the silence.
On the third day, the terrain began to change. The forested areas gave way to rolling hills, their gentle slopes dotted with patches of trees and the occasional stream winding its way through the landscape. The path here was well-worn, a reminder that others had traveled this road before her. The weather remained fair, the sun bright but tempered by a cool breeze that kept the journey comfortable.
Each night, her routine remained the same—finding a quiet, secluded spot to camp, building a small fire, and settling down beneath the stars. Sheton and Rain grazed nearby, their steady presence a comfort. Shade, always vigilant, would keep watch for a time before eventually curling up beside her bedroll, his warmth a welcome companion during the cooler nights.
On the fourth day, she spotted the distant silhouette of a small village nestled between the hills. Though she didn't need to stop, the sight of it reminded her how close she was to her destination. The journey had been long, but without incident, she had been able to enjoy the quiet of the open road, the stillness of nature offering a rare sense of peace.
That night, as she made camp beside a shallow stream that wound its way through a rocky ravine, she felt a sense of calm settle over her. The sound of the water trickling over the stones was soothing, and the firelight cast a soft glow on the nearby rocks. The horses grazed contentedly on the soft grass, and Shade lay close by, his head resting on his paws as he watched the stars.
The fifth day dawned clear and bright, the sun casting a golden light across the landscape as she packed up her camp for the final time. The hills began to level out as she continued on, the familiar sight of the road to Highever emerging before her. The closer she got to her destination, the more familiar the surroundings became. The trees, the rolling hills, even the scent of the air—it all reminded her of home.
By late afternoon, she could see the distant towers of Highever Castle rising above the landscape, their stone walls bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. The road ahead stretched out, leading her straight to the place she had longed for during all her time away.
As the last few miles passed beneath Sheton's hooves, she couldn't help but feel a growing anticipation. Soon, she would be home. The journey had been long, but the peace and beauty of the road had prepared her for the reunion she now looked forward to with quiet joy.
Her grip tightened on the reins as the slate-grey walls of her childhood home came into view, rising majestically as she crested the hill. "After all these years, I am finally home…" A wave of nostalgia washed over her, filling her with warmth as she surveyed the horizon. The castle, once a mere outline, gradually revealed its full grandeur, while the town beyond its walls seemed to have flourished, its edges stretching outward. At first glance, everything felt reassuringly familiar; yet she noticed subtle changes—the cobblestone streets, once filled with her childhood friends, now thrummed with new faces and bustling activity. Despite the differences, a deep sense of belonging tugged at her heart, whispering that this was still, undeniably, home.
The town nestled against the castle walls, sprawling gracefully into a lush landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. Behind the castle, a steep cliff plunged dramatically into the sea, offering both stunning views and a formidable defense against invaders. To one side, the town stretched toward the ocean; although Highever was blessed with a coastal location, it was not a significant player in maritime trade. That distinction belonged to Deneriem, where a larger harbor accommodated bustling fleets of ships. Yet, despite its quieter status, Highever exuded a unique charm—a steadfast bastion of history and heritage, holding its own amid the ever-changing currents of commerce and time.
With a swift tug on the leather reins, Sheton came to a halt at the crest of the hill, granting Elena a moment to absorb the sight of her home. "I hope my mother and father will remember me. Oren was just a toddler when I left, so I doubt he will. But Fergus and Orianna… they should." A mix of excitement and anxiety churned within her as memories of laughter and warmth flooded back. Would they still see her as the girl they once knew, or would the years have transformed her beyond recognition? The thought sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.
She knew she looked nothing like the girl who had first left home—unscarred and untrained. Now, as she stood before the familiar silhouette of her childhood home, she was a warrior, marked by battle, with scars tracing her skin and one eye concealed beneath a patch. The silks her mother had insisted she wear to embody a proper lady of House Cousland were a distant memory; she was clad in armor, ready to face whatever awaited her.
"What do you think, boy? Do you think they'll remember us?" she asked Shade, a wry smile tugging at her lips. Her loyal hound flicked his ears, as if sensing her uncertainty, and for a moment, she found solace in his presence, grounding her amidst the swirling emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
He let out a joyful yip, and she took it as a reassuring yes. "I'll trust you on that, then." Yet beneath her bravado, a tight knot of worry twisted in her stomach. The uncertainty loomed large—how would her family react? Would they welcome her back, or would they question her claim as their long-lost daughter, the one they had mourned for the past seven years? Each thought pressed heavily on her heart, amplifying her anxiety as she braced herself to face the family she had longed to return to, hoping they would see her for who she truly was.
Steering Sheton forward, Elena felt the familiar rhythm of his gait beneath her. Storm followed closely behind, her reins secured to the saddle, creating a bond between them as they approached the town. Shade trotted ahead, his ears perked and tail high, frequently glancing back to make sure they were still together, a loyal sentinel in this moment of uncertainty.
As they neared the grand entrance of Highever, the scent of earth and distant flowers filled the air, stirring memories of her childhood. With a gentle nudge, she dismounted, the soft thud of her boots on the cobblestones echoing in the quiet.
"I want to reach the castle, but I can't rush this," she mused, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Each step she took felt like a bridge to her past, the cobblestones cool underfoot, guiding her deeper into her thoughts. The anticipation built within her, mingling with anxiety as she considered the countless possibilities that awaited her.
The vibrant colors of the town surrounded her—children playing in the streets, merchants calling out their wares—yet everything felt tinged with a sense of distance, as if she were watching from a dream. With each measured stride, she sought to balance her excitement with the weight of uncertainty, preparing herself for the emotional reunion that lay ahead, each heartbeat echoing the hope of acceptance.
She may have been a general in the Storm Legion, a dragon slayer, and dragonborn—her name whispered in awe across the land—but beneath the armor and accolades, she was still just a person, grappling with the fear of rejection from her family. The thought sent a sharp pang through her heart, tightening in her chest. If they turned her away, she could always return to Skyrim, where Ulfric and Elesif had welcomed her into their fold as if she were truly one of them.
Yet that path came with its own weight. As the next in line to rule, she felt a sense of dread at the prospect of leadership, especially if Ulfric and Elesif had no children of their own. "I really do hope they have a child," she thought, a flicker of desperation igniting within her. "I don't want to rule Skyrim at all."
The burden of a crown loomed over her like a storm cloud, and she yearned for a life unencumbered by the expectations of leadership. Memories of simpler times filled her mind—quiet moments by the hearth, laughter shared over meals, and the warmth of family bonds.
As she walked, the vibrant colors of Highever seemed to blur around her, the laughter of children and the calls of merchants fading into the background. All she could focus on was the hope that her family would accept her, that they would see beyond the scars and the titles, and embrace the daughter and sister they once knew. With every step toward the castle, she wrestled with the duality of her existence: a celebrated hero on one hand, and a frightened girl yearning for home on the other.
It was only mid-morning, yet her stomach rumbled in protest, a stark reminder that she hadn't eaten anything earlier due to her gnawing nervousness. With a resigned sigh, she glanced down at Shade, her loyal hound. He seemed completely absorbed in the lively bustle of the town, his nose twitching as he took in the enticing scents of street food and the chatter of merchants.
"Hey, boy," she called softly, bending down to meet his gaze. His ears perked up at the sound of her voice, and for a moment, he shifted his focus from the bustling market to her, as if weighing her proposition. She could see the flicker of curiosity in his eyes, eager for adventure and perhaps a tasty morsel.
"How about we find something to eat before we head up to the castle?" she suggested, her voice lightening with the thought. The idea of sharing a simple meal with Shade brought a small smile to her lips, a comforting distraction from the emotional whirlwind awaiting her.
As she straightened, she took in the vibrant scene around them. Colorful stalls lined the cobbled streets, their canopies billowing gently in the breeze. The air was rich with the aromas of freshly baked bread, savory roasted meats, and the sweet scent of pastries. Laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the sounds of clinking coins and the calls of eager vendors.
"Just a quick bite," she assured herself, determined to fortify her resolve before facing her family. After all, even heroes needed to eat, and perhaps a moment of normalcy would help steady her racing heart. With renewed purpose, she began to lead Shade toward the nearest stall, ready to savor a fleeting taste of comfort before stepping back into the whirlwind of her past.
The mention of food instantly caught Shade's attention; his chocolate-brown eyes brightened, locking onto hers with an eager intensity. A short, enthusiastic bark followed, as if to say, "Let's go!" "I'll take that as a yes, then!" she laughed, her heart warming at his excitement.
With renewed determination, she plunged into the vibrant heart of Highever. The town was alive, a tapestry of sights and sounds that enveloped her. Merchants called out to passersby, their voices rising above the hum of conversation, each vying for attention with colorful displays of goods. The cobblestone streets thrummed with life, bustling with townsfolk and travelers alike, all weaving through the maze of carts and stalls.
The air was thick with enticing aromas—freshly baked bread, the rich scent of roasting meats, and the sweet notes of pastries wafting from nearby bakeries. As she walked, the scents danced around her, teasing her senses and reminding her of simpler times spent wandering these streets.
A small bakery caught her eye: the smell of freshly baked loaves and pastries calling to both stomach and her nose.
"What do you think, boy? How about we start there?" she suggested, gesturing toward the bakery. Shade's ears perked up even more, and he trotted ahead eagerly, his enthusiasm infectious. Elena felt a flicker of relief wash over her. In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of the bustling market and the loyalty of her hound, she could momentarily set aside the weight of her past and the uncertainty of her future. Here, amidst the lively chatter and the comforting aroma of food, she found a sense of normalcy that reminded her of home.
The stall was adorned with a cheerful sign that read "Elias's Bakery," and a wave of nostalgia washed over her like a warm embrace. Memories flooded back, vivid and tinged with sweetness. This was a place she had frequented during her childhood, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries had danced through the air, weaving itself into the tapestry of her daily life.
As she stepped closer, she could almost hear the jovial laughter of the baker, Elias, a man with flour-dusted hands and a generous smile, always ready to share a story along with his treats. The sight of the bakery conjured images of herself as a young girl, her eyes wide with anticipation as she approached the counter, eager to choose from a colorful array of goodies. Each visit had felt like a small celebration, a moment of joy in her otherwise sheltered life.
Though some of her memories remained elusive, like shadows in the corners of her mind, many had returned, rich and full of detail. She could picture the warmth of the sun spilling through the bakery's window, illuminating rows of golden pastries, the cheerful chatter of customers mingling with the sound of kneading dough.
Taking a deep breath, she inhaled the fragrant air filled with the comforting scents of cinnamon, vanilla, and fresh bread. It was a reminder of home, of the simple pleasures that had once defined her childhood. In this bustling marketplace, the past felt tangible, almost within reach, and she held onto the hope that today would bring her one step closer to reclaiming the pieces of herself that she had lost.
With a renewed sense of purpose, she approached the counter, ready to share this moment with Shade and perhaps even reignite a connection to her past in the welcoming warmth of Elias's Bakery.
A.N: Thank you for reading! Also the word count will go up and down as I write. I find a good stopping point and that is the end of the chapter. So some chapters will be fairly long and some might be a bit short.
