A/N- This is my first real attempt a DA fanfic. I have been really inspired some of the fantastic works in this community particularly Victory at Ostagar and War of the Laurels. Hope you enjoy it. I fully intend for this to be the first installment of a long running series. My main motivation is write a Cousland as the educated and ambitious noble in a way that is not constrained by the games limitations. Hope you enjoy.
"If we are to have any chance of defeating Loghain we need our candidate for the Throne. A candidate of Theirin blood." Arl Eamon intoned from high up on the dais in the Great Hall of Redcliffe Castle. "That must be Alistair"
Athos Cousland glanced over to Alistair who was fidgeting nervously and keeping his eyes downcast.
"With respect, my Lord. It will be difficult to prove Alistair's claim before the landsmeet. He is an unacknowledged bastard."
Arl Eamon glowered at him. No doubt resenting this challenge from a younger man.
"I would simply ask the Landsmeet to look at him. He is the spitting image of Maric." Eamon replied
"As you say, my lord. My father once said there are no secrets in the Landsmeet. If we put Alistair forward as a candidate. There will be questions painful and awkward questions. Questions about Alistair's mother, questions about how he was raised, and of course questions about how he was in the Chantry when recruited into the Wardens. All of these questions we would be forced to answer honestly. Questions that will critically undermine our claim and cause you no small amount of embarrassment, My lord" Athos argued calmly whilst giving Eamon a hard look. Whatever schemes the old man had cooked up, Alistair was no more a King than Arl Eamon a pastry chef. He had none of the training or education necessary. He would be a puppet to his advisors.
Arl Eamon looked as though he had unexpectedly bitten into a lemon. Perhaps he was not used to having his hypocrisies challenged in public like this. Bann Teagan, ever the peacemaker saw this and turned to him;
"What would you propose, Warden?" He asked carefully.
"If you seek a candidate with Theirin blood and an unchallengeable claim. One stands before you"
"You?" Eamons spluttered.
"Why not? My father was almost made King five years ago as you are well aware of my Lord. Let the son take up his father's burden. No one can deny my family's close relations to the Theirins. I have the education and training necessary to be King"
Alistair breathed an all too audible sigh of relief at the prospect of no longer being King. A relieved grin appeared on his face. A sharp look from Eamon made it disappear just as quickly.
"The Couslands have been declared traitors." Teagan pointed out gently.
"By whom, the tyrant Loghain and Traitor Howe? There was no trial. My family was massacred in their beds by Howe. My family still has friends. The Cousland name means something Athos declared defiantly.
"Whatever meaning the Cousland name has is insignificant compared to the Theirin name. You would banish the line of Calenhad himself to the midden of history. Out of a misplaced sense of your own importance," Eamon condescended.
"You have accomplished a great deal and do not imagine me ungrateful for the saving of my family. But I will not so easily abandon the Theirin line for the sake of your ambition."
Athos clenched his fists in anger. The pompous old windbag. He was set on this disastrous course of action. He opened his mouth to speak…
"Perhaps we should adjourn for the time being?" Bann Teagan asked politely.
"Oh, Maker's Breath can we?" Alistair all but begged.
Athos and Arl Eamon stared at each other.
"Of course. No doubt the wardens will want to rest after their journey. You have our leave to go Wardens" Eamon declared with finality.
"My lord," Athos said as he bowed stiffly, turned on his heel, and angrily stalked out of the great hall. Leaving Alistair to gape after him.
—-
Athos Cousland stood on the parapets of Castle Redcliffe gazing over the ocean of tents and crude buildings of the armies he and his companions had gathered. The cold winter wind slashed at his cloak like a knife. Dwarves, Elves, Mages, and even refugees from the Coastlands are still eager to fight for a Cousland. All gathered for a single purpose, To face and Maker-willing defeat the blight. I never asked for this, Athos reflected bitterly. R Remembering Duncan extracting Athos' conscription from his dying father. That conscription had led Athos to traipse the length and breadth of Ferelden, fighting werewolves, demons, and of course Darkspawn. He and his companions had fought Dragons, journeyed into the depths of the deep road, and even found the Urn of Sacred Ashes to heal a mortally poisoned man. Athos remembered his father telling him since he could remember that a Cousland always did their duty. Well, Father? I think I have discharged my duty admirably given the difficult circumstances. Athos thought ironically. He was distracted from his reverie by the sound of footsteps approaching.
"I don't know how you can stand the cold up here" Claudia Amell muttered drawing her bright green woollen cloak around herself. Concealing the elegant and blue silk gown she was wearing. Looking like the Noble lady she had been born not the mage warden recruit she was. Following behind her was Drakon, his Mabari. The tawny-coated dog was anxious to check on him after his exchange with Eamon.
"Perhaps, I am simply used to it. No doubt your tower was nice and warm." Athos replied, turning to face her. She was a beautiful woman, her dark skin and curly black hair spoke to some Rivani ancestors in her family.
"Not really. The templars always got nervous about Mages and Fires" She replied primly.
"Has his lordship calmed down?" Athos asked patiently.
"To a degree. He's gone back to calling you 'the warden' instead of 'that impudent boy'" Claudia replied, punctuating her report with a reasonable impression of Eamon's deep voice and grand manner.
Athos smiled dryly at her impersonation of Eamon. It was true the man was a pompous blowhard and that Athos disliked him quite intensely. These recent arguments were not helping their relations. He reaches down to scratch Drakon's ears. The faithful Mabari whuffed in contentment before trotting off to beg for treats from overly indulgent servants.
"I wonder, Athos, whether it might be time to move on from this disagreement. Let him put Alistair forward as King. Alistair trusts you, he'll listen to you, and he'll help us fight the blight. Isn't that what's important?" Claudia asked seriously, all traces of levity gone now.
Athos sighed. She raised good points. Nothing he had not asked himself. Was he just being stubborn out of misplaced pride? Putting his family ahead of his duty as a warden?
"Perhaps you are right. Maybe I am thinking like a Cousland and not a Warden." Athos was quiet for a moment. Trying to think of how to explain to a mage the complex knots of family and duty that had dominated his life as the son of a Teryn.
"Did you know my father was almost elected King?" Athos asked.
Claudia shook her head.
"It was five years or so ago now. Just after Maric disappeared, even back then people could see that Calian was not his father's equal. The Northern Banns and Arl Howe put my father forth as a candidate to be King. They lost the Vote to the surprising alliance of Teyrn Loghain and Arl Eamon. Imagine how different things would have been if my father had been crowned King five years ago. I do not seek the crown out of ambition. My family has always served Ferelden to the best of their abilities. How can I do any less?"
Claudia was watching him intently. Athos could tell he was getting agitated. For days now he had politely debated with Arl Eamon over this. Protocol and plain good manners demanding he show respect and deference to the Arl. With only Claudia as his audience, it was all tumbling out like an avalanche.
"Eamon claims Alistair is Maric's son, with no real proof of course. Even if he could prove Alistair was Maric's son, it does not matter. Alistair is not suited to be King. The man is terrified of leadership. He has had none of the necessary education, he would be nothing but a puppet to Eamon's ambition as Anora is now to Loghain's. Ferelden deserves a proper ruler. A ruler that will not be held captive by one portion of the Nobility. I am the next legitimate heir of Theirin blood. I know what it is to rule and lead. I do not desire the crown but it is my duty." Athos ranted, his anger making his final words a shout.
Claudia's eyes widened with surprise at his tone and then dropped into an elegant curtsy;
"Well, I am quite convinced. Your Majesty." Claudia intoned in her pararodic impression of Eamon.
Athos stared at her in surprise, then chuckled. Claudia always had a knack for shaking him out of his darker moods. The rest of their companions never treated Athos as just a friend. He supposed he should not allow such familiarity as her Commander but still, it helped him stay sane.
"That's one person convinced at least. The rest of the Kingdom should be easy now. Come let's go find something to eat".
"Finally, I was thinking you were going to brood up here all afternoon." Claudia laughed as they walked downstairs from Redcliff Castle's high walls.
—-
Nestled in the warm barracks Arl Eamon had given the Wardens and their companions Athos and Claudia gratefully accepted two bowls of lamb stew from one of the servants tending to their needs. They sat down at a bench and began to eat.
As he ate Athos surveyed the room. Morrigan was tucked away in a corner pouring over that grisly book of her mother's again. Ever since they had slain Flemeth she had been ever more withdrawn than usual. Sten was methodically cleaning his weapons and armor, murmuring a prayer as he did so. Wynne and Lellianna were engaged in some sewing, they had kindly offered to make some winter garments for their companions after appropriating some cloth from Redcliff's stores Shale was looming over them fascinated by the concept of winter clothing and making snarky remarks about their superiority in not needing them. Zevran and Alistair playing a game of chess, the crow was clearly trying to cheer Alistair up with exotic tales from Antiva but Athos could tell by the hangdog expression on Alistair's face it was not working. Poor Alistair had been enduring a never-ending series of lectures from Eamon about his 'duty' to the country and their Theirin bloodline. Oghren and Brosca were hunkered down in front of the fire passing a stone bottle between them. Brosca saw Athos gazing at them and gave him an ironic salute. Jowan was hunched in a corner eating by himself again, he managed a weak smile at Claudia when they walked in but otherwise kept his head down.
My wardens and Companions. Athos observed they were an eclectic bunch. Still, they were doing their duty. It galled him that they had not been able to hold a joining for Claudia, Brosca, and Jowan. Jowan and Claudia especially as he had used the rite of conscription recruit. He and Alistair simply did not know how to make the Joining Potion, without that they were just recruits. Glancing Alistair he let out a sigh. All of this would be much easier if Alistair knew anything about the Grey Wardens and why they were needed to fight blights. It made it impossible to plan anything. They had debated popping over the border to Orlais to try and see the wardens in Jader but Loghain had the border locked down tighter than a Chantry's coffers. So they had stayed in Ferelden, still ignorant of their larger duties as Wardens. He finished his stew and then grabbed a piece of bread and tore it up to sop up the remains, he was still a bit peckish.
Claudia yawned and placed her bowl of stew down.
"Well I think I'm going to call it a night, see you in the morning Sire," she said with another Ironic curtsy.
Athos stood, as was polite.; "Good Night Claudia. Sleep well"
"Oh I'm sure I will," She replied, her gaze lingering on Alistair and her smile growing wider for a moment. With that, she trailed out of the room and entered Alistair's private room. I wonder how Arl Eamon would feel that his candidate for King is romantically engaged with a mage. Athos reflected. It was petty of him to view it so coldly and politically. He was happy his friends had found each other in the midst of this Blight but if Alistair became King their relationship would not last. Eamon would see to that. He was interrupted from his musings when a servant appeared in front of him.
"Pardon me my Lord but there is a man here to see you. Says his name is Levi Dryden"
The name Dryden was familiar to him, Sophia Dryden was last the Warden-Commander in Ferelden before Maric brought the order back. She had been killed rebelling against the King.
"Did he mention at all what he wanted?" Athos inquired, curious what the descendant of an attained traitor would want with him.
"He mentioned something about Warden business my Lord, said he knew Warden-Commander Duncan"
"I see. Thank you for letting me know. Inform Master Dryden I will see him downstairs momentarily. Please offer him something warm to drink" Athos instructed. The servant nodded their head and left. At this point Athos was curious, he hoped it was not just a merchant Duncan had stiffed the bill on. Wiping his mouth and hands clean Athos stood up and gestured for Alistair to come with him.
As they walked downstairs to where Master Dryden was waiting for them it occurred to Athos that Alistair might know this man.
"Tell me Alistair does the name Levi Dryden mean anything to you?"
Alistair paused for a moment and tried to remember. Looking like a child trying to remember a tutor's question.
"Um, no, not that I can think of. Is that who we are going to see?"
"Yes, he claims to have known Duncan. Wants to talk to us about some warden business"
When they arrived downstairs in the Enty hall they found Master Dryden enviously admiring his surroundings. Even After all the troubles Redcliff had endured, the Guerrin's castle was a handsome building. He saw Athos and Alistair and approached.
"You are hard men to find Wardens. Sorry, Where are my manners? Names Levi, Levi Dryden. Did Duncan ever Mention me? Levi of the Coins? Levi the Trader?" Master Dryden blurted at them.
"Master Dryden, how good of you to come and see us. I am Warden Athos, this is Warden Alistair. I'm sorry to say the late Warden-Commander did not mention you. No doubt the blight occupied his thoughts greatly." Athos replied perhaps a touch too dryly.
Master Dryden looked chastened."Of course, Just surprised we went way back Duncan and I. But here I am nattering on while you've got a blight to stop. Don't want to waste your time. But, you see Duncan promised that together we'd look into something important for the Wardens. And for me."
Athos was intrigued. Was this some sort of money-making scheme Duncan and this trader had cooked up? Fighting Blights took a great deal of coin. Athos would not be opposed to broadening their sources of revenue. It would limit Eamon's influence over the Wardens significantly.
"But Poor Duncan's… well, no more. A tragedy it is, at that. But I know he would want his work carried on. His pledge fulfilled."
Athos snuck a glance towards Alistair and forbade him to roll his eyes. Anytime someone brought up Duncan Alistair became quite emotional. It was bizarre to Athos how attached Alistair had become to Duncan over such a short time. Still, maybe it was because Duncan made Alistair feel wanted. Unlike Eamon, Athos reflected bitterly. Alistair would want to do this now. Whatever it was. Desperate to honor Duncan's memory in any way he could. Suppressing a sigh Athos looked back at this Levi Dryden.
"Please, Tell me more about this 'Promise' Master Dryden"
—-
Claudia snuggled into Alistair's chest savouring the delight of their afterglow. Making love in a private bed chamber in an actual bed was quite a different experience from the hasty couplings in the cramped confines of their tent on the road. Alistair placed his arms around her pulling her into a warm embrace.
"You're amazing, you know that right?" Alistair said, nuzzling into her.
"You're not too bad yourself" she replied, gently teasing. She felt comfortable with Alistair. If you had told me that when Athos had conscripted her out of that awful cell in the Tower she would be here, in a relationship with an ex-templar, she would have frozen you solid on the spot! Alistair was different, he was kind, gentle, and sweet. He made her feel loved and adored. It broke her heart to see him so brow beaten by Arl Eamon. He had told her of how Eamon had relegated him to the stables and then banished him to the Chantry when he became inconvenient. The worst part was Alistair was grateful to him for all that! Even in the Circle children weren't treated that badly. Now the old villain wanted to put Alistair on the throne for his ambitions. She agreed with Athos that Alistair was not suited for the throne and more importantly Alistair didn't want to be King. Not that anyone seemed to care about that except her, she reflected bitterly.
She looked up at Alistair, he had a faraway distracted look on his face.
"Is everything all right?"
"Yeah. Sorry, just distracted. A Lot going on" He replied with his usual lopsided smile.
"It'll be good to get out of the castle tomorrow" She offered
"Oh yes, just a short jaunt through a country wracked by Civil War and a blight to search an abandoned and probably haunted castle. What a treat" Alistair replied glibly
"More of the same for us really," Claudia said, extinguishing the candle with a wave of her hand and snuggling closer into Alistair, excited for what tomorrow may bring.
—-
"Is this really the best time to go haring off into danger, Warden?" Arl Eamon Athos curtly, staring down at him from the raised dais of Redcliffe Castle's great hall.
"I am afraid that this is an opportunity we cannot afford to pass my Lord. Alistair and I are unfortunately ignorant of certain matters of Warden Lore. Soldier's Peak represents the best opportunity for us to learn them"
"It's been Centuries. Any books or scrolls would be dust. Besides, have you not written to the other Wardens of Thedas?"
"I admit my Lord, chances are slim that there is anything material there. We are desperate. I have written to other Wardens, with these questions and either my letters were not received or it is the sort of information not put to parchment. I am sorry for the Inconvenience my Lord but Alistair and I must do this."
Arl Eamon grimaced in distaste, as though the meal he was eating spoiled in his mouth.
"As you wish, Warden, I cannot stop you. I only hope the darkspawn stay as quiet as they have during these last weeks."
"We theorize that the cold and snow are limiting the darkspawn's activity" Athos interrupted.
"I only ask that you return in time for us to journey to the Landsmeet" Eamon declared, waving his hand to dismiss Athos.
Athos bowed, respectfully. Internally seething at Eamon's heavy-handed manner.
"As you say my Lord" With that Athos turned and left the hall, he felt Eamon's disapproving glare on his back with every step.
—-
In the bright winter Sunshine of the courtyard, Athos surveyed his wardens getting ready for this expedition. Shading his eyes from the glare of Alistair's bright silverite armor as he helped Claudia mount her horse. Her lightly armored robes jangled as she swung her leg over the saddle. Zevran and Brosca were already mounted heavy cloaks draped over their leathers, already engaged in some elaborate innuendo-based banter. Morrigan was mounted on her courser dressed in her usual assortment of Leather and feathers. Jowan was hunched awkwardly on his horse, nose already red from the cold. Lellianna was chattering to Wynne about some ballad she had heard about Sophia Dryden as she helped the Elderly mage mount. Sten was glowering with impatience as Oghren struggled to mount his pony, he had managed to get one foot stuck in a stirrup and the pony was pulling him along much to his frustration. His curses bounced off the stone walls of Redcliffe Castle. Shale of course was above it all, waiting impatiently making derogatory comments about horses and the fools who rode them.
My wardens, Athos thought proudly they may be the most mismatched gang of misfits in Thedas but by Andraste they had overcome the odds before and they would again. Mounting his horse in one smooth motion. He rode to the front of the party. Placed his blue-plumed helm on his head.
"Wardens of Ferelden! We ride to Soldier's Peak" Athos exclaimed, turning his mount around and leading them off to the North and the mysteries of Soldier's Peak.