"Has everyone got all their supplies? It's a long trip and the last thing you want to do is get down there and realize you only have one extra boot," Elissa Cousland tossed a boot at one of the soldiers. The men laughed as he juggled it. He laughed nervously as he stuffed the boot into his pack.

"My lady, will you be joining us in Ostagar? I would follow that rump of yours all the way to Par Vollen," one of the soldiers called.

"Another comment like that and I'll have to beat your ass in the ring again," she throw him a wicked smile.

"Ah, you wound me, my lady!" He grabbed at his heart and swayed. The soldiers laughed again.

"Right then men!" The sergeant walked into the courtyard, "Those darkspawn aren't going to kill themselves!"

Elissa watched the soldiers go. Her smile faded as they marched off to war. It was a grim reality she never thought she would live to see. Send men off to battle, to die, for the king and country. It only made it worse that it was darkspawn, evil creatures that dwelled deep within the earth only emerging to kill and destroy. The horde was far to the south, but it needed to be stopped there.

The winds shifted, teasing her pony-tailed black hair, and she could smell the sea on the breeze. Elissa pulled herself away from her thoughts. There was still much to be done. Elissa went over to one of the supply wagons.

"Is all in order here?" she questioned the elves who were loading it.

"Aye, my lady. We've just finished loading the wagons. Once we hitch the horse we can be under way," a male elf answered.

"You've done well."

"Thank you, my lady, but the work is not yet done and after that we'll be going with the army," he secured the last item and jumped down. The elf was several inches shorted than her, not because she was tall, but simply because elves were shorter than human. Dwarves were shorter still, but she had never met one to compare.

"You are going to Ostagar as well?"

"Yes, someone must make the food and polish swords while the soldiers do the killing." He paused, "Don't worry for us, my lady. We won't be anywhere near the fighting."

"That's good to hear, though I wish none of this were necessary. Maker preserve you," she began to move off.

"And you as well, my lady," the elf went about his duty.

Elissa went over her father's list again in her head. They had only received the king's call for men five days ago and they didn't wanted to miss something in their haste to answer. She had been put in charge of supplies. Swords and axes sharpened, maces rebound, new bowstrings, shields checked, armor refitted, and about a dozen other things include food. Coming up with several months worth of supplies had not been the easiest task, especially with the harvest still months away. It was a wonder that she hadn't run away to join the nearest circus, but she had her duty.

They also had to be careful not to send too many soldiers. Highever had always had problems with the occasional raid from the Free Marches across the Waking Sea. Who would want to come home to find it ablaze from raiders and bandits?

"My lady," a servant stopped her. "The Teyrn wishes to see you in the great hall. The Arl of Amarantine has just arrived. It seems that his men have been delayed."

"Thank you," she turned around. She had hoped to avoid seeing Rendon Howe. The arl spent any time they were in the same room attempting to convince her to marry his son. At least when she was finally married the wolves would stop nipping at her heels. Elissa pushed one of the side doors to the great hall open.

Her father stood, arms behind his back, addressing Howe. "I trust than that your troops will be here shortly." Her father's black hair had long since faded to gray, but his bright blue eyes hadn't dimmed in the least.

"I expect they will start arriving tonight. I apologize for the delay, my lord," Howe lowered his eyes. He had a slight and wiry build of a rogue versus her father's large build.

"No, no, the darkspawn have us all scrambling. I only received the call from the king a few days ago myself," he dismissed the apology. Her father was being diplomatic. Everyone knew that Howe would have received the call before them. The Howe's land was closer to Denerim, the capital of Ferelden. "Fergus will head out the soldiers tonight. You and I will ride out tomorrow. Just like old time."

The friends shared a knowing smile. Howe chuckled, "Though we both had less gray in our hair, and we fought Orlesians then, not…monsters."

"At least the smell will be the same." Elissa cleared her throat. "Ah, I didn't see you come in, pup. Howe, you remember my daughter?"

"Of course, she's turned into a fine young lady. A pleasure to see you again."

"And you as well, Arl Howe." Elissa smiled weakly.

"My son, Tomas, asked after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time," Howe smiled.

Elissa forced the smile to stay, "Delilah could come as well. It's been years since I've seen either of them." She had become an expert at deflecting these types of arrangements.

Her father chuckled, "My fierce girl has her own mind these days, Maker bless her heart."

"No doubt because you've trained her as a warrior. Most unique." Elissa frowned at Howe's tone.

"At any rate, I summoned you for a reason, pup. While Fergus and I are away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle," Bryce Cousland was addressing her formal, Teyrn to a potential heir.

"So your leaving me here while you and Fergus march off to war?"

He nodded, "Only a token force is remaining here. You must maintain peace in the region."

"Won't mother be here at the castle?"

"No, she will be staying with Lady Landra, and should the worst happen, I expect you to carry on the Cousland name and traditions," he sat his hand on her shoulder.

She didn't like being left behind, but her father had laid a heavy burden on her and she wasn't about to shirk her duty. Elissa locked eyes with her father, "I'll do my best, I swear it."

Her father smiled once more, "I know you will. Now, there is one matter I'd like to bring to your attention." He turned to one of the guards, "Please show Duncan in." The guard saluted and open a door. A man entered the hall. Elissa could almost feel him enter the room. It was an…odd sensation to say the least. His skin was tan, earned by years of travel, no doubt. His beard and hair were black with streaks of gray and was unkempt, giving him a grizzled look. "This is Duncan, leader of the Grey Wardens here in Ferelden."

"Bryce, you didn't tell me that there was a Grey Warden here," Howe looked genuinely surprised.

"He only arrived last night, unannounced. Is there a problem?"

"Of course not," Howe cleared his throat. "But a Grey Warden demands certain protocol. I am at a disadvantage."

"I've never met one of your order before. It's an honor to met you," Elissa bowed slightly. "But if I might ask, what are doing all the way up here in Highever?"

"With a Blight under way, we will need as many Grey Wardens as we can on hand," he spoke gently despite his appearance.

"I believe he's here to test Ser Gilmore," Bryce interjected.

"And if I might be so bold, I believe your daughter would be an excellent candidate. I watched your bouts this morning with the soldiers. It was quiet impressive," he smiled.

Elissa felt her cheeks color, "I…I'm honored."

"Honor though this might be, she is my daughter," Bryce stepped between them. "I've not so many children that I would gladly see them all off to battle. She will be staying here. Unless you intend to invoke the Right of Conscription?" Her father's voice had a dangerous edge to it.

Elissa felt her heart skip a beat. Wardens could Conscript anyone, murders, theives, kings and princes. If he choice to do it, her father would be exceptional angry but she would become a Grey Warden. She was both thrilled and terrified of the prospect.

"While I need as many good recruits as I can find, I have no intention of forcing the issue," Duncan bowed.

The tension in the room eased. Bryce stepped back and address Elissa once more. "Pup, please ensure that Duncan's requests are met while I'm gone."

"Of course," her eyes flicked over to Duncan.

"Now, find Fergus and tell him to led the troopers Ostagar ahead of me," her father turned his attention back to Howe and Duncan.

Elissa knew a dismissal when she heard it, and after Duncan's declaration, he would want her as far away from Duncan as she could be. "Very well, father." She smiled, "Duncan, I look forward to speaking with you again." She turned and left quick, her father's exasperated sigh following her out the door. Just a little revenge for not taking her with him.

She sighed, above all else, the Couslands fulfilled their duty. She started walking toward her brothers room. The inner corridors of the castle were quiet compared to the outer courtyard. The guards saluted her as she passed them by. She acknowledged them with a nod.

It was a grime thought, becoming the teyrna of Highever. She was the second child and Fergus was always destined for it. He was eight years older, married, and had had a son. He commanded the respect of the soldiers and loved the people of Highever. She would only inherit the title if they were both dead. She didn't want to be teryna if that was what it took.

"There you are!" Ser Gilmore came around a corner smiling. He marched up to her, "Your mother said that the teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt."

"Given who was there, that was probably a wise choice," she pushed her dark thoughts away.

"Yes, I had heard that the arl had arrived. But the reason I was looking for you is your hound has the kitchen in an uproar again. Nan is threatening to leave," Ser Gilmore looked behind her.

"Is he in the larder, again?" Elissa sighed.

"No matter how the maids try, he always finds a way in. I thought it best if his mistress were to fetch him. Anyone else would be in danger of having an arm bitten off," Ser Gilmore looked passed her again.

"We should go collect him then."

"I agree, but I think we should visit the treasury first. Your father had stationed guards there, but I don't see anyone," Gilmore motioned behind her. She nodded and he walked passed her. She followed him down to the treasury and he opened the door. The guardsmen were sitting with a deck of cards in front of them. "What's all this then?"

They jumped, banging their knees on the table. "Ser Gilmore, we were…"

"Taking a break?" Elissa finished for them.

The blood drained from both their faces. "Lady Elissa, we…we're not even sure why the Teyrn stationed us here. I know it's not our place to question our orders."

"My father likely wanted to have the treasury watched because of the increased traffic in the castle. My family's sword and shield are in here. My father has entrusted the two of you to guard it. I know it's not a glorious posting, but it is an important one," Elissa walked closer to them. "Hundreds of years of Cousland family would be lost if it were stolen. Please, tell me I can count on you to guard them."

"My lady, we apologize. You can count on us," the guard saluted. The second saluted as well. They went to their post.

Ser Gilmore lead the way back out and closed the door behind her, "That was well handled."

"Well, some of my father was bound rub off on me," she smiled. "We should head to the kitchen."

"Indeed, I think I can hear Nan yelling from here," he smiled as well.

"Will you be staying at the castle?"

"Yes, I had wanted to go with your father. I'm uncertain as to why he has asked me to remain behind," he sounded melancholy.

"Did you know there was a Grey Warden here?"

"A Grey Warden? Here, at the castle? Did you get to meet them?"

She laughed lightly. "Ser Gilmore, you sound absolutely giddy." His cheeks colored slightly. "Yes, the Grey Warden is here and he wants to test you for recruitment."

"Me? When I was young I use to dream about being a Grey Warden. To be even considered to join their order," he paused. "I hope that wasn't…"

"No, it wasn't. It would be a great honor." Elissa kept pace with him.

"I'm slightly surprised that he's not here to test you as well," he looked back at her.

"Father didn't take the suggestion of my recruitment well. I'm being left in charge while he and Fergus are away." Elissa could hear barking now. "Let's go see what trouble Juri has caused." Fergus opened the door to the kitchen.

A wizened old woman yelled at two elves, "Get the dog out of the larder."

"Mistress, it bites at us anytime we get near," the elf pleaded.

"Calm down good woman. We've come to help," Ser Gilmore announced their presence.

"You. And you." Nan turned to them, glaring at Elissa. Nan had been her nanny when she was young and stayed on to become the castle's cook. "Get that bloody dog out of the larder! I've got enough to worry about with a castle full of hunger soldiers."

"I'm sorry, Nan," Elissa spoke softly.

She groaned, "Just get him out." Nan turned back to the elves, "Why are you just standing there? Get out of the way!" The elves scrambled out of the way.

Elissa walked over and opened the door. A massive dog sniffed at the ground in the kitchen storeroom. The dog was breed for war. Large, powerful jaw, large shoulder muscles, and the dog was strong and fast enough to pull a man off a horse. Elissa stepped inside, "Juri."

He stopped and looked over at her. He barked happily wagging his stub of a tail. "Didn't I tell you not to bother Nan?" Elissa scolded him. He whined and looked around the room.

"I'd like to know how he even gets in here. The maids swear the door was locked," Ser Gilmore closed the door.

Juri ran around the room sniffing. "Is something wrong, Juri?" He whined as he looked around.

"It does seem that he's." Ser Gilmore paused. "Did you hear that?"

A rat, the size of a small cat, ran out toward them. Elissa drew her sword, as did Ser Gilmore. She severed it's head with a single clean swipe. Suddenly, rats started pouring into the room. Juri bit down on one, crushing it, while Elissa and Ser Gilmore killed all the ones that got close to them. Elissa kicked one that started to naw at her boot. Juri snatched it out of the air and shook it violently.

"That was unexpected!" Elissa looked at the dead rats.

"It's like the start of every bad adventure story my grandfather use to tell me."

Elissa laughed, "In this case it might be the beginning of your adventure story. I'll take this as a good sign for you."

"It's also a bad sign. We have rat from the Kocari Wilds from time to time, but never this many," he frowned. "The Blight must be driving them north."

Juri sat at her feet looking up at Elissa. He gave out a low whine. "Yes, you did a very good job protecting the larder. Hopefully, Nan will see it that way." He barked in agreement.

"It might be best not to mention it to her. She has enough to worry about." Ser Gilmore looked at his feet, "Well, if there is nothing else, I do have other duties to attend to before the teyrn leaves."

"Ser Gilmore," Elissa stopped him. "Rory, when you become a Grey Warden, know that you will always be welcome here."

"Thank you, Lady Elissa," he smiled as he retreated.

She sighed. He never called her just Elissa anymore. "Come on, Juri. Now we have to face Nan."

She left the storeroom and Nan's eyes locked onto Juri, "Look at him, licking his chops as brazen as you please!" The servants snuck passed them. "After helping himself to the roast, no doubt."

"He's a good dog, Nan," Elissa patted his head.

"Mistress, there are rats in here. It looks like the dog killed them," the male elf stuck his head out.

Nan's expression softened, "Probably let the vermin in." Juri tilted his head and whined. "Oh, don't give me the sad eyes. I'm immune to your so-called charm." Juri whined again. Nan sighed, turned to the table, and grabbed some meat scraps, "Take these, and don't say Nan never gives you anything." Nan turned her attention back to Elissa, "Have you been behaving?"

"Yes, Nan. I," Elissa started.

"Aurdey, stoke the fire! And don't get dirt in the food. You think you can serve that to the teyrn with dirt in it," Nan yelled.

"Miserable old bat," one of the servant mumbled.

"Old bat, am I? Just for that, you can clear out the ashes and don't make a mess of it!"

"Busy day?" Elissa smiled.

"The teyrn expects everything to be in order while he's gone. I expect you to uphold your family's name. Just because you're an adult doesn't mean that I won't put you over my knee and spank you," Nan wagged her finger at her.

Elissa smiled. Nan would always see her as that ten-year old girl wrestling in the mud with her brother. "You know I'd never do anything to hurt my families name. Speaking of family, I need to find Fergus. I'll come by tomorrow, Nan." Nan nodded and went back to work, yelling at the elves as she left.

Juri padded softly ahead of her. She turned up the walkway to the guest and family quarters. Her mother stood in the atrium with several guest. Eleanor Cousland stood straight as an arrow. Her dress was a beautiful shade of lavender that brought out the green of her eyes. Her once earthy brown hair had turned gray like her father's. Eleanor's narrow eyebrows arched as she spotted her.

"Ah, and here is my lovely daughter. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound that the situation in the kitchen has been resolved," her mother's eyebrow arched slightly higher. Elissa had her mother's vivid green eyes.

"Yes, Nan is back to work as we speak," Elissa patted Juri's head as he whined.

"Ah, good. You've always had a way with Nan." Her mother motioned to her right, "You remember Lady Landra, don't you?"

"I believe we meet at our mother's spring saloon," Landra smiled.

Ah, yes. She had been quite drunk. "Yes, a pleasure to see you again."

"Your too kind," Landra laughed, though Elissa wasn't certain what was funny. "Didn't I spend half of the time trying to convince you to marry my son?"

"And made a very poor case of it," Landra's son added.

"My son, Darrien. He's not married, either," Lady Landra dropped a less than subtle hint.

"Don't listen to her," Darrien's voice carried an edge of annoyance. "It's good to see you again, my lady. You're as beautiful as ever."

"Flatterer," Elissa smiled pleasantly. She actually like Darrien, but he wasn't really a warrior.

Landra eyed her son with an encouraging glance. "And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona." A blonde elf curtsied. "Do say something."

"It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother described," Iona smiled gently.

"She says that after watching you sweat like a pig this morning," her mother scoffed.

"Your prowess with a blade is most impressive," Darrien jumped to her defense.

"I was quiet the battle maiden in my day as well, but it was my softer skills that landed me a husband," her mother eyed Landra.

"Mother, please, I can handle my own affairs," Elissa tried to divert the conversation.

"Clearly not," Eleanor wouldn't let it drop.

"I believe I will retire to my room," Lady Landra announced before they could get truly started. "It was a long journey and I fear it has fatigued me. If you will excuse me." Landra moved away.

"I will go to the study, I think," Darrrien excused himself. Iona moved off with him.

Now she was alone with her mother. "Do you know that father is leave me behind?"

"Of course, dear. I'll be leaving in a few days as well, to stay at Lady Landra's estate. Your father was worried my presence might undermine your authority," Eleanor stated.

"Oh?" Elissa felt her heart jump into her throat. "I hope you have a nice time. I don't know what you will do if you can't order people around though."

"You better watch that sass. Don't think I can't still take you over my knee and spank you." They shared a giggle knowing that Nan was the only one who had ever done that. "I was afraid that you would be nervous about taking of everything."

"I am, but you and father wouldn't let me unless I was ready. I just hope that the position doesn't become a more permanent. I worry about the darkspawn in the south. I know how many people we have left. We wouldn't be able to hold long if we have to fight the horde," Elissa frowned. "I suppose we are lucky that the Grey Warden caught the Blight while still in the Wilds. Did you know there was a Grey Warden here?"

"I hope you haven't gotten a fool's notion of getting recruited," her mother grew serious.

"Duncan is here to test Ser Gilmore. That aside, father would never allow it. He made it very clear to me and the Grey Warden that I was ineligible for recruitment," Elissa took her mother's comment in stride.

"Good, I would not be able to bear it if you were to march off to war with your father and brother. I feel sick in my heart just thinking losing either of them." Eleanor Cousland was not prone to moments of weakness. Elissa laid a hand on her shoulder. "I love you my darling daughter. You know that, don't you?"

"I do," Elissa assured her.

She swore that she saw her mother wipe away a tear, "Now I'm sure you have better things to do than worry about this."

"Yes, I still need to let Fergus know to go ahead with the troops. Howe's men have been delayed it seems," Elissa started to more away.

"Arl Howe," her mother corrected. "Well, go on now."

Elissa bowed to her mother, "Of course, Teyrna Cousland." She smiled as her mother glared at her.

Juri barked happily and they jogged toward her brother's room. Her brother shared his room with Oriana and their six year-old son, Oren. Elissa knocked on his door before entering. Fergus held his wife in his arms while his son sat on one of the chairs.

Oren was the first to notice her, "Auntie!" Oren ran over to her. She bent down and swung him around.

Elissa sat him back down, "Oren! How is my favorite nephew?"

"I'm alright, but I wish father wasn't going away. It makes mom sad," Oren frowned.

"It makes me a little sad too, Oren, but your daddy is a brave warrior and, Maker willing, he'll be back before you know it." Elissa cupped his chin. She looked over at her brother and Oriana. They were looking fondly down at their son. "Perhaps we should let them be alone for a moment."

Fergus chuckled, "No, dear sister. I would have you see me off before I go to war."

Elissa stood and walked toward them, Oren holding her hand. "I wish I was going with you. You're the heir. You should be the one staying behind and settling disputes over fishing rights."

"I wish you were coming as well. It will be tiring killing all those darkspawn myself," Fergus smiled.

"In Antiva, a woman fighting in battle would be…unthinkable," Oriana's accent showed through. In the eight years she had been in Fereldan her accent had softened quite a bit.

"I always thought Antivian women were suppose to be quite dangerous," Fergus teased.

"Only with words and poison, my husband," a smile crept up on her face.

"This from the woman who pours me my tea," he kissed her gently.

"You're the one who married her," Elissa added.

"Hey now!" Fergus objected. Oren laughed. Elissa and Oriana giggled.

"I did come up here with a message. Father wants you to go ahead with the soldiers," Elissa cleared her throat.

"You'd think the Arl's men were all walking backward!" Fergus sighed. "Well, off I go then. So many darkspawn to behead, so little time. I see you soon, my love," Fergus kissed her again. "You be good for your mother and Auntie, Oren."

"I will daddy. And if the darkspawn come, I kill them with my sward of truthiness." He slashed the air with an invisible sword.

"Truthiness?" Elissa asked.

"We've been teaching him about honesty," Oriana smiled at him.

"I would have hoped that you would wait for us before taking your leave, Fergus," Bryce entered the room with Eleanor.

"Be well, my son. I will pray for your safety everyday that you are gone," Eleanor took his hand.

"You could have told me you planned to come up here yourself," Elissa glared at her father.

"And miss having my son and daughter in the same room? Never," he smiled at her.

"Maker sustain and preserve us all," Oriana prayed. "Watch over our sons, husbands, and fathers, and bring them safely back to us."

"And bring us some ale and wrenches," Fergus interrupted, "for the men of course."

"I can't believe you would say that in front of your mother!" Oriana slapped his shoulder.

"Wat's a wrench? Is that what you use to get the bucket out of the well?" Oren asked.

"A wrench is a woman who serves ale in a tavern, or a woman who drinks a lot of ale," Bryce commented.

"Bryce!" Eleanor stared at him. "Maker's breath, I swear it's like living with a pair of small boys. Luckily, I have a daughter."

Fergus laughed, "I'll miss you most, mother dearest. Look after her, won't you sister?"

"I doubt she'll need me to do that. If anything, she should be the one fighting the darkspawn," Elissa smiled.

"Enough," Bryce wrapped his hand around his wife's waist. "Pup, you'll want to go to bed early tonight. You'll have a lot to do tomorrow."

"Being sent to bed are we?" Fergus teased.

"I think I'll go to grandfather's study for a while," Elissa announced. "Some elderly folks might want to sleep though. You know how they get if they're up too late."

"Didn't I tell you to watch that sass?" her mother asked as she made a quick retreat.