It Starts

I’ve decided to flex my imagination a bit, and keep a “journal” from my Dragon Age:Origins latest character’s perspective. I haven’t written any fictional stories since I was 12, but it seemed like a fun project. This is part one.

My name is Teressa Cousland, daughter of Teyrn Bryce Cousland and Teyrna Eleanor. I answer to many names however. “Tressa”, as my little nephew Ohren called me before he could form my name properly. “My Lady” as the staff and soldiers address me. “Pup” seems to be my parents’ favorite endearment. Home is Castle Cousland, in the land of Highever on the northern coast of Ferelden. This, is my story.

I awoke to the familiar sounds of barking warhounds, clanging swords, and orders being shouted. Some would say it was odd that as a noble woman, they were my favorite sounds. But I suppose I’m not your average noble female. Preparations are being made to send our troops to Ostagar, to fight a threat more evil than politics. A Blight.

I rushed to put on my armor and get to the courtyard and train for a while. Some say my being trained as a warrior is unladylike and sure to keep the men away. I think that is to my advantage actually. Sons of nobles are entirely too prissy most of the time. My Nan could bet most of them in a fair fight and she’s…well, she’s old.

I made it to the training yard in time to work out some frustration, only to be summoned to the great hall by my father. Much to my disappointment, when I arrived he was entertaining Arl Howe. Oh how that man does make me cringe. There is something about him that makes me uneasy. Perhaps his habit of trying to pawn off his simpering son Thomas on me. The thought alone makes me sick. I have no desire to be some noble’s wife to be paraded around as a prize winning mule. Especially with that family nose. Horrid. Howe sees my refusal to entertain the thought as a result of my father’s choice to have me trained as a warrior. A “unique” decision as he calls it. I don’t see what is so unique, before marrying my father, Mother was quite the battlemaiden herself.

It turns out, my father wishes me to carry a message to my brother Fergus. Howe’s troops are delayed, and he must head to Ostagar without my father. I am to be in charge of the castle until they return. I tried my best to argue that I should go with Fergus and fight, but my father would have none of that.

It was then he introduced me to the dark, quiet stranger I had seen on my way in. As the man made his way to us, I sensed something dark about him, yet gentle and kind. This was a man to be trusted. Unlike our other guest. His name was Duncan, and he was one of the great heroes of our lands. A Gray Warden. My teacher had taught me much of them, and I greatly admired them. He was here to recruit Ser Gilmore, my oldest and dearest friend…one of our best guards. I was to see to his needs.

The conversation then took a shocking turn, he wished to recruit me as well. I joyfully said I’d do  so…but my father, again, refused. He says he has not so many children that he’d send them all off to battle. Gray Wardens possess the right of conscription, but it is rarely used, and unfortunately for me…I would still not see any battle.

I then set off to find my brother and deliver his message. No sense listening to war plans if I can’t be a part of it.

As I was heading towards the chambers, Ser Gilmore came running up to me with the news that my Mabari Warhound had invaded Nan’s larder. This is never good, Nan has threatened to quit many times over this habit of his. But, she is still here. It turns out, Shadow, brilliant hound that he is… had found giant rats invading, and was simply defending the kitchen. I’m very lucky to have my own Mabari, mostly they are used only in war, and kept in kennels. Not as pets. But Shadow is special. And smart, unlike most human males I’ve known. I’ve had him since I reached the age of 16, and for the last four years he has never left my side, nor unfortunately, obeyed anyone except his mistress. With that crisis averted, I went back to my task.

On my way through the Atrium, I found my mother entertaining some of our noble friends. I never remember the woman’s name, only that the last I saw her she was completely drunk at a party we attended. But here she was, with her son and lady in waiting. The son…a strange young man, rather feminine, immediately begins flirting with me. Disgusting. I told him to go soak his head, much to my mother’s disappointment. This of course led to yet another discussion about getting me married. Remembering my errand, and having an excuse, I left again to find Fergus.

When I finally found him, he was in his quarters with his lovely young wife and son. They were so cute together it warmed my heart. I of course told him they were making me ill. I can’t have them thinking I might want some of that warmth and contentment for myself, else they’ll get to trying to marry me off as well. My ruse failed of course, and I was informed I’ll find a man that can handle me. HA! Handle me, right.  Thankfully I was spared by my parents entering the room. Making me wonder in fact, why had I been asked to deliver this message if my father was coming here in the first place?

I had been tricked it seems. Father simply wanted us all in one room before he headed off to battle. Had I known what was to come that evening…I’d have appreciated his effort much more.

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