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The Last of the Couslands	By : MistressofMagic Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4401 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware and EA own everything associated with the Dragon Age universe. I am making no money off of this fan fiction.

Chapter List
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Chapter 1
Castle Cousland
            Bridget lay half asleep in her bed with Zeus at its foot. Today marked her twentieth birthday, as well as the day her brother and father would head off to Ostagar to aid King Cailan against the Darkspawn. After countless nights of sneaking out of her room to listen to her father and brother, Bridget had deduced that Fereldon was about to suffer a Blight. Although neither Bryce nor Fergus directly stated it was, they always hinted at the possibility. She assumed nobody ever stated that it was a true Blight was because the thought of it was just horrible. It would throw the citizens of Fereldon into quite a squander that was for sure. Bridget had tried so hard to convince her father to let her go with them, but alas she always received the same answer. She honestly didn’t understand what the point was of her being a warrior since she was not allowed to go and fight anywhere. It annoyed her to no end when everyone complimented her on how wonderful she fought but then when she asked them if she could join them in a real battle, they said she was too “inexperienced.” Bridget grimaced and groaned when a wave of sunlight flooded into her room and onto her face.
            “Come on girl, up you go!” Nan shouted.
Bridget frowned and pulled a pillow over her face.
            “Nan, five more minutes?” she whimpered.
Without Bridget even looking at her she knew that Nan had placed her hands on her hips.
            “Do you really believe you’ll be able to get to sleep in five minutes, girl? Now get up, come now I have to get you washed and dressed quickly so that I may return to the kitchen. There are over fifty men here today and they’ll all be hungry!”
Bridget sighed and removed her pillow. She sat up and yawned, stretching her arms out at her side. The sunlight that seeped in through the window warmed Bridget’s face and caused her already golden hair to gleam ever more. She swung her legs over the side of her bed and followed Nan into the adjacent washroom.
            “Oh and by the way,” Nan began as she turned to face Bridget.
Bridget raised an eyebrow.
            “Yes?” she asked.
Nan smiled and withdrew a box of cookies from her apron pocket.
            “I’ve baked your favorite cookies, just for you since today is your birthday.”
Bridget took the box of cookies from Nan and threw her arms around the old woman.
            “Thank you so much, Nan! You know how I love these!”
Nan rolled her eyes but smiled regardless and hugged her back.
            “Yes of course I do, they always seem to disappear whenever I bake them and you always seem to have a great interest in hanging about the kitchen when I do. Come now; let’s not stray from the task at hand.”
She turned to the water basin and began to fill it with water from buckets Bridget guessed she had the elves bring up before Nan woke her up. Nan placed some soap on the edge and turned to look at Bridget.
            “Alright, now once you’ve finished here your father wishes to speak with you, he’s in the Main Hall.”
            “Got it, thanks Nan.” Bridget replied as she popped a cookie in her mouth.
Nan walked out of the room, closing the door behind her and shooing Zeus out of her way. Bridget removed her gown and sat in the basin. She washed up and soon enough was standing in her normal attire which consisted of some light armor. After strapping her sword and shield to her back, Bridget sat on the edge of her bed and laced her boots. She then checked her reflection in the mirror. Her mother would not be pleased if she did not put just a bit of makeup on, so Bridget commenced into lining her eyes with kohl and applying blush to her cheeks. After that she exited her room and made her way down to Main Hall. Nan wasn’t joking, Bryce’s soldiers lined the halls and waved and greeted her as she passed. Bridget heard her father’s voice in the distance and picked up pace finally walking through the door to see the Main Hall also filled with soldiers. Her father grinned when he saw her and addressed her.
            “Ah there you are pup. You remember Arl Rendon Howe?”
Bridget smiled and bowed politely to the Arl of Amaranthine. Howe smiled at her.
            “Your daughter has grown into a fine young woman, Bryce. Happy Birthday my dear. My son sends his regards as well…”
Bridget forced a smile. For the past five years Howe had been trying to set his son up with her. Bridget politely refused the offer as nicely as she possibly could always stating that his son was quite a few years younger than she, which was true. Now however, Bridget was getting a little tired of the topic. She opted to ignore Howe’s remark about his son completely.
            “Thank you. Nan said you wished to see me Father?”
Bryce nodded.
            “Indeed. I need you to seek out your brother and tell him that I will march out to Ostagar tomorrow instead of tonight.”
Bridget raised an eyebrow.
            “Why the change of plans?” she asked slowly.
Howe cleared his throat.
            “It is my fault my lady. My soldiers were set back by a sudden Darkspawn attack and will not arrive until morning. Your father has graciously offered to stay behind and march with my men and me.”
Bridget looked at her father.
            “You still want Fergus to go tonight though?”
Bryce nodded.
            “Yes, you know how fast he can ride. He will reach Ostagar and inform the king of our setback.”
Bridget saw this as a good chance to mention joining her brother.
            “Well, shouldn’t someone go with him, you know…to make sure he gets there safely?”
Bryce and Howe both chuckled. Bryce placed his hands on his daughter’s shoulders and looked at her.
            “I know my dear Bridget that you wish to fight with us but trust me, you are much safer here. I do not want you out there, not yet when you are still so young. Your brother is quite formidable and can handle himself. He will be taking some guards with him; the others will stay behind and march with Howe’s men tomorrow with us.”
            “You could send all your men tonight with Fergus, if you wished, Bryce. If you do that, at least King Cailan will have one formidable army with him already at Ostagar.”
Bryce chuckled and turned to Howe.
            “Nonsense. We march together, my friend.”
Bridget glanced at Howe and thought she saw a flicker of anger cross his face, but before she could inquire, a bearded man approached them. Bryce turned and shook the man’s hand.
            “Ah Duncan, it is good to see you. Find any good recruits amongst my men?” he asked.
Duncan smiled.
            “Thank you for letting me come, Bryce. I have seen a few…”
He turned his head and his dark eyes landed on Bridget.
            “Is this your daughter, Bryce?”
Bryce nodded. Duncan held out his hand.
            “I thought as much, she looks just like Eleanor. A pleasure to meet you, I am Duncan, Senior Grey Warden.”
Bridget’s eyes widened.
            “You’re a Grey Warden?” she asked.
Throughout her childhood, Nan had always told stories of the Grey Wardens to Bridget. Their amazing feats and remarkable talents and renown had always sparked an interest in the young Cousland. Now that she was in the presence of one, Bridget felt very honored. So much so that she bowed.
            “It is an honor to be in your presence.” She said.
Bridget knew it was impossible to remain formal and immediately broke out into a rant.
            “I’ve heard so many stories growing up! Is it really as glorious as they say? Is an Arch Demon as fierce and frightening as the legends describe it?”
Howe smirked.
            “Why Bryce, I thought your daughter was turning twenty today? She sounds not a day over seven!” he exclaimed.
Bridget narrowed her eyes at him, but turned her attention back to Duncan.
Duncan chuckled.
            “Well I am very honored that you regard the Grey Wardens with such enthusiasm. I am actually looking for some new recruits. You know Bryce, your daughter here would make a very formidable,”
Bryce shook his head.
            “Absolutely not. She is far too young; I will not stand for that.”
Duncan nodded.
            “Very well.”
Bridget frowned.
            “But father,”
Bryce shook his head.
            “No, pup. Now please fetch your brother.” Bryce stated.
Bridget sighed. She was quite sure Duncan had only said that to make her feel good and not really meant it. If she wasn’t allowed to even go out on the battle field, Andraste forbid she actually become a Grey Warden!
Duncan smiled.
            “If you happen to run into Ser Gilmore along the way, can you please tell him that I am looking for him? I believe he will make a fine recruit.”
Bridget nodded and bid farewell to them all. She turned and decided to search for Fergus first. Bridget had a feeling he would be with his wife and son. She began to walk down the outside halls; the slight chill that autumn brought clung to her skin and drifted through her hair.
            “My lady! There you are!”
Bridget turned to see Ser Gilmore approaching her.
            “I’m glad I found you, there’s some trouble in the kitchen that only you can fix.”
Bridget raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms.
            “I’m afraid the only way I could be of use in the kitchen is if Nan made too many cookies and needed help in disposing of them.”
Gilmore laughed and shook his head.
            “If only it were that easy. No, your dog has gotten into the larder again and Nan is having a fit.”
Bridget frowned and sighed.
            “Great…and Nan was in such a good mood already this morning.”
Gilmore laughed again and beckoned for Bridget to follow him. Knowing that she would not get to Fergus unless this was taken care of first, she followed.
            “Actually, I’m glad you ran into me, I have a message for you.” Bridge said.
Gilmore looked at her.
            “Oh? From whom?” he asked.
            “The Grey Warden, Duncan wishes to meet with you, he is seeking new recruits.”
Gilmore stopped walking and gaped at her.
            “Really?” he asked.
Bridget smiled halfheartedly and nodded.
            “Yep, he wants to speak with you.”
Gilmore grinned.
            “Excellent, I’ll head there after we take care of the larder problem.”
Bridget and Gilmore stood outside the kitchen entrance and entered to find a very angry Nan shouting at the elf servants. She turned and looked at the two new arrivals and set about to nag their ears off instead.
            “There you are, get that damned dog of yours out of my larder! I can’t cook like this!” she shouted.
Bridget giggled and made her way to the larder.
            “Oh relax Nan, he’s just a dog, he’s bound to get into things that he shouldn’t.”
She opened the larder and poked her head inside. Sure enough, Zeus was inside running back and forth and barking.
            “What is it boy?” Bridget asked him as she stepped inside the larder with Gilmore behind her.
Zeus walked over to a rather large hole and growled. Bridget withdrew her sword that was strapped to her back.
            “Gilmore…” she said uneasily.
Before he could respond, five large rats emerged from the hole and set about to biting their feet. Luckily they couldn’t bite through shoes and Bridget killed them quickly. When no more rats emerged, she walked back out of the larder and explained everything to Nan, who of course did not believe her and cursed poor Zeus anyway. Bridget and Gilmore left the kitchen with Zeus and headed back outside.
            “Well I should be off to see what Duncan wants. See you soon, Bridget.”
Bridget nodded and watched him walk off. Now that that was over with, she could go to Fergus without anymore interruptions, or so she thought because as she rounded the corner, Bridget ran into her mother and three other people. Eleanor smiled and held out her hand to her daughter. Bridget took it and smiled.
            “Hello, Mother.”
            “Ah my daughter, you remember Lady Landra do you not?” Eleanor said as she looked at the woman she was standing with. Lady Landra was a good friend to the Couslands, her husband being one of Bryce’s most trusted allies.
Lady Landra smiled sweetly at Bridget.
            “Happy birthday my dear, you have not forgotten my son, Darrien?”
Bridget turned to see the tall and awkward man that was Darrien. His bright red hair looked as if it were gleaming orange in the sun. She smiled politely at him but now knew that she must get away quickly to Fergus. Eleanor had been trying to get Bridget into a relationship with Darrien for the longest time, but Bridget always vehemently refused. She had to get away, and fast because Darrien had quite an aptitude for chatting and not knowing when to stop. Before he could even open his mouth to say anything, Bridget asked,
            “Do you know where Fergus is, Mother? Father has asked me to look for him.”
Eleanor nodded.
            “Ah yes, he is with Oriana and Orhen. We will speak later, my dear.”
Bridget bid farewell and walked away as quickly as her legs would take her without breaking out into a run. Darrien had always liked her…but he was too strange for Bridget’s taste. Not to mention his breath smelled like a nug that had been rolling around in a pile of mud. Bridget reached Fergus’s room and knocked lightly before entering. Bridget smiled as her nephew, Orhen ran up to her to give her a hug.
            “Auntie Bridget! Will you teach me how to be a warrior like you? Mum won’t let me learn, but I want to be like Papa!” he exclaimed.
Fergus emerged from the corner chuckling loudly followed by Oriana.
            “I am trying to teach him principles of kindness…he does not have to wield a sword just yet.” She said defensively in her rich Antivan accent..
Bridget tsked and patted Orhen on his head.
            “Sorry Sweets (as she often called him since they both shared a love for candies and pastries), if your mum doesn’t want you to learn yet then I can’t teach you.”
Orhen frowned and grumbled something under his breath before returning to stand next to Fergus.
            “I am sorry father will not let you accompany us, my sister. I tried my hardest to persuade him…but you know father…”
Bridget sighed and nodded.
            “Oh well, next time for me I suppose. Speaking of father, he won’t be accompanying you tonight.”
Fergus looked at her.
            “Why not?” he asked.
Bridget explained everything that she had been told earlier. Fergus nodded.
            “Very well, I should get ready to leave then.” He stated.
Oriana placed her hand in his and frowned.
            “Please be careful, my husband.” She whispered before kissing him.
Orhen walked up to him and hugged him tightly.
            “I’ll miss you, Papa.”
            “He will be fine my grandson, do not worry.”
Bridget turned to see Bryce and Eleanor enter the room. Bryce patted Fergus on his back.
            “He is a good warrior, your father.”
Fergus smiled and hugged his father and mother. He then turned to Bridget and embraced her tightly.
            “Try not to get into trouble whilst I’m away. I’m leaving you to guard the fort here.”
Orhen nodded.
            “That’s right! Auntie Bridget is going to look after me and mummy while Papa is away!”
Bridget chuckled and ruffled Orhen’s hair before hugging her brother back.
            “Come back in one piece, Fergus lest I make crude jokes about missing limbs for the rest of your life.”
Fergus laughed and pulled away.
            “That’s my sister, always joking till the end. Right then, I’ll set off immediately. I’ll see you there, tomorrow, Father.”
Bryce nodded. Bridget watched as Fergus left the room.
            “Be safe, my brother. Be strong.”
The rest of the day continued to dwindle away. Once again Bridget was forced to stay home while everyone else got to test their blade against their enemies. How she longed to join them…but apparently she was “too weak” and “inexperienced”. As night fall fell and the deep velvet of night swallowed up the bright blue of day, Bridget lay in her bed and drifted off to sleep, completely unaware that she would indeed get to fight in a battle, right here in her very own home.
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The Last of the Couslands