Dragon Age Origins

Rats

I walked into the main chamber to find Father. One of the guards had found me in the library. I was supposed to be listening and helping our old tutor. really I was just imitating his hand movements and making the small children laugh during his lesson. He was gray-haired and wore tacky, thick robes.

"Pup! You remember Arl Howe. He will march with your brother and I to help the King." I put on a kind smile. Really, I hated Arl Howe. He was sneaky and had a mean look in his eye. But my mother rose me to be a diplomat, so calling him out was out of the question.

"Of course. Is your family here with you?" Howe grimaces, but quickly smiles and replies, "No. But my son is always asking after you. He's had his eye on you since that ball at the Royal Palace two years ago." But he quickly adds, "Although we expect nothing." I chuckle light-heartedly trying to hide my slight blush. His son had always been infatuated with me. He was handsome, rich, much kinder than his father, but had no sense of humor and was devastatingly possible. Although Father and Arl Howe would never say it, they wished we would marry.

"We shall have to see what the future holds." I try to be elusive with my discontent for Arl Howe's son. He nods his head and my father then takes over the conversation. "Pup, I called you here to tell you we will be marching out soon." I try and fail to hide my shock. They weren't supposed to leave till tomorrow. What about my brother, Fergus? I hadn't gotten to say goodbye yet. "Tomorrow? But..." He holds up his hand to stop me. "You'll be in charge while we're away. You know what they say about the mice when the cat is away. And, I just wanted to tell you, you might want to wish your brother off and say goodbye." I nod. "Was that all, Father?"

"No. Duncan, the Grey Warden is visiting. I ask that you-" but then a dark skinned man with dark hair and a lavish, well kept beard in armor walked in. His posture spoke of importance, but at the same time an almost sadness perhaps. His armor was magnificent. With shining silver and engravings in patriotic colors and beautiful patterns. His sword and dagger on his back matched, obviously a set.

"My lords, I hope I am not interrupting?" He asked. His accent was Rivaini. "Of course not Duncan! Let me introduce you to my daughter. Tallis." I bow slightly. Curtsying was not going to happen in this leather armor. "Charmed, Tallis." He says genuinely, bowing. "The honor is all mine, Duncan of the Grey Wardens." I smile brightly.

A Grey Warden? In Highever? What was he here for? Was he recruiting? Rumors are a blight is on the way, could he be here to take someone back with him. Everyone knew the legendary tales of the Grey Wardens. They were valiant heroes who spent their lives killing darkspawn, vile creatures in which walked on two legs. They used makeshift weapons and some even weld magic, though that was only an old wives' tale. But if a Grey Warden was here, that could mean someone might be joining him in his adventures to save the world. That someone might just be me.

"A Grey Warden! There is social protocol! It puts me at the- disadvantage." Howe slowly regroups and turns his unfriendly grimace to a look of fake shock. My dislike of Arl Howe did not escape my face however. And before I could think, I had rolled my eyes. In front of esteemed guests! My mother would be horrified. But I didn't care. I had stopped caring long ago about being a disappointment in Mother's eyes. I was always in trouble with either Mother, Nan (our cook and my old nurse), or the tutor.

I liked trouble. Even as a child I pranked guards and pulled pranks on visiting dignitaries.