Preparations

"This look is new... I like it." As he touched the book and pen, it became physical in his hands. "Awesome... let's see here..." He began writing the input code to add one copper coin, hoping it would work. Unsure of how to activate it without a keyboard, he crossed it off with the pen. The writing began to shimmer before disappearing, leaving a pop-up in his vision, saying that he received 1 copper coin. "Good... now to see if this works. Other mods appeared, so this should work." Knowing he didn't need money at present, he instead began plugging codes to add two leaf-blade daggers and a Dalish longbow, knowing that he would need them soon. He then quickly added the Prowler Coat from DA:I to his inventory. "Everything is ready... need to change clothes..." He started going back into his room, where he immediately ducked under the same duster from before. "Ah, Lucia, hang on, I need to change clothes. These are dirty as a Darkspawn, so I need to look my best today."

"I barely believe that, young man, but fine, you have five minutes before I chase you out in whatever you're wearing." Lucia, a master of her craft, was more than capable of doing so, as the Teyrna had trained her how to handle her kids. "Compared to when you first arrived, whatever you wear is better than the rags you showed up in."

"Agreed." He said, memories beginning to pour in. He was adopted into the Cousland family at the request of one of the Teyrn's old comrades from his time serving as a soldier during the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden. Despite being a City Elf, Aedan's father was a master marksman, and had saved many lives, including Bryce's. Ten years ago, when Aedan was 8, his family had the misfortune of being almost entirely killed when a child who had just discovered a gift for magic in the home above theirs accidentally tried to use magic without any training. The incident was devastating, blowing the whole building away in the process. Aedan barely made it out alive, with his father using his dying body to ferry his child to Bryce, who happened to be in town that day and had just left not an hour before. With his final breaths, he gave Aedan to Bryce, begging him to raise him as a Cousland for a better life than being an orphaned child. Bryce, sorrowful, agreed, taking the young boy as his own before his dying father passed on. Aedan is his adopted name, but his birth-name had always been Cyriel. "Still, not my fault all I had were burnt rags."

"No, no it wasn't... now hurry up," said the head servant as she left the room briefly.

Wasting no time, Aedan quickly removed all of his clothes and boots, chucking them into his inventory quickly before removing his new armor, black leather with silver metal, all of which had no special properties currently. "Looks gorgeous... too bad it'll be crimson later..." he mumbled as he began donning his gear. It took him longer than he wanted, but he was just barely finishing up by putting his new boots on when Lucia walked in. "Hang on, Lucia, putting my boots on."

"That's what I... where'd you get that gear from? I've never seen it before." Lucia was prepared to throw him out, but was quickly confused by the new appearance.

"Oh, this? My late father's old battle gear. I found it a few years back when I went to visit the old home. A friend of the family gave it to me, saying they'd found it and wanted to give it to me... I'm glad to have it." It wasn't a total lie, as it looked identical to his father's gear from his memories. "Now, off I go."

"Right, get going or the Teyrna will have your ears."

"She'd better not, I still need them." He said with a chuckle as he made his way to the main hall.

___

It was a short walk, all things considered, but it was good to take the time to take in the sights, feeling like he wouldn't see them again. He spoke to passing soldiers and servants, even helping with some things when he could, and eventually he arrived. Gathering himself, he opened the door and stepped inside.

Bryce Cousland, dressed in yellow-ish noble clothes and in deep conversation, noticed his youngest son enter. "Ah, pup, I didn't see you there. Howe, you remember my son?"

"I see he's grown into a fine young man. Pleased to see you again, lad," said Rendon Howe, the Arl of Amaranthine and another old comrade of Bryce. Aedan, knowing the future, didn't trust him in the slightest, but kept his composure.

"A pleasure as well, Arl Howe. It's been some time. Is the family here?" said Aedan

"Oh no, they're back at Amaranthine, far from the fighting in the south. They do send their best. Delilah especially asked after you. Perhaps I should bring her next time."

"I'd like that."

"Good, she keeps going on and on about your prowess as a warrior. I think you have an admirer, young man."

"At any rate, pup, I called for you for a reason. While Fergus and I are away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

Aedan nodded, "I understand, father. As much as I'd love to go along, I know how mother would react if we all went."

"She'd kill me for thinking of such a thing. Thank you for accepting this duty. I know how much you wanted to join the battle," Bryce said, sighing. "As much as I know your mother's strength, I can't leave her alone to handle the castle." He then paused before continuing, "There is also someone here you must meet. Please, show Duncan in." A guard nodded as he made his way to the door, briefly exiting.

"It's been good to see you both, but it's time I return. I need to prepare my soldiers as well. I'll see you on the battlefield, Cousland," Rendon Howe then made his exit promptly.

As Howe left, Duncan entered the hall. The old Grey Warden made his way over, calmly stating, "It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland."

"It is an honor to have you here, Warden-Commander. Pup, I'm sure you know of the Grey Wardens?" Bryce said.

"Who doesn't know of the Wardens, father? Darkspawn-slaying heroes of legend." Aedan had to keep his instincts to say more to a minimum, knowing that he would absolutely overdo it if he did. "I assume Ser Duncan is here for recruiting for the southern front?"

"You are correct, young Cousland. I am indeed here to recruit. While my first choice would be you, Ser Gilmore is the only one I can attempt to recruit at present, as the Teyrn has made clear."

"Indeed. As much as I know my son wishes to join battle, Aedan cannot go with you. I cannot lose both sons."

"I understand, Teyrn Cousland. I do not intend to force recruitment. I will return to my quarters for the time being," Duncan politely accepted the statement and began to leave.

"While I'm gone, make sure to ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to. In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me."

"Of course. I will see you later then." Aedan then began to leave the hall, smiling to himself. "Time to find my dog too."