All Hail Cousland || Dragon Age Origins

Military Camp

Jenna was exhausted from the journey, physically and emotionally, but there was so much more for her in stock.

The tower got bigger and wider as they approached when they finally reached the end of the endless bridge they'd been crossing for hours.

A large group of soldiers approached Jenna and Duncan, led by a blond, tall and strong young man in the golden royal heavy armor.
Jenna recognized King Cailen Theirin right away. She attended his coronation with her father five years ago, and was also present for his wedding with Anora Mac Tir shortly after, but she had not seen him ever since.

Jenna automatically straightened her posture. Head up and back straight, she crossed her arms to her chest, bowing to his Highness as he shook hands with Duncan.

"Ho there, Duncan!" the King greeted enthusiastically.
"King Cailan! I didn't expect a-" Duncan started.
"A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!" Cailen interrupted.
"Not if I could help it your Majesty." Duncan answered sarcastically.
"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all. Glorious!"
The King was way too excited for Jenna's actual mood, so she just stood in the back and watched their banter.

However, her presence didn't go unnoticed as she'd hoped. The King eventually wanted to know who was accompanying the Commander of the Grey.
"The other Wardens told me you've found a promising recruit. I take it this is she?" Cailen asked Duncan as he inspected Jenna carefully.

He knew about me, Jenna thought to herself. She wondered how word of her recruitment or of her arrival reached the south so quickly. Her recruitment wasn't expected after all, and she didn't remember seeing Duncan send a raven, but that was the only explanation she found.

Duncan felt like it was time to introduce his new recruit.
"Allow me to present you, your Majesty-" he started.
"There's no need to be so formal, Duncan! We'll be shedding blood together after all." the king interrupted him again. Then he turned to speak to Jenna.
"You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? I don't think we have actually met." he said enthusiastically.

Jenna wasn't ready to interact with anyone yet. But her personal desires were to set aside, this was the King of Ferelden she was speaking to.
She remembered her father's words.
You are a Cousland. Never forget that.

"Yes, your Grace. I am honored to meet you at long last." she smiled.
"Your brother has already arrived with Highever's men, but we are still awaiting your father." he informed her.

This somehow relieved and pained Jenna at the same time. She feared the worst had accured to her brother. But he was here, at Ostagar, not far from her. She was finally going to reunite with her blood.
But the King seemed unaware of the Teyrn's death, and she needed to tell him, as her father wished.

A sharp pain rose in her chest as she tried to verbalize the horrifying events of that night.
"He.. won't be coming. He died when our castle was taken over." she said then lowered her head, not able to finish explaining.

The King was confused by what he just heard.
"Taken over? What do you mean?" he asked, then turned to the Warden-Commander when she gave him no response, "Duncan, do you know anything about this?"
"Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor, and has taken over Highever Castle. Had we not escaped, he would have killed us, and told you any story he wished." Duncan explained.

Jenna avoided making eye contact with anyone of them. It was painful to hear. She felt the need to be alone and cry, but she had to stay strong, until this was over..

The King was listening carefully to what Duncan was saying, and walking back and forth as he did so, furious at the Arl's defiance.
"I.. can scarcely believe it! How could he think he could get away with such treachery?"