get the talks with Howe over with

A/N: yeah, most of the dialogue is straight from the game but b honest, you're here for the smut and not an original story :-)

“At least the smell will be the same” Aedan heard his father laugh, jovially as he entered the Great Hall.

“I’m sorry pup, I didn’t see you there” Bryce apologized “Howe, you remember my son?”

“I see he’s grown into a fine young man. Pleased to see you again, lad”

“And you, Arl Howe” Aedan replied, cordially,

“My daughter, Delilah asked after you, maybe I should bring her next time” And there it was, what must be the eleventh time or so now that Howe talked about his daughter.

“We’ll see” Aedan said as politely and courteously.

“I doubt he’ll be receptive, Howe” Bryce laughed “my fierce boy has his own mind these days”

“An temperament to match his fighting skill. Well done, your Lordship” Rendon complimented.

“Anyway pup, there is a reason I called you here. While your brother and I are gone you will be in charge of the castle while I’m away” Bryce informed his youngest.

“What? I can’t go with you and Fergus?” Aedan said, shocked “I’m just as good if not better than half the men you’re taking with you!”

“I’m certain you’d more than prove yourself, but I’m not willing to deal with your mother if you come along” Bryce reasoned “She’s already twisted into knots about Fergus and me going” Bryce added “there is also someone I wish you to meet. Please, show Duncan in” and one of the many guards lining the Great Hall opened the large double doors and allowed the newcomer in.

The first thing that struck Aedan about this person, Duncan was the unmistakable sight of silver armour with blue fabric lining the underside and the symbol of a griffon; the sigil of the Grey Warden armour engraved onto the silver chestpiece of his armour. It was pretty clear that by the sheer recognizable armour that the man was a Grey Warden. Duncans facial features consisted of a rather thick beard that covered the majority of the lower half of his face and black hair tied into a ponytail. Two longswords rested on the ponytailed Grey Wardens hips; a griffon emblazoned on the hilt of each sword which was accentuated by the golden tip of each sword.

“It is an honor to be a guest within your hall, Teyrn Cousland” Duncan greeted.

“Your Lordship, You didn’t mention that a Grey Warden would be present” Rendon said rather surprised.

“”Duncan arrived just recently. Unannounced” Bryce informed “is there a problem?”

“Of course not” Rendon laughed “but a guest of this stature demands certain protocol. I am...at a disadvantage”

“We rarely have the pleasure of seeing one in person, that’s true” Bryce nodded “Pup, Brother Aldous taught you who the Grey Wardens are, I hope?”

“Of course” Aedan answered honestly “the Grey Wardens are an order of warriors from all over Thedas who battle the darkspawn and the elven Grey Warden Garahel slew the last Archdemon Andoral at the battle of Ayesleigh in 5:24 Exalted”

A look of surprise crossed Duncan’s face slightly, clearly impressed with the knowledge of the last Blight someone not of their order had “though not permanently, I fear” he added regretfully.

“Without their warning of the darkspawn rising now, half of the nation could have been overrun before we had a chance to react” Bryce replied “Duncan is looking for more recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the south. I believe he’s got his eye on Ser Gilmore”

“Good for him” Aedan replied, albeit with a slight tinge of jealousy in his voice. Grey Wardens were the best warriors in the land and the fact that Ser Gilmore was going to become one instead of him despite the fact that Aedan had knocked Ser Gilmore on his ass during sparring more times than the opposite.

“If I might be so bold. I would suggest that your son is also an excellent candidate” Duncan added, a surprise to be sure.

“Really? Me?” Aedan said, keeping his enthusiasm to a minimum despite how much higher it was “why?” he asked,, curiously.

“You are young, skilled and eager for battle” Duncan said as if it were the most obvious thing in Thedas “or at least that’s what your father has told me of”

“Honour though that might be” Bryce interrupted “this is one of my son’s we’re talking about”

“You did just finish saying that Grey Wardens are heroes, old friend” Rendon spoke up

“I’ve not so many children that I’ll gladly see them all off to battle” Bryce said pleadingly “unless you intend to invoke the Right of Constription” Bryce’s eye’s narrowed.

“Have no fear” Duncan said, soothingly “while we need as many recruits as we can, I have no intention of forcing the issue”

“Pup, can you ensure that Duncan’s requests are seen to while I’m gone?” Bryce asked his youngest.

“Of course, father” Aedan shrugged. Maybe he could see about getting Duncan to accept him into the order.

“In the meantime, find Fergus and tell him to lead the troops to Ostagar ahead of me” Aedan’s father added.

“I...understand” Aedan sighed.

“Be a good lad and do as I’ve asked” Bryce smiled “We’ll talk soon”