The Romance of Cousland and Howe

Codex 1: Enemy? Or Grey Warden?


This is the story of Anya Cousland, it takes place during Dragon Age: Origins- Awakening. In the Landsmeet, she was denied Queenship, the reward of ruling Fereldan with her love Alistair Theirin.


The fire haired Noble, heartbroken over how easily the new King let her go, stayed in her Grey Warden persona, never showing much emotion so others could stay calm during turbulent times such as these.


I’ve been wanting something with FemCouslandxNathaniel! And so have other people, mostly I’ve noticed on DeviantArt. Well, here ya go. Hope I can do this pair a justice. And there is slight AnyaxAnders. There has to be Anders sweetness.


There she sat on her new throne, blue-green eyes fixated on the flames that danced in the large fire pit in the center of the throne room. Reflecting on the night’s events as a bard sang a sad tale.

*Flashback*
Almost immediately after she destroyed the Archdemon, Anya Cousland, denied the honor of ruling with the man she came to love unbearably, Alistair Theirin. The new king of Ferelden.


But, she could not show her true emotions. As a Grey Warden, and now Warden-Commander or Commander of the Grey, she had to keep her composure. That ment keeping her feelings hidden so she could help others feel safe and protected.


‘That’s what Wynne taught me anyhow. Such a sickeningly humbling profession.’ she thought.


After Alistair’s coronation , she was declared Commander of the Grey. What she assumed was Duncan’s position. ‘Hope I don’t meet his fate in the near future.’


She was soon escorted to the Arling of Amaranthine. Alistair had declared the traitorous Howes enemies of Ferelden, giving their home and land to the Wardens to rebuild the order, with the last of the Noble Cousland family to lead and command them.


Her escort was a female warrior by the name of Mhairi. Anya respected the woman for her strength. Even though the Cousland is a rogue.


She expected to be celebration by the inhabitants and Wardens from Orlais…what Anya received was nothing near being welcome.


The darkspawn had somehow snuck up on those who were supposed to be able to sense them! Slaughtering all 12 Orlesian Wardens and the poor villagers, along with most of the guard.


Naturally, Anya, with the Warden-Recruit Mhairi at her side feel several of the monstrous creatures. What she encountered in one room was not what she expected.


A blonde male mage in Tevinter mage robes, finishing off one last Hurlock. The flaming monster soon fell to the floor, death coming over it. The mage looked over and saw Anya then looked behind him, a pile of bodies of darkspawn Templars. “Err…I didn’t do it.” he shrugged.


Anya just crossed her arms, a display saying she demanded an answer. “Not that I’m terribly chocked up about their deaths however. Biff there made the funniest little gurgle.” he smiled, a chuckle following suite.


“And just who would you be?” Anya asked, still sounding as polite as possible. She did not hate nor fear mages but, a body count of Templars could cause her trouble later on.


“You may call me Anders, dear lady. Must say, I don’t recall seeing you here earlier, I’d remember a woman as beautiful as you.”


Anya felt her face slightly heat up. It has been awhile since a man had spoken to her in such a way. ‘Kind of like Zevran.’ she thought.


“I am Anya Cousland, what happened here?” she asked in a polite voice.


“Ahh, the new Commander, the recruits were talking about you! Couldn’t do you a justice however. And I am here because I am a mage…an apostate more like. These fine young men were taking me back to the Circle Tower. Just a quick stop, so they said.”


“I take you are not fond of the Templars?”


“Oh I know, some people love being woken up with a kick to the head, but me, I’m just so picky.” he joked, his green eyes never leaving hers. She could see that he was rather mischievous.


“But, back to what I was saying, the Templars were only taking a rest here before we were to continue to the Tower. That’s when the darkspawn attacked.” the man known as Anders explained.


“Seems awfully convenient for you.” she pointed out, a sly grin on her face.


“I’ll say! The Maker does move in mysterious ways.” Anders grinned back. “Here’s what I suggest, I’ll help you kill all these darkspawn and we can discuss this later…after all of them are dead.” Anya accepted the Apostate’s proposal and the three took off.


Taking down quite a few darkspawn and their Emissaries. They found themselves back in the Entrance Hall into Vigil’s Keep. Opening the large door leading to the rest of the Keep, a small darkspawn army poured out, being egged on by a dwarf in yellow.


The darkspawn moved to chase after the dwarf, triggering a large explosion, shaking the entire Keep! The dwarf ran off, leaving Anya, Mhairi and Anders to the darkspawn.


After saving two surviving villagers, Anya came across a rather pleasant surprise. Loud belches and groans could be heard from the room she was about to enter.


Just deciding to dash in, Anya came face to face with an old friend, Oghren, the surfacer Warrior from Orzammar. Sensing someone was behind him, the dwarf turned around for a second, smiled goofily then went back to chopping off darkspawn heads.


The battle was over quickly with four strong fighters in the room. “Bout damn time you got here!” Oghren grunted, setting his enormous battleaxe back on his back.


“I told ‘em ‘Just you wait till the new Commander gets here! You’ll be spitting teeth outta yer arses!” he chuckled.


“Its good to see you again Oghren.” I greeted, glad to see a familiar face.

“Well, I say we get out there and introduce a couple darkspawn backsides with my boot! Only polite thing to do.” With that, they were underway again.

The events played through Anya’s mind, remembering every last detail. Finding a fatally wounded Warden Recruit. ‘Can’t recall his name though.’ He mentioned a talking darkspawn. And he was correct, it was an ugly creature and spoke clear English.


After rescuing a man named Varel, told Anya he was the seneschal of Vigil’s Keep, to help her look after the place, mostly while she was gone.


While Anya and her new friends were having dinner, a messenger ran into the Throne Room. “Lady Cousland, you have a visitor!” the elven boy declared, stopping her in mid-sip of a fine wine.


“You may see them in.” Anya said, wanting to just enjoy a warm meal after the long journey and fighting a darkspawn army.


“I am sorry, my Lady, but he wishes to see you alone.” the boy seemed nervous to be around humans. Anya couldn’t blame the boy, elves weren’t treated nicely at all.


Even back when she was in Highever, before Rendon Howe killed her people and family, she treated the elven slaves with dignity. She even formed friendships with them. She never approved of how Nan would treat the elves.


Getting up, now in a noble gown, a purple version of the dress Anora would wear. Anya did miss her clothes, it was fun mixing and matching dresses to shoes for events she would have to attend.


Her hair was up in a bun, jewels lining the clips that kept her red locks in place. Her make-up was now perfect, it all accented the dress.


Anya excused herself and followed the elven boy to where her guest was. “What’s your name, lad?” she asked kindly.


“Oh, me? Its Richard, my Lady.” Richard almost looked like a very young, but fair-skinned Zevran. Blonde hair and lovely golden eyes.


“I take it your family works in the Keep, Richard?”


“Yes, ma’am. To help out I’ve taken up a messenger job. If I may be bold milady…”


“You may continue.” she said, a kind smile on her face. Anya loved children, she was sad that she may not have a child.


“I did not think the Hero of Ferelden, our savior was so…beautiful.” he said the last part nervously.


“Why thank you. It is nice to hear.” she told the boy, a hand on his head.


Anya looked to see that they were in her chambers. “Why would my guest be here?” she asked, remaining calm, she did not want to frighten Richard.


“He told me you knew him rather well. I don’t think he was armed milady. Please be careful.” Richard said, turning to leave.


“Hold on, Richard.” she said, getting the elf’s attention. Anya reached into the satchel at her side and pulled out three coins. “Here’s your well-deserved payment, my friend.” she said, dropping the coins in his hand.


“Three sovereigns?! Th-thank you milady!!!” he smiled wide, running off, making sure to hide his payment.


Anya took a deep breath, worried about who her guest might be. ‘Let’s just get this over with. I wish to get back to the feast.’


She pushed her door open, disbelief on her face when she laid eyes on her guest. “Al-Alistair?”


The new king of Ferelden was sitting on the sofa that was in front of the fireplace. He looked over to Anya, his nervousness melting to sheer joy after laying eyes on the woman of his dreams.


“Anya! I’ve missed you so, my dear!” he cheered, wrapping his strong arms around her small frame, holding her close as he used to.


“What are you doing here?” it was hard for her to hide her distaste for the man right now.


“I wanted to try and make everything right. I know you aren’t too pleased with me right now. I’m sorry…” he said, moving to kiss her, but Anya moved her head to the side, making him just kiss her cheek.


“Sorry for what exactly? Throwing me aside right when the Landsmeet said no? The woman who still loved you even after you told her you are a royal bastard!” she just wanted to unload everything on him now, but, she unfortunately has an image to uphold.


Alistair looked nervous once again. “Please understand Anya, I didn’t want to upset the Nobles just yet. I’m waiting for the right time to call a meeting and tell them, you WILL be my bride…their Queen. I promise you, my love, I won’t let you go. I cannot see myself spending the rest of my years with anyone but you.” he told her, his right hand caressing her left cheek and his voice in a soft and loving tone.


Anya felt herself unconsciously lean into his caresses. The once virgin Templar who was clumsy in his touches was now the epitome of love and devotion.


She didn’t want to risk falling in too deeply, she was still extremely angry with him. “Let’s get you out of that armor-” she noticed the playful grin on his handsome face, “And put some more appropriate clothes on, you can finish dinner with us. The least I can do is give you a good meal and a warm bed.” Anya said, going to one of the currently abandoned armoires.


Thankfully there were some men’s clothes, Anya grabbed a top and a pair of trousers for the King. “Best I can do on short notice my King. I’ll wait outside while you change then we can go to the Throne Room.” she didn’t even wait for a response from the man.


Alistair was of course well-received in the Feast. He made sure to get a seat at Anya’s side, enjoying being close to the woman again. Even if she was testy towards him at the moment.


He missed how soft she felt, her voice, he even missed her scent. She always smelled of peppermint and he loved it. His left hand softly rubbed her thigh, a bold move on his part but he just wanted to touch her in some way. He’s been miserable without her.


“It is quite an honor to have you here, King Alistair.” Varel smiled, lifting his wine glass to toast.


The night passed. As Anya was leaving to go to her room, Varel stopped her, “Milady, a few night ago, we captured a thief.”


“What’s so amazing about him that you feel the need to tell me?” she was tired, so she was prone to being cranky.


“He took out four Grey Wardens before we apprehended him.” This caught her attention.


“Let me get some rest, I’ll deal with it in the morning.” she told Varel, fighting a yawn.


“As you wish, good night milady.”


As Anya entered her room, she went somewhat wide-eyed in shock. There, in nothing but his smallclothes was Alistair, laying on her bed, waiting for her.


“What are you doing?” she asked, not bothering to hide her emotions right now. She was too drained.


“Waiting for you, my love.” he answer, a grin on his lips, eyebrow cocked as well.


‘Oh no, that smile…’ she made sure not to look at him when he smiled, he had a damn nice smile she came to learn.


“And why would I let you sleep in my bed?” she asked, moving behind a screen to change.


“Because I’ll pout if you don’t let me. You know you can’t resist the pout.” she could hear how playful that was ment to sound.


‘Why did he have to remember that?!’ she groaned to herself.


“Fine. But, I’m tired, don’t expect anything.” she told him in a bossy tone, throwing her dress over the screen.


She went to her vanity, now in only her smallclothes as well. Alistair couldn’t keep himself from eyeing her body as she took off her jewelry.


Noticing this from the mirror, Anya cleared her thought. “Not like its nothing you have not seen, Alistair.” she giggled, letting her hair down.


Alistair came up behind her and scooped her up into his arms. “You just look too good, darling.” he whispered in her ear, setting her under the blankets on her large bed, joining her in no time flat.


His arms instinctively held her close. She couldn’t deny that she missed falling asleep in Alistair’s arms. ‘I’ll let him get away with it…for now.’ she thought then soon fell asleep to the soft beating of Alistair’s heart.