“Very few of the Stormwind’s nobility had survived the decimation from the First and Second Wars against the Horde. This country of Ferelden had its own war, but if it hasn’t been apparent from previous observations, their own aristocrats had come out unscathed in comparison…”

-From the Journal of Eratus Riverwood.

At one point, the upper crust of society had composed mainly of the nobles. To this day I still remembered when I asked Aunt Tiana what a noble was, which she described as “those born into some important family riding the coattails of some distinguished ancestor, and who were due respect regardless of how inept or incompetent they may be in the present-day.”

It was clear she had a bone to pick with them, but if she was right, then it was no wonder so many were wiped out when the Horde invaded Stormwind.

My encounters with what was left of the nobility were limited to those who trained to become paladins at the academy and the few who strolled about during the occasional celebrations for which I stood guard duty. I found them to be quite ordinary people, once you got past the privileged birth part.

The privileged birth part however, made all the difference.

“A mercenary like you must have been to quite a few places,” said Aedan. “Where are you from? Not a jab, but you don’t quite look like someone from Ferelden.”

I did my best to avoid frowning. If it was an ordinary person, I would tell them it was none of their business and end the conversation there. Politely of course. However, this was a noble, which meant ending the conversation would have a slew of unknown repercussions.

Aedan watched me, expecting a reply.

“I don’t remember,” I said. “I grew up on the seas. Had no parents, and worked as a deckhand until I could hold a sword. Found a better job.”

It was the story of every would-be adventurer in the guilds that had started cropping up everywhere back home. All borne from the fleet of refugee ships fleeing Stormwind after it had been torched. The Wars forced them to take up arms to stay alive, and those arms became a means of making a living.

“Orphan?” Aedan nodded. “You’ve my condolences then.”

“No worries your lordship,” I said. “It’s all water under the bridge as they say.”

“Water under the bridge?” said Aedan.

“Uh, just a saying.” I mentally winced, realizing it wasn’t a local idiom. Alamere used to stay it all the time. “Means it happened so long ago that it doesn’t matter much to me.”

“Huh,” Aedan rubbed his chin. “Water under the bridge. Make sense when you think about it. Water under the bridge…”

Aedan leaned back against the wall, regarding me with curiosity. I groaned inside, realizing he was going to keep this conversation going.

“So, Eratus,” he said. “How often have you served guard for a ball such as this?”

Far too many was what I thought.

“First time your lordship.” I looked over the crowd below us. “Seems quite merry down there.”

“I guess.” Aedan scoffed. “At least on first glance.”

“Well, I suppose it does look stuffy,” I said. “I’d feel the need for fresh air after spending time down there.

“It isn’t so much that,” said Aedan. “You see Eratus, every noble here is full of themselves. Actually, it is worse than that, they are full of their families. I think I’ve heard the same story from the Bronarch twins about how their father won the last tourney at least twice now. Or the Gwaren whelp’s plans for his family’s stockpiles and how he’ll amass a fortune from them. They lack any and all self-awareness. Like they feel entitled to someone’s ear because of their station.”

“Sounds like it could get a tad annoying your lordship,” I said, wondering if Aedan Cousland knew the irony of his own words.

“And at any rate.” Aedan peeked over the balcony as if he was looking for someone. “I fully expect my dear brother to realize I’ve disappeared from the cretins he left me with. At which point, he’ll drag me back into the fray.”

I nodded in understanding, hoping this dear brother of his would come sooner than later.

“But enough rambling.” Aedan backed from the balcony and leaned against the wall. “I figured you’d make for more interesting conversation. After all, it must be terribly boring after all to be up here without anyone to talk to.”

I actually found it peaceful.

“A bit your lordship,” I said.

Aedan chuckled. “And that is why I like common folk, all of you are so honest.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, maintaining a firm smile.

“So, tell me,” said Aedan. “As a mercenary, you must have been in real combat, haven’t you? Nothing like the play-fighting at the tournaments.”

There was an eager and familiar spark in his eyes. Eyes that sought glory, which I saw in every sheltered young boy who grew up listening to tales of heroism. I carried that same spark once.

Then I realized the truth of my world.

When I entered the paladin’s academy, we were taught by veterans. Veterans not just of the wars against the Horde but the ones that started long ago and had never truly ended. Troll raiders to the north and south. Dark Iron incursions. Border conflicts among the human kingdoms. I learned that peace was an anomaly, only existing in small communities like Northshire, and as the Horde showed us, not forever.

I earned my knight’s commission, became a full paladin, and those lessons were reinforced through visceral experience.

Within a week I was chasing troll bands who plagued the Arathi Highlands. Daily ambushes while patrolling open highlands in a crumbling kingdom. I had my first encounter with their ornate scalping rituals, or rather the aftermath of them.

A year later I was reassigned on an operation to hunt Horde remnants in the Alterac mountains, hiking up and down treacherous slopes, fighting ogres and guerillas on snow-topped forests. Trying to save soldiers on those white plains and burying them when I could not. The light could perform miracles in healing but reality demanded more.

Then on my third year, I was assigned to Alterac City proper. If I had known then what would happen in that city…

“You don’t have to say anything else.” Aedan waved his hand and peered out the window. “That look on your eyes gave it away. My father has the same look every time I asked him about his time fighting for King Maric against the Orlesians. Like something is haunting him.”

I blinked, that wasn’t the response I expected.

“My father’s bannermen all have the same look,” said Aedan. “At least the ones who fought beside him. Oh, they put on airs for ceremonies but you can still see it. I’ve noticed the older they are the worse it is. It makes me feel like I should be glad I didn’t have to go through the same. I take it you’ve been in as many battles.”

I said nothing, letting the echoes of the party below fill the silence.

“One too many your lordship,” I replied.

“Then why do you keep doing it?” said Aedan.

“It’s what I’m good at,” I said. “And I need to make a living.”

I left out the part where I needed to make a living until, I figured out how to get back from whence I came.

“I suppose so,” said Aedan. “There are those who say it is the basest form of living. Others go further and say it shouldn’t be necessary at all. I think it all falls down on what one is fighting for though. I guess making a living would be acceptable in my books. You don’t seem to take much pleasure in it, at least compared to your other fellows.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Sounds like you’ve had some experience with us then,” I said.

“Too much according to my father.” Aedan rolled his eyes. “Not just Blackstone mercenaries but commoners in general. He thinks I’ll catch something nasty from you all. That I’ll get the wrong sort of ideas. Things not fit for one of my station.”

“Sounds like your father is a proper upright noble,” I said.

“He is.” Aedan sighed. “Upright and uptight. Although I guess you wouldn’t expect anything different from one of the heroes of the Independence war.”

Aedan shook his head, snorted, and laughed. “And now I guess I am a bit of hypocrite. After all I said about nobles and their families.”

“Eh, I wouldn’t say you were gloating it as your own though your lordship,” I said.

“Funny because even without gloating I probably benefited the most among them all,” said Aedan. “Might I be honest with you Eratus?”

“I never once suspected dishonesty from you your lordship,” I said.

“That was the most dishonest thing you’ve said so far.” Aedan raised an eyebrow. “I know most commoners think nobles don’t give too much attention to them. You probably thought I was just some pomp noble at first, didn’t you?”

He was right, and I realized I underestimated Aedan Cousland.

“I apologize for assuming your lordship,” I said.

“No need.” Aedan chuckled. “But apology accepted.”

He said nothing, and for a moment all we heard was the background of the crowd.

“I’m a bit jealous of men such as yourselves,” said Aedan.

I blinked.

“Sorry your lordship,” I said, “But I have trouble understanding…”

“I guess what I meant was,” said Aedan. “Well, everything you’ve done in your life, you’ve done on your own. Your own volition, without relying on the legacy of your family. But for me… I could do anything in life and I would probably be successful, just off the name of my family alone. You could replace me with anyone else and they’d be fine.”

Aedan looked out the window to the moon in the night sky.

“I guess I just want to do something like the nobles of the old,” he said. “Measuring up to expectations and reputations. After all we are placed in our position to serve and guide the realm.”

“The fact that your lordship is thinking about such matters,” I said. “Means that your lordship won’t have to worry much about measuring up.”

“Kind words,” said Aedan. “I think both my father and mother know as well, which is why they’re probably thinking I’d go off and join the Gray Wardens or something like that. Probably why they put Ferghus up to chaperoning me in Denerim. Speaking of which apparently there are two-“

Aedan looked past my shoulder. He frowned and sighed, shaking his head.

“Speak of the demon and he shall appear.” He looked away and sighed.

I looked over my shoulder to see a man escorting two young women up the stairs. He wore an outfit of the same color and type as Aedan, and his cropped beard and moustache gave him an older look. He had a wide smile on his face, engaging in small talk with the ladies beside him.

I recognized Habren Bryland standing on his right, dressed in a bright red-dress to match her reddish-orange hair, which was made more expressive by the powders adorning her face. She looked cheerful, in contrast to when she was carted away by her father in the market square.

The lady on the left however, caused me to catch my breath.

She had black hair draped down over her shoulders and a blue dress with black engravings. There was little powder adorning her, although she hardly needed it. She seemed possessed by that same aura of mystique that the lady high elves of Silvermoon City and lady mages carried. Such an aura would normally cause me to raise my guards, but there was a warmth and innocence in her expression that was thoroughly disarming.

The black-haired lady turned toward us, causing me to look to the side. Embarrassment simmered out my skin. The last time I had ogled a woman in such a manner was before I entered the academy, where self-respect had been hammered by years of practicing customs and courtesies.

Aedan refused to look in their direction, his frown deepening as they drew closer.

“Aedan!” the man waved, looking at Aedan that briefly revealed displeasure. “There you are my little brother. I was wondering where you vanished to. Come, introduce you to these two lovely ladies.”

I took a few steps away, as I didn’t feel welcome in this conversation. Not outside of hearing range however.

Aedan turned, the frown turning up into a fake smile.

“Ferghus,” said Aedan with a tint of acid in his voice. “And Habren Bryland, a pleasure to see you again.”

“Likewise,” said Habren, mirroring Aedan’s tone.

“Don’t tell me are acquainted with Lady Bryland already?” Ferghus looked at his brother with surprise and a tinge of worry. “Already on a first name basis as well?”

“Briefly.” Aedan looked back at his brother with an innocent look. “Remember when I accompanied Father for a visit to Gwaren? I met her at a ball held in the Teryin’s name. We had dinner, some conversation, and then we parted.”

“Wasn’t quite as lustrous as this one,” said Habren. “Gwaren is quite lacking in aesthetic taste.”

“Prudent nonetheless,” said Aedan. “A small loss in pleasantries for money which could be better used elsewhere.”

Habren’s lips curved up into a polite smile mirroring Aedan’s, without any warmth whatsoever.

“I am afraid I don’t share the same sentiments,” she said. “After all pleasantries are an indication of sophistication, which are expectations for those of our station. If only Gwaren had a more feminine touch, that might have done more to improve the mood in such a gloomy place. Mother always remarked on how shameful it is the good Teryrin Loghain has chosen to remain widowed.”

“And I think Teryrin Loghain,” said Aedan. “Finds it wise to avoid romantic entanglements, especially as King Cailain’s chief advisor”

“Aedan, Aedan, ever the contrarian,” said Habren Bryland.

“And you my dear are as flagrant as ever,” said Aedan.

I could almost feel the barbs in the silence that followed. Ferghus looked at his brother with a stern lip while the black-haired lady observed them with graceful composure.

I blinked away, catching myself staring again.

“Ferghus,” said Habren. “You never did tell me that you traveled to Antiva.”

“Well.” Ferghus coughed in an attempt to reset the mood. “A bit on a dare as one might put it. Caught a lot of strange fish up in those seas up there.”

“He caught more than just fish.” Aedan smirked. “He caught a wife there too.”

The eyes of both ladies widened at this revelation.

“Now Aedan.” Ferghus looked at his younger brother as if he revealed a secret he wasn’t supposed to. “Don’t talk about your sister-in-law in such a manner. She would not appreciate it.”

“I think she’d find it quite funny,” said Aedan. “Although from what I remember she admitted the roles were reversed in that manner.”

The looks on both ladies escalated to horror.

“Enough of that,” Ferghus warned. “Oh, where are our manners, Delilah, this is my younger and rather eccentric brother. Aedan, this is Delilah Howe.”

“A pleasure to meet you good ser,” said Delilah. Even her voice was pretty.

“Likewise,” said Aedan, his face indicating he wasn’t affected by her charms in any way shape or form.

“As you might recall our fathers are quite well-acquainted,” said Ferghus. “They both fought in the civil war together.”

“The Battle of White River,” said Aedan.

“War, war, what is it with men and war?” said Habren. “I swear that is all the boys are thinking of nowadays. The war that their fathers fought and the ones they wish to fight in the future. A shame they don’t see it for the ghastly business that it is.”

“Ghastly but necessary,” said Aedan. “After all, if it wasn’t for war, we’d still be sporting the chains strung upon us by Orlais. Although being half-Orlesian yourself, you probably don’t have as great stake in it.”

“How dare you!” said Habren. “My father served bled for this country-”

“Speaking of your father,” Aedan interrupted. “I did hear of that commotion you were involved with in the city square. Some choice words were used such as-“

Aedan never finished his sentence as Delilah slapped him across the cheek.

Habren looked angry, on the verge of tears.

“I apologize,” said Delilah. “It is clear that our presence isn’t welcome, so we shall endeavor to be present in more… palatable company. I wish you two a good evening.”

She bowed, then took Habren by the arm.

“No wait.” Ferghus reached out. “Ladies!”

The two ladies however stormed down the stairs to rejoin the crowd on the floor.

Ferghus massaged his forehead, and turned toward his brother.

“Was that really necessary?”

“I think so. The harlot got what she deserved,” said Aedan. “Everyone knows about Habren Bryland. Probably took her ten servants to get dressed in that getup yet she gets undressed in the space of a wink.”

“Now that is no way to speak of a noble lady,” said Ferghus. “Where did your manners go? You know we are trying to get you acquainted with everyone else here? All the eligible women of the realm are here after all.”

“If these are the eligible women then dark times are ahead,” said Aedan.

“Don’t play coy with me little brother,” said Ferghus.

“Since when did you become my matchmaker anyway?” said Aedan. “This isn’t something father put you up after you escaped your own engagement, is it?”

“N-now that was different,” said Ferghus.

“The look on Father’s face when you showed up with Orena at the front gate says otherwise,” said Aedan. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so furious since the time we set sail onto the open seas on a raft.”

“Aedan…”

“Fine, fine, fine,” said Aedan. “It’s all water under the bridge as they say.”

“It’s all what?” said Ferghus.

“Some saying I just learned about,” said Aedan. “Means it happened so long ago it hardly matters now. Speaking of which.”

Ferghus turned towards me as Aedan turned in my direction.

I tipped my head down into a bow.

“Eratus your lordship,” I said.

“Galivanting with the commoners again Aedan?” Ferghus shook his head.

“I always associate myself with superior company,” said Aedan.

Ferghus sighed.

“I apologize if my brother has bothered you,” said Ferghus. “I hope he has not caused you much trouble.”

Aedan rolled his eyes.

“No trouble your lordship,” I said.

“Come on.” Ferghus began moving down the stairs. “Let’s go make our rounds… and find an opportunity to apologize while we are at it.”

“Fine, fine” Aedan threw his arms up, before following his brother. “You really are doing anything to get on father’s good side.”

“Aedan…” Ferghus said.

“Seeing his face was quite funny though when you showed up with Orena,” said Aedan. “Say, what do you think his reaction would be if I entangled myself with a mage? Or better yet, an apostate?”

Ferghus sighed.

They moved beyond eavesdrop range, leaving me alone by the balcony.

I couldn’t help but snort a laugh. Noble or not, they were just like the rest of us.

“Knight-Lieutenant Riverwood. I have detected corrupted entities within your presence.”

My hands nudged toward the hilt of my sword but I stopped just short. There didn’t really seem to be any threats nearby. None of the other guards didn’t seem to be concerned about anything.

“Are you sure?” I said. “There doesn’t seem to be anything that seems like a threat approaching.”

“Positive. They are approaching your position.”

The door facing the wall opened, revealing a tanned man with black hair swept back in a ponytail and a younger man with cropped blonde hair. Both of them wore armor, with a familiar creature emblazoned upon their chestplates. The image of the creature was recognizable to me, although I hadn’t seen any since I arrived on this world.

The two men stopped short of crossing through the door, their eyes directed toward the crowd of nobles below.

“Well,” said the blonde-haired man. “Looks like the place filled up in our absence, eh Duncan?”