Canticle of Silence

1

Blessed are they who stand before

The corrupt and the wicked and do not falter.

Blessed are the peacekeepers, the champions of the just.

-Benedictions 4:10

Tyler is not a hard man to find, even in the vast corridors and large courtyards of Castle Cousland. He could usually be found practicing his swordsmanship in the training yard; he had a lot to learn and live up to if he was to follow in his brother's footsteps in leading their soldiers. Other times he could be found somewhere on castle grounds, trying to hide from his duties and failing.

Today he was out in the yard swinging a sword almost as tall as he in slow, graceful, powerful arcs. Sweat drips into determined blue eyes and the sun casts a golden glow to short brown hair and lightly tanned skin. Tyler didn't realize how long he had been training until he heard a shout from behind him; Ser Gilmore was standing a few feet away, watching as Tyler gathered his thoughts about him.

Ser Gilmore is a Highever knight and has been in service of the Cousland family for many years. He and Tyler have grown to be fast friends over the years; they train and occasionally get into trouble together. There are many reasons that could have led Gilmore to track down Tyler, but with recent circumstances, only one seems the most likely. "Your father is looking for you, and so is your mother."

Tyler and Ser Gilmore went separate ways; Gilmore returning to his patrol through castle grounds and Tyler weaving through corridors and passageways, hoping to meet his father first and not run into his mother. Any business that he has with his father is far more important than any discussion about marriage or a scolding from his mother.

He finds his father in the main hall of the castle; he's with a broad, dark-skinned man in silver armor and dual weapons. He appears battle worn and weary from travel or the things he's seen, who could tell. His father, the Teyrnir of Highever, noticed his entrance and wasn't content to let Tyler sit and the shadows and observe.

"Tyler, come over here and meet Duncan. He's a Grey Warden." Tyler joins them in the center of the hall, getting a better look at the man before him. The Warden looks slightly older up close, creases sit at the edge of his dark eyes; his dark beard curls slightly but there is not a bit of grey to be seen, no other sign of age. "Duncan, this is my second son."

"Ah yes, it's nice to finally meet you in person. I was watching your training, you would make a fine Grey Warden." Duncan nods towards Tyler before returning his attention back towards Teryn Cousland. Tyler couldn't be happier at Duncan's compliment; the Gray Wardens are some of the best fighters in Thedas.

"I'm will not allow my son to join your order." The Teyrn sighs, but Tyler could almost feel him radiating pride; his father loves to hear compliments towards his family. "Now, if we could continue discussing the purpose of your visit?"

Duncan's eyes seem to grow more weary at the question, "There is a Blight coming to Ferelden, I am hoping to gather some recruits to take with me to Ostagar."

The Teryn's face pales, voice growing low and serious, "A Blight? There hasn't been a true Blight in centuries."

"There has been no sign of the Archdemon, though bulk of the horde continues to press against our forces at Ostagar."

"I guess we have no choice but to send aid, with or without Amaranthine's forces to join us in our march." Teryn Cousland rubs at his eyes, exhaustion already setting in with the news, and turns towards Tyler. "Go and tell your brother to march ahead, we'll join him as soon as the Arl of Amaranthine and his soldiers arrive."

Finding his brother wasn't hard, Tyler could easily reason out that he'd be with his family; He found his brother in his room, with his wife and son. His older brother is shorter than Tyler; dressed in lighter mail than Tyler usually wears, a shield and sword strapped to his back. Short, neat, brown hair and a rosy complexion; his most prominent feature was his eyes, dark blue which are--at this moment-- filled with such sadness and foreshadowed loneliness.

Tyler didn't want to interrupt their moment, one of the last they may have together; war is difficult but a war against those blighted creatures would be even more so, and everyone knew it could be their last time together. Quietly, Tyler enters the room and speaks softly--hoping not to startle his brother and his family, "Scotty. Sorry to interrupt, father sent me with a message."

His brother turns and a large grin stretches across his face, "You don't have to be sorry, Ty. You're family and welcome to intrude." He turns back to his wife and places one last kiss to her red lips, a last ditch effort to console her, before speaking again, "Now dry your eyes, love, and wish me well. I'm sure my little brother brings me news of our march."

It's not a question, but Tyler nods anyway; his mouth too dry to respond. Tyler is proud of his brother's accomplishments and is sure in Scotty's prowess in battle, but Darkspawn are surely a death wish. Scotty pulls Tyler into a hug before grabbing his pack, "Well, off I go! It's a long journey south and so many Darkspawn to behead, so little time."

Tyler follows him a few steps out Scotty's door, before pulling his shoulders back and wishing his brother well before he lost the nerve, "Fight hard, Scotty, and don't die." Scotty waves his hand over his shoulder before shooting Tyler one last large, bright smile. 'Maker, please don't let him die.'

---

Introductory chapter. I am going to try to expand upon major plot points and information about the lore as best I can, but if something confuses you throughout this series, please don't hesitate to ask.