Canticle of Silence

2

The first of the Maker's children watched across the

And grew jealous of the life

They could not feel, could not touch.

In blackest envy were the born.

-Erudition 2:1

Tyler couldn't stand it anymore, having retreated to his room to sulk, pray, and hope for the best. He wants to be optimistic, but he knew the chances of his brother returning from Ostagar; Scotty is strong, but is he strong enough to face down a horde? Survive the chances of the taint?

Of course his dog would be waiting for him in his room, probably hiding in his own right from something or another; either a bath or he'd gotten into the kitchen again. His dog, Kino, is a Mabari; a wardog that is renowned throughout Ferelden. They're smart, loyal animals who stick with their owners, rarely ever imprinting to another person after theirs has passed on.

Kino raises his head up as Tyler enters the room, giving him a short, happy sounding bark. He's taken up a spot at the foot of Tyler's bed, wagging his stubby tail as Tyler comes closer. Tyler scratches at Kino's ears before flopping down beside the large dog, "Give me a minute boy and then we can go get into some trouble. That sound good?"

Kino barks in agreement.

Tyler can't help to think about the enemy he's soon to face. Darkspawn are monstrous creatures; some could almost appear human if it wasn't for the sinister sneers permanently etched onto their faces, rotting flesh and their beady little eyes. Others are said to tower as high as trees with large horns and teeth, fighting with nothing but their bare hands. There are some that even mimic human magic, connected to the Fade the same way mages are; spells giving more bite to them than regular magic.

This is all just rumors, no one has seen a Darkspawn since the last Blight, more than a century ago. News from the front lines claimed that this could be no true Blight, despite the Warden Commander's insistence. The king plans for this battle to be the last, to wipe out the remainder of the Darkspawn forces before they break free from the Wilds.

Kino's whining and cold nose pressing against his cheek woke him from his thoughts, it wouldn't change anything to dwell on matters that he couldn't face. He heads toward his door, Kino trotting happily at his heels; there is plenty of mischief to get into at Castle Cousland and Tyler plans to enjoy every minute of it.

They snuck into the kitchens first, stealing some of the treats and biscuits that the sweet old cook has been working on and running fast when they heard the sound of her yelling. They play a few pranks on Ser Gilmore before he catches on, putting feathers in his helm and ink on his sword hilt, deciding to join them in their adventure.

The day is long and filled with distractions, perfect for Tyler. He even manages to avoid his mother's noble entourage and no doubt another suitor she had visit. Dinner would no doubt be lively, even with the few soldiers that remained in the castle.

Even with good food, sitting through a conversation with his mother when she is in one of her moods is hard to take. All throughout dinner she asked about his plans for his future, about the possibility of heirs, 'You're a better candidate for Teyrn than your brother, Tyler. You need to think about your future.' She wants the best for him, in life and in wife, that much was apparent to anyone.

Tyler goes to bed that night with a full stomach, his concerns still nag in his mind, but sleep would come easy. His room is warm, his Mabari curled up at his feet, and a soft pillow; more than any man could ask for.

His dreams are filled with happy memories, welcoming places, and familiar voices; the sights and sounds of the castle, a dimly lit sky, and distance music fill his senses. A party, perhaps? Whatever is going on doesn't matter, Tyler is drawn towards it anyway; the closer he gets, the louder the atmosphere becomes. More voices, the music becomes more upbeat, the smell of food joins the mix.

He arrives at the courtyard, it's covered in lanterns and candles setting the whole place in an otherworldly glow; there's a bard near the center, near the fountain, singing beautiful ballads of things less beautiful. Her voice is a siren's song and her eyes are made of fire, everything draws Tyler towards the bard in an almost trance-like state.

The world shifts around him, though Tyler barely notices; there's party guests now, pretty girls with pretty dress giggle and wave. None of these girls move towards Tyler, as he starts to look around again--looking for the bard that was right in front of him, they wait; batting their eyelashes and pouting their painted lips. They don't interest Tyler.

The woman in Tyler's arms interests him, they're dancing and he doesn't know when they started. Is she the bard from earlier? He doesn't know. Her eyes are liquid fire, amber eyes filled with strength and power; a barely there smile on her lips is captivating, almost like she's hiding secrets and making sure you know. Blonde hair falls into a loose knot at her shoulders, every breath he takes tastes of cinnamon.

They dance and dance, she's speaking; Tyler is so captivated by the way her mouth moves, forms around every word, that he doesn't know what she's saying-- she's laughing and Tyler wants to hang onto every note. He feels a powerful urge to agree, to what he doesn't know, but he'll agree to anything that falls from her lips. He's so close, his mouth won't form the words-- it's getting hard to concentrate.

The music isn't playing in the background anymore, the quiet voices that surround him almost sound like screaming. She's trying to get Tyler's attention again, but the screaming is getting louder; there's something else in the background, almost like the clashing of metal--swords against shields and against swords.

Tyler startles awake to Kino's frustrated growls and the sounds of yelling, the sounds of fighting. He quickly scrambles towards his wardrobe, hoping to gain at least some light leathers before the fighting get's to him. He'll be defenseless, but it'll be better than his cloth sleep clothes. He gets his hands on the hilt of his two-handed sword before someone bursts through his door.