Forbidden Lovers

Chapter 5

Late in the afternoon the small group passed beneath the portcullis, Teyrn Bryce Cousland was in the courtyard waiting to meet up with them. "Pup!" He called out to her as he held out his arms, giving a big joyous smile for his daughter's return. Jess hopped off her horse rather quickly and dashed to her father's arms and jumped. "Hello daddy! I wish for you to meet someone" She gestured for Fen to come over to them smiling. He grabbed her in a bear hug swinging her around. Teyrn Cousland kissed the crown of her head. "I've missed you pup.", releasing her he stepped back smiling fondly down at his youngest. Fen came closer at Jess' invitation. "Daddy, this is Fen’revas. He escorted me here safely and has saved me on multiple occasions along the way" Jess smiled and glanced at them both. Bryce squeezed his daughter's shoulder. "Fen’revas is it? You have my gratitude for seeing my daughter safely home." The Cousland's smile broadened. "Stay here for the night and I'll see you compensated for your trouble in the morning." Howe stepped up the picture of cordiality. "Bryce allow me to see to the comfort of our young friend." "Nonsense Howe I'll send someone to take care of the young man." Bryce waived away Howe's offer. Howe smiled and attempted again. "Please Bryce it is the least I can do, after all I did benefit from his assistance as well." Chuckling good naturedly, "very well Howe, once he's settled meet us in the grand study, we have a guest with us tonight. Come pup your mother has been beside herself with worry." Bryce guided his daughter from the courtyard and toward the families quarters. Jess smiled back to Fen then followed her beloved father. Her mother was sitting worried sick as her father had said. Fergus and his wife comforting her until they arrived in the area.
***
Howe turned back to Fen'revas and motioned to the guards with a stuck up grin. "See that he is locked away, he will be leaving with me in the morning for Amaranthine for sentencing." The guards took Fen by the arms restraining him. The Arl walked up close to Fen and struck him as hard as he could in the stomach driving the wind from the poor elf's lungs. "I have a promise to you I intend to keep." He patted the elf a couple of times upon the cheek before turning away on his heel. "Take him away, I will be by later this evening to check on his comfort."
***
"Hello mother and my sweetest brother. I'm glad to be home." Jess smiled and hugged her little nephew. "I would like to introduce you to someone later if that is alright” Her mother raised a concerned brow. "Bryce do you know about this?" Bryce smiled at his wife. "Now love what did I tell you our pup is resourceful, she had an elvhen fellow who escorted her home. “ Daddy, he isn't just an escort…he is kind, sweet, brave, and handsome” Jess blushed at the thought. Is this really coming from my mouth? All of their eyes widened in shock. Shaking it off Bryce spoke “Come pup tell us of your adventure and put your mother's mind at ease." "Actually father my adventure will only worry her more." Jess faked a laugh with a fake smile to follow. She was worried her father will think like Howe does about Fen.
***
The guards forced Fen into a cell and locked the door, leaving as they muttered curses about knife eared trash. The elf glared at the locked wooden door, turning about he examined the room. Fresh straw, a barrel with old water. He studied the sturdy wooden door. The lock would be no trouble but the bar across the door he could do nothing about.
***
Finishing up with family greetings Bryce started for his study. "Pup when you're done here join me in the study with Howe and the guest I told you about." "Father...May Fen come? " Jess looked at her father with a smile. "You are fond of this man" her mother chuckled. “I am mother. I know I haven't known him long but it has been the best week of my life and it was spent with him” she smiled softly as she hugged herself with swinging arms. Bryce looked at his daughter thoughtfully, taking note to her actions with this man. "Of course pup. Duncan of the Grey Wardens is here looking for recruits, perhaps he would be willing to recruit your friend."
***
They met Howe just outside the study. "Howe, which room did you have our guest settled?" "Yes, about that. The lad said something about returning to his clan. I did manage to sway him into taking some payment for his services, but he has already left." Howe nodded to Jess. "I'm sorry my dear." He turned back to Bryce. "You said you had a visitor?" "Ah yes, I had meant to tell you we have a warden with us this evening." He held the door to his study and waived his daughter inside. Jess stayed quiet and walked in. Not staying focused, Fen on her mind. Worryness clouded her. Why would he leave without saying anything. She grieved faintly. Settling in at his desk, Bryce folded his hands before him. "So, recruits? Did you find any worthwhile lads we can use Jess?" Jess looked at him confused at first, then realized what he was speaking of. "Huh? Um...no I didn't. I am sorry father. May I be excused?" She spoke in a quiet tone. Refusing to look into anyone's eyes.
"Yes of course pup. Are you feeling well?" Concern was in his tone. Jess shook her head no. "I'll just go to my room" "I am here if you need me Pup...Oh, and do stop by and see your brother before you head to bed. He'll be leaving tonight to Ostagar." He turned back to Howe. "And what of you? Your men will be ready? " The amusement in Howe's voice could be heard. "Yes of course, they are running a little behind but that is my fault I'm afraid..."