Hey all, this is my first Fan Fiction. Currently un-Beta'd so if there's anyone out there interested...

This will be stepping into AU territory but I'll try to keep Bioware characters as in character as possible. All Bioware characters will be identifiable and there will be OC's and multiple origins. It will be focussed on the human noble Kaylana Cousland who violently opposed conscription yet ends up leading the Wardens not as an actual Warden but as their Voice. How will it affect the Wardens and Ferelden? Read on!

Kaylana Cousland could scarcely believe what was happening. Howe, Rendon Howe had attacked her family! Her father was dead and mother was soon to join him if she hadn't already. Maker she hoped the attacking soldiers would just kill her mother and not defile her further. She cringed at that thought and cast a quick thought of forgiveness in case the Maker actually was listening. Then she scowled if he was and had allowed this travesty to happen he could ROT! She was sprinting through the dark and sombre streets towards the alienage for two reasons.

First the soldiers wouldn't look for her here.

Second she had to speak with Ariannie, the elder of the Alienage.

That, however, was going to be more difficult she realized as she'd never actually been in the Alienage and had no idea where Ariannie lived and given the time of night it was the only elves that would be out would be those she normally wouldn't want to mess with.

Sure enough she barely had time to reflexively leap over a cloaked figure intent on taking her down that was quickly followed by several others. Her training gave her a greater edge over these elves though as she was fast, almost impossibly fast. She managed to get one in a firm hold with her blade against their throat, "Hold!" she commanded with authority.

Seeing the predicament of their companion the elves halted, waiting for another opportunity.

Kaylana loathed the feel of the elven girl whimpering against her but right now there was no other option, "Do you know why there is no alienage in Amaranthine?"

The response was confusion and silence.

"Because Arl Howe either kills or sells the elves he finds to Tevinter slavers. Now I highly recommend you pack your bags and get out of Highever for Howes troops have just taken over Castle Cousland, the Teyrn and Teyrna have been murdered." She found a steel had entered her voice that she'd never heard before and it scared her.

"What!"

"Impossible!"

"Not the Teyrn!" the elves began to cry.

"Who are you and how do you know this?" A young man demanded fiercely.

Kaylana released the girl, "Because I am Kaylana Cousland. Now cease this at once and take me to Ariannie!" she commanded.

"Lady Cousland?" the girl whirled around wide eyed as the moonlight revealed a dishevelled and blood covered Kaylana.

It was taking all of her willpower to remain strong, "Please, this is the last thing I can do before..." her voice cracked with emotion.

Suddenly there were cries in the streets, "The castle burns! Castle Cousland is under attack!"

The girl grabbed Lady Cousland by the hand and pulled her, "This way my Lady!"

The elves that had been intent on robbing the stranger quickly fell in around her defensively. The Couslands were respected and revered for their kindness and the respect they bestowed on all, especially the elves.

Kaylana was exceedingly grateful as she was taken directly to the home of the elder.

Ariannie was not impressed at being woken in the middle of the night and grumbled under her breath as she opened the door to quite the crowd including one armoured human. "What is all the fuss?" she demanded.

"Ariannie..." Kaylana began.

Ariannie's eyes widened, she knew that voice, "My lady!"

"You must evacuate your people tonight, my parents have been murdered by Howe whose troops are currently sacking the castle. Howe will sell your people into slavery or just kill you all and I would die before I see that happen." Kaylana declared with heartbreaking passion.

"Oh my lady!" Ariannie breathed in horror, her knees going weak.

"Duty first. Protect the people. Until I avenge my family this warning is the last thing I can do to protect you. Get the elves out of Highever. Go to the Waking Seas, Bann Alfastanna will help you. Give her this," she took off her ring, "tell her I go to Ostagar to find my brother. We won't be able to do anything about Howe until the Darkspawn in the south are dealt with." she hissed, "That son of a bitch knew that. That's why he delayed his troops until ours were gone and I will see his head on a pike for it." she snarled, grief fuelling her rage.

"Lethallan." a soft voice murmured beside her.

Kaylana turned to see Sahera, a Dalish elf who had been teaching her their ways. She sobbed and hugged the woman fiercely.

Sahera smiled and returned the hug, thrilled beyond words that Lady Lana was still alive and had escaped the castle, "You learn well Lethallan."

Kaylana pulled back before she burst into tears, "Not exactly how I'd have liked to prove myself. But what is done cannot be undone only dealt with. And I will deal with that treacherous bastard Howe."

The elves that had gathered around were filled with awe for their seemingly fearless noble leader.

"We will go to the Waking Seas, you must leave quickly, Jaeis show Lady Cousland the quickest way out of the city." Ariannie looked to her people, her shoulders straightening. Lady Cousland could easily have just left them but instead had risked her life to get here, to warn them. She would ensure that risk was neither in vain nor went unappreciated, they would spread word of her courage and true nobility.

"May the Creators bless you and keep you safe." Kaylana bowed respectfully to Ariannie before turning and following the young man who'd been tasked to look out for her while in the city.

Sahera gracefully followed, she would not leave the young nobles side, not after all the work that had been put into training her nor for the bond of friendship that had grown between them.