• Hello Guest, the Post-Trespasser timeline is open to all characters now. If you want to play your DA:O/DA2 timeline characters in the Post-Trespasser timeline, please check out the thread below. It will give you all the information you need to get up and running in no time:

    Getting your DA:O/DA2 Character ready for Post-Trespasser!

Rebound [Closed]

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#1
((OOC: Harvestmere 24, 9:35, Afternoon, @Breanna ))

Nathaniel thought himself beyond bouts of depression that came long with thinking of Fiona. The simplest things could restoke a person's grief. News of the death of the Bann Brandon's wife Ryona wore heavily upon Nathaniel's thoughts. Bann Brandon was now a widower. He could not think of him and not be reminded of the anniversary of Fiona's death looming ahead in just under two months short time. Much had happened since that date. Love lost and then found. Hope gained, lost and found. The path ahead would be no easy one for Bann Brandon.

Physical activity helped to calm his thoughts and Nathaniel took to spending a good portion of the afternoon the day after receiving the news in the practice yard of the Grey Warden compound. His knuckles whitened as he twisted his hands about the leather wrapped hilt of his practice daggers and examined the sad state of the straw dummy he had practiced upon. A new one would be required soon. Many a Grey Warden apparently worked out their frustrations upon this particular target as of late.

His chest heaved from the exertion and he moved toward a small table topped with a pitcher of water and scrap cloth. He reached for the cloth first upon setting down his daggers, wiping away the sweat from his brow. The water came next, poured into a wooden mug for him by Pod, one of the orphans taken in by the Grey Wardens.

"We'll need a new dummy," Nathaniel noted idly to the boy before draining the contents of his mug. His hand reached out, holding the mug out to Pod whom quickly poured a bit more water into Nathaniel's cup.

Pod nodded, "I'll let them know, mi'lord."

Nathaniel had corrected Pod many times. Within the walls of the compound, he did not wish to be addressed as a nobleman. That particular dressing was for others, not for the Grey Wardens or those within their employ. Some habits, however, were hard to break and Nathaniel let the slip go by unnoted - this time.
 
Last edited:

Breanna Guerrin

Bann of Rainesfere
Noble
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
20
#2
Her arrival at the Grey Warden Compound had her carrying a small bundle of papers. Of all the visits she had planned for while in Denerim, she hated that she had waited so long in meeting up with Cauthrien. But conflicts primarily in her own schedule had meant that she had to push back any such visit until her own business was done. Although there was some business to attend to, the fact of the matter was, Breanna really just wanted to see her friend.

So when she approached the guards and requested a moment with the commander, the last thing she expected was to be brought to the training grounds and see Nathaniel Howe at the distance. Blasted Fade, she knew she should have been more specific. While Cauthrien was the commander of this base, Nathaniel was the literal commander. Of course they would bring her to him when she phrased it like that. She was about to correct the page of the error when he moved away to ask Nathaniel if he minded the interruption, and she found herself internally cursing her fate. Things would always be awkward between them, but somehow, she doubted time made things less so. After all, the lover she herself had abandoned recently had turned to him, of that she was certain. And while she wished them no ill-will over that, it only made for a more confusing twist considering their own personal history.

All she could do was remain composed and grip her papers to her chest as she awaited Nathaniel’s pronouncement about meeting with her.
 

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#3
The water swallowed down, Nathaniel went about pouring a small measure from the pitcher upon the scrap cloth. Even in the cool weather, winter indeed...coming, Nathaniel had managed to broke a sweat from his effort. He rubbed the dampened cloth against the nape of his neck and watched as Pod ran off to see to his errand. A corner of his mouth tugged wryly at the young boy and his purposeful leap over a muddied puddle. The boots the boy wore were given to him by Nathaniel and Pod took great pride is keeping them as clean as possible.

The look of faint amusement faded almost as quickly as it was born, however. Just beyond Pod conversing with one of the pages within the compound was someone Nathaniel would not have expected to come pay visit to the Grey Wardens.

Breanna Guerrin was a woman that caused brought more frustrations than good in Nathaniel's life. She had a penchant for drama that could match Mara's when the mood suited her. But why was she here? He had not seen Breanna since her split with Fergus. But there had been no reason to, had there? Any business Nathaniel had with the Guerrins, he addressed with Teagan.

The page she had been speaking with ran toward Nathaniel. Before the boy could speak, he held up a hand and nodded once. Whatever his feelings for her, Nathaniel would not turn her away.
An awkwardness persisted between them but that did not merit rudeness on his part.

The cloth tossed atop the table, he abandoned his practicing for now and left the practice yard to walk toward the awaiting Breanna. He dipped his head in a cordial nod for her upon his arrival and even managed to force a not-at-all put on (or so it appeared) smile for her. "This is a surprise," he noted. "What might I do for you today Bann Guerrin?"
 
Last edited:

Breanna Guerrin

Bann of Rainesfere
Noble
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
20
#4
He was coming closer. Tilting his head in acknowledgement. "This is a surprise." Addressing her. "What might I do for you today Bann Guerrin?"

Argh. How was it that the man managed to still look good after such exertion? Then again, perhaps it was because of said---

No, better not to think of it.

She did a proximate simulation of a curtsy, something that was somewhat difficult considering the bundle in her hands. But she rose without dropping anything and offered up a smile. “My lord, it is a surprise on my part as well. But it is good to see you nonetheless.” It wasn’t a total lie. She was glad to see him well. Considering their line of work, she was always grateful to see the Wardens that she knew, whether she considered them friends or not.

“Admittedly, I intended on seeing Ser Cauthrien about these matters, but perhaps it is best that I speak to you of it...?” Shifting the bundle in her hand, she carefully withdrew a page and handed it over to him. “They are renovating Haven, as you are no doubt aware. They move through Rainesfere daily. But many are surprised to not see a dedication made to the Warden at Haven, considering his efforts there. Not to mention the King’s efforts. I sought out Cauthrien, or perhaps now, yourself, in case you had input about a direction to go in.” She motioned to the page, where three designs stood out. The first was of the four party members, although the men stood out more prominently from the women. The second was that of Andraste, reaching out as if for assistance, and the Warden approaching. The third was that of a griffon, wings spread outward as if landing before an urn. “You hold some designs that are the most predominantly discussed, but I understand the builder is welcome to suggestions.”
 

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#5
Papers ruffled within Breanna’s grasp as she dropped into a curtsey for Nathaniel. “My lord, it is a surprise on my part as well. But it is good to see you nonetheless.”

Was it? An ungracious thought Breanna did not deserve. Breanna, though infuriatingly frustrating to Nathaniel at times, had never been someone he thought insincere. Dramatic and prone to fits? Yes. A liar? No.

“Admittedly, I intended on seeing Ser Cauthrien about these matters, but perhaps it is best that I speak to you of it...?” Breanna fussed with the papers in her grasp to free a single piece of parchment that she offered to Nathaniel. “They are renovating Haven, as you are no doubt aware. They move through Rainesfere daily. But many are surprised to not see a dedication made to the Warden at Haven, considering his efforts there. Not to mention the King’s efforts. I sought out Cauthrien, or perhaps now, yourself, in case you had input about a direction to go in.”

Nathaniel bit down, hardening the line of his jaw as he took the paper from Breanna. The last thing Aedan deserved as a memorial in his honor but any such opinions were not the type that Nathaniel could share, not with someone outside of the Grey Wardens.

Breanna motioned to the three designs drawn upon the piece of paper. “You hold some designs that are the most predominantly discussed, but I understand the builder is welcome to suggestions.”

Nathaniel dropped his gaze to look at the three proposed memorials. The first was nice enough with Alistair, Leliana and Wynne present with Aedan. The second was absolutely not an option. Andraste and Aedan? No. The last, however, that was the one Nathaniel rubbed his thumb against. “The griffon,” he replied succinctly.

Nathaniel offered the paper back to Breanna to with whatever she wished. “You know she prefers not to be called Ser Cauthrien,” he followed with, turning the conversation back to something else Breanna said.

All the exertion caused his stomach to grumble in protest. There were some sensations he could never dull no matter the effort. “I am going to have a late meal if you wish to accompany me.” His hand swept in motion toward the keep. Another time he might have ended their conversation right there. Nathaniel had no desire to put the alliance he had with Teagan at risk by snubbing his daughter.
 

Breanna Guerrin

Bann of Rainesfere
Noble
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
20
#6
She watched him as he went over the options, finding him as difficult to read as she normally did. One of them did not seem to have his approval in the least, as far as she could tell. She wondered which it was?

When he declared his favor with the griffon, however, she nodded in agreement. “I felt it was the best option, as well. But it was not my place to declare.” She liked the symmetry of the design. The first cast too much prominence on the men, and while those men were important in the long run, the fact of the matter was she was fairly certain all four members of that group worked together equally (not that she was there, but it seemed a safe assumption to make). The second seemed to discard the others altogether, so that one seemed the worst off. Whereas the last made it more a vague dedication to the Grey Wardens as a whole, and she felt rather alright with that.

She took the paper back, almost missing his words as she put it back in place. Decision made, no need to re-offer it to him to keep. “You know she prefers not to be called Ser Cauthrien.”

That made her look up. “Oh. Yes, right. I do not do so when I am with her, it just seemed, well, proper to do so at that moment, I suppose.” But she would keep it in mind, as she was curious why her friend disliked it so much.

“I am going to have a late meal if you wish to accompany me.”

She looked up in surprise, unable to completely mask it as she attempted to cover it up. “Oh. Thank you, that is very kind.” She’d been through some of the compound, but not the kitchens. And considering the reputation the Wardens had for a voracious appetite, she had to admit to curiosity as to how the kitchens handled such a feat. Pulling her papers against her chest, she matched his stride as he moved off. Although she rather hoped he put on some clothing, first...

“So... how have you been? Taken on any newcomers since I saw you last?” Great. Why not ask him how the weather was? Now that she had no actual reason to talk to him, what was there for them to discuss? Certainly not the ball, nor the events that predated it. Nor have they really spoken since.
 

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#7
Given the look of surprise on Breanna’s face, someone might have thought she expected Nathaniel to escort her promptly out of the compound by the ear. While he would not deny there were times when she deserved be treated like a petulant child in need of correcting, today was not one of those days.

Yet.

“Oh. Thank you, that is very kind,” she offered, accepting Nathaniel’s invitation.

The pair were off, Breanna clutching her papers against her chest and Nathaniel casually lacing his hands behind his back.

“So... how have you been? Taken on any newcomers since I saw you last?” she asked.

Newcomers? That made it sound like joining the Grey Wardens was akin to joining some kind of social club. Come for the ale. Stay for the sterility, shortened lifespan and nightmares.

He swallowed down his irritation, keeping his expression as neutral as possible. Breanna was not a malicious person. She had meant no insult in her turn of phrase.

This time.

“We get new recruits often. But yes, we have just added a mage to our ranks.” The large wooden doors leading into the main keep stood opened ahead. Nathaniel waited for Breanna to enter first then followed soon after. “Cordelia is her name.” Given Breanna was a Guerrin, she might well recognize Cordelia’s last name so Nathaniel did not share it. Guerrins, be it Teagan or Breanna, did not need to get ideas into their head.

No meals were being served in the dining hall during this time of afternoon so it was to the kitchens that Nathaniel turned them. The smell of bread permeated the hallway as they neared the bustling kitchen of the compound. “They are usually preparing dinner around this time of day but will have something ready for us to eat now."
 

Breanna Guerrin

Bann of Rainesfere
Noble
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
20
#8
“We get new recruits often. But yes, we have just added a mage to our ranks.”

She listened with interest, unaware that new recruits came with any amount of frequency to the wardens’ ranks. Then again, perhaps they didn’t stay in Ferelden. She supposed it would be quite easy to transfer them elsewhere, as they might be needed. Visibility was not their strong suit. “I cannot imagine that was a simple task.” Considering the way the Chantry treated mages, either it was an apostate that came across them, or they recruited from the Chantry proper. Neither seemed easy.

“Cordelia is her name.”

“A lovely name. I hope she has great success with you and your compatriots,” Breanna remarked, offering up a smile. She wondered why the name sounded vaguely familiar, though. In the back of her mind, she found herself trying to pinpoint it.

“They are usually preparing dinner around this time of day but will have something ready for us to eat now."

“I recall how we had to stock up beforehand for your arrival in Redcliffe. You certainly left a lingering impression with our cooks. Here, I can imagine your kitchens tend to be open with more frequency than not.” She didn’t mean it as anything other than truly impressed. After all, to maintain a kitchen for such crazy times was something she could not comprehend. Preparations already took a great deal of time, but something like that must truly be a significant effort. “Then again, I suppose dried meats and fruits would be readily on hand without a great deal of preparation needed,” she mused absently, following him into the kitchens, her eyes widening a bit at the sight. “...It smells incredible in here.”
 

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#9
“I recall how we had to stock up beforehand for your arrival in Redcliffe. You certainly left a lingering impression with our cooks. Here, I can imagine your kitchens tend to be open with more frequency than not.”

One of the worst kept Warden secrets, their hunger. Whenever asked about such things, Nathaniel would claim their exercise regimen caused them to need to eat more than the average person. Fuel was needed for all the energy they expended, after all. Some were accepting of such and others only had other questions he simply evaded.

“Then again,” Breanna continued, "I suppose dried meats and fruits would be readily on hand without a great deal of preparation needed ...It smells incredible in here.”

And it did. The smells tickling Nathaniel’s nose as they stepped into the kitchen were enough to cause his stomach to grumble quite audibly. A flicker of a frown coated his mouth before he quickly reset his expression in stone.

The cook looked up at Nathaniel and Breanna as the pair entered and sported a frown of her own. Wardens entering her kitchens during the day was nothing new. Wardens bringing guests, however, was not common. Another Grey Warden she might have chastised, but Nathaniel she let go with merely a disapproving look. “What can I do for you milord?” she asked, wiping flour off her hands with a cloth she kept attached to her apron.

It was habit for the kitchens to keep a stew going at all times of the day; something hearty to temporarily stoke the Grey Warden appetite. “Two stews and some of that fresh baked bread,” Nathaniel replied, his tone leaving no room for disagreement.

Room or not, the cook still wore a less than pleased expression. All the same, she barked a order at one of the kitchen maids, You heard the Warden-Commander, girl.”

Nathaniel inclined his head toward a table flanked by two benches in a far corner of the kitchen. “We can sit there,” he commented, waiting on Breanna to go before him. Regardless of his personal opinion of her, she was a lady and he had not entirely forgotten his manners.

Once the pair were situated in their seats, the arduous task of small talk fell upon his shoulders. “And how have you been?"
 

Breanna Guerrin

Bann of Rainesfere
Noble
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
20
#10
Oh my. If she received a look like that from a staffmember, she certainly would not have lingered about. Then again, the situation here in the compound was quite different from her own, she was sure. Not to mention that if she had come in with company, the staff would also have not said anything improper.

She would like to think.

“Two stews and some of that fresh baked bread.”

Still not pleased, the cook motioned for someone else to do so. “You heard the Warden-Commander, girl.”

“Thank you,” Breanna chimed in, offering up a charming smile that she hoped eased some of the circumstances. She hated being an inconvenience to anyone, but was grateful for the meal nonetheless. She’d been in a rush to meet with Cauthrien that she had skipped lunch.

“We can sit there,” he remarked after motioning to a table with a couple of benches. Nodding, she moved towards it and took a seat, watching him sit opposite her. “And how have you been?"

Lonely. Stressed. Strung out.

But she didn’t dare say such things, not when circumstances were always so awkward between them. Not when she knew so little about the events that were going on, herself. “My health is well, although I could stand to get more sleep. Rainesfere certainly has been more active in the past few months.” She only then realized that he hadn’t answered her when she had asked after his own health, earlier. Perhaps it was on purpose? She decided to try one more time, now that they were in a more social setting. “And yourself? You look well.” He had always been difficult to read, but there were no obvious outward signs that he was ill, or anything of that sort. She could only hope that was the case.
 

Nathaniel Howe

Warden Commander of Ferelden
Canon Character
Noble
Grey Warden
Post DAI Timeline
DAO/DA2 Timeline
Posts
183
#11
“My health is well, although I could stand to get more sleep,” Breanna replied. "Rainesfere certainly has been more active in the past few months.” Nathaniel had to admit he knew relatively little about Rainesfere. That area of Ferelden was not one he had ever visited nor did he feel especially inspired to now or in the future.

“And yourself? You look well.” There was Breanna’s question yet again. How convenient she provided herself an answer as well.

Even more convenient was the approach of the kitchen maid. In her hands she held the earlier requested food atop a sturdy wooden tray. With a level of dexterity Nathaniel had to admire, the girl managed to balance the tray and serve them both, Breanna first, without spilling a drop of food or bread.

Nathaniel nodded to the girl as he reached for the still warm loaf, dismissing her so that she could continue her duties. From a hunk he tore off the loaf, he pulled an even smaller piece free and dipped it into the thick gravy of his stew. Grey eyes peered across the table briefly at Breanna. Would she ask a third time if he continued to not respond?

He did not test the waters to find out.

“I am well. Very busy,” he added in between bites of his gravy soaked bread.

As well as he could be, he supposed. Velanna had returned into his life. Fergus was ever a fixture. He had just managed to thumb his rather pronounced nose at the Chantry. In the world of Nathaniel Howe, all was actually going nicely. No wonder Breanna had come to visit. Something unpleasant always happened when things were going well.

If she was all the fates wished to throw at him, though, he would take his lumps. In the grand scheme of bad things, Breanna was relatively tame. Far more bark (very loud and dramatic at that) than bite.

Thoughts of Fergus did bring up a question to mind; one he decided to ask rather than sit upon if for no other reason than to fill the air with something other than the quiet sounds of their eating. He asked with all the casualness of inquiring what the weather outside might be, “Is Fergus aware you are in Denerim?"
 
Top