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"The past won't offer redemption. Try the future instead."
Silver-tongued lady of Highever. She loves her family & Edmund, the Mabari Fergus Cousland gave her when he had to leave for his Knight duties. Aly reads a lot of stories & tales to learn more about history in general, but she dreams to actually experience it outside of these castle walls – may it be hers or other noble homes. She wanted to become a Grey Warden, but never expected the reality to strike that hard. At the beginning of DA:O, she’s only 19 after all. Alistair is her second relation, Dairren being her first love as a teen. They had their first night together the evening of Howe’s treason. Alistair & Alyssa have a son in 9:37 called Aaron Theirin.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4KQ3PwnEL481EbCGsgtz5b?si=8b0870d57134497d
Sword & Shield (Champion & Berserker) Warrior Noble Human
| Gender Identity | Cis Woman, She/Her |
|---|---|
| Sexual Orientation | Heterosexual, Demisexual & Panromantic |
| World State(s) | 1rst |
| Full Name | Alyssa Cousland-Theirin — She keeps “Cousland” even after her wedding to honour her late family name. |
|---|---|
| Name Meaning | • Alyssa means rational & noble. It matches the ideals her parents wished upon her. |
| • She used to be called Lucia as I named all my first protagonist either Loustica or Lucia before. I thought Alyssa kept the same vibe and was a pretty name for her. |
| Nicknames for Alyssa | By who? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aly | Fergus Cousland | She is very fond of that nickname. |
| A lot of other people uses it as well, but it will always be Fergus’ first. | ||
| Auntyssa or Auntie | Oren Cousland | She is very nostalgic of that nickname. |
| Being an aunt was a fantastic time of her life. | ||
| Pup | Bryce Cousland | She if very fond of that nickname. |
| Her father taught her how to take care of Edmund and train a dog. | ||
| Lily | ||
| (or “Fleur-de-lys”, only in French) | Léliana & Morrigan | She is very affectionate of that nickname. |
| They’re both like sisters to her. When she became queen, it became a symbol. | ||
| (Lilies or “Fleur-de-lys” are a strong symbol in France for the royalty.) | ||
| Red Rose | Alistair Theirin | She is very enamoured of that nickname. |
| That’s how he calls her when they’re in private. She calls him Ali most of the time. | ||
| Your Highness | ||
| (Very sarcastic tone) | Varric Tethras | She is very amused of that nickname. |
| She missed Morrigan’s sarcasm and never thought to find it again in this silly little dwarf. |
| Nicknames Alyssa gives | To who? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fergie or Gus | Fergus Cousland | Alyssa only calls him that way when no one is around. |
| Ali | Alistair Theirin | Based on “Aly”, the way Fergus calls her. |
| Leyley/Lélé | Léliana | Pronounced like “Lé” repeated twice. |
| Morri/Mor | Morrigan | Just a shorter way to say Morrigan. |
| Oggy/Ren | Oghren | A funny way to tease her best friend. |
| Titles & Aliases | When? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lady of Highever | 9:11 | N/A |
| Grey Warden | 9:30 | It was an honour for her to join the Grey Warden. She idealized them. |
| Champion of Redcliffe | 9:30 | Upon saving Arl Eamon. She accepts his reward. |
| Hero/Heroine | ||
| of Ferelden | 9:31 | Alyssa hates that title. She knows it was a common effort and refuse to be “THE” heroine when so many fought by her side to claim that victory. |
| Veteran of the | ||
| 5th Blight | 9:31 | N/A |
| Queen of Ferelden | 9:31 | Proud of loved Queen of Ferelden. She was raised to become a political noble, so it wasn’t very different from what she knew. She remained a warrior at heart, though. Always wearing heavy dresses with crinoline to ressemble the weight of a full plate armour. |
| Warden Commander | 9:32 | Although she became a Queen, Alyssa still cared about her responsibilities as a Grey Warden. |
| NAME | Description/Role | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairren | Ex-Boyfriend (9:26-9:30) | Deceased (9:30) | Alyssa and Dairren met all the time, as Landra was a close friend to Eleonora. At first, they didn’t like each other much, as they had to keep the formal and cold etiquette. But once they met each other in the library as teens, they grew closer, realizing behind those masks, they had a lot in common. Both enjoyed historical chronicles, tales, poetry… When they couldn’t meet, they often sent each other letters, talking about the novels they were currently reading or little anecdotes from their respective castle activities. Eventually, it grew into something more than friendship, but sadly their relationship didn’t last and he was killed in front of Alyssa by Rendon’s men after spending their first night together. |
| Alistair Theirin | Husband (9:31) | Alive | At first, she was being her usual mouthful brat, playing with his density. But when he started responding to those little games, making puns and shamelessly making a fool of himself, she just fell for him. He was much more than what meets the eyes. He wasn’t the moronic warrior she thought he was. Actually, he had a solid reading history, knowledge, but he mainly was a man who wasn’t afraid to talk about his feelings. Show his emotions via anger, hate, tears. He cared deeply for his companions, family, friends and even strangers. His jokes are only his coping mechanism with all the horrors he went through and still has to face. That’s how he went through his templar training, after all. Always diminished for his origins due to his mother, yet expected to do great things with his father’s. If the Chantry did any good, it’s probably the education it provided to Templars. Of course, Alistair remains dense and naive upon certain topics, but it’s just because he has no idea how to react to this. In other words, his wittiness and Alyssa’s accorded perfectly and their similar trauma led them to serious talks, sleepless nights and evolved into a steady, strong and powerful relationship full of admiration and love for one another. |
| NAME | Description/Role | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Cousland | Father | Deceased (9:30) | |
| Age 60 | Alyssa was very close to her parents, Bryce especially. Once he noticed she was straining in secret with Fergus, he let her start real training with a tutor, Sel Gilmore, between her other classes, even if Eleonora was against it at first. Bryce and Alyssa even trained in swordsmanship together in their free time. | ||
| Eleonora Cousland | Mother | Deceased (9:30) | |
| Age 54 | Focused on Alyssa’s future, almost sure she would make a better heir than Fergus for the teyrn, even if Alyssa doesn’t agree. They went through a lot of conflicts over little things, choices Eleonora took without her consent, things Alyssa did behind her back… Constantly picking each other on, but that was their way to express their mutual love. Alyssa felt terrible about their last time together, as it was the first time she wasn’t countering her mother’s words in years… | ||
| Fergus Cousland | Older brother | Alive | Her sweet older brother. They grew up being very close to each other, sharing secrets, playing hide and seek in the castle, bothering the servants… Classic activities for kids! Until Fergus became old enough to start his knight training and often had to leave the castle. When they could meet up, they would spend the whole time catching up and practising. After Rendon Howe’s treason, she convinced herself he was alive, he was her last hope. Alistair surprised Alyssa with Fergus showing up in the castle,as he had sent soldiers to look for him after defeating Urthemiel. |
| Oriana Cousland | Sister-in-law | Deceased (9:30) | |
| Age 25 | When Alyssa first saw Fergus coming home with Oriana, she held a grudge. As a young teen who couldn’t see her brother as much as she once could, knowing Fergus would spend even less time with her was the worst outcome. She pested Oriana for a couple of weeks, trying to disgust her about Highever and make her leave. But Orianna understood the situation and their relationship grew stronger. When Fergus was away, they had a lot of fun getting dressed, brushing each other's hair into fantasy hairstyles and speaking around cups of tea. Her way with words really taught. Alyssa a few tricks to convince, persuade and even intimidate others. She learned the power of words could compete with swords and shields. | ||
| Oren Cousland | Nephew | Deceased (9:30) | |
| Age 5 | Oren was only a kid when he was murdered by Howe’s men, but he was very close to his aunty. Their bedrooms being close, he often joined her when he was scared, or wanted to hear her narrate a story once his parents were asleep. His imagination was the sweetest thing in Alyssa’s existence and she deeply enjoyed his company. | ||
| Teagan Guerrin | Uncle-in-law | Alive | They met at Redcliffe as she helped the citizens to remain safe from darkspawns. They’re not particularly close but they enjoy each others company during family gathering reunions. |
| Isolde Guerrin | Aunt-in-law | Alive | Reminder her of Oriana and Oren, Alyssa knew she had to do her best to save Connor. They could never replace the empty hole in her heart caused by their death, but she was grateful to have found a loving family. |
| Connor Guerrin | Cousin-in-law | Alive | Alyssa did her best to save Connor and free him from the demon’s grasp. She went to the Tower of Kinloch Hold to ask the mages assistance on this. Thanks to Jowan, Wynne and Uldred, they saved the child. He grew up as a fine man, taking care of Aaron like a big brother. |
| Eamon Guerrin | Uncle-in-law | Alive | Eamon’s relationship with Alistair grew stronger since the coronation. He’s like a father to both Alistair and Alyssa, as they often ask him for guidance. |
| Aaron Theirin | Son | Alive | |
| (Born 9:37) | Although Alistair and Alyssa were told it was “impossible” for two Grey Warden to conceive, they still tried for years and years. When they were losing hope to ever get an heir to the throne, Aaron arrived. Perfectly fine and not tainted whatsoever. He is their little miracle (Aaron means Miracle). Like Alyssa, Aaron loves animals and has a huge collection of stuffed animal plushies. |
| NAME | Description/Role | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morrigan | Soul sister | Alive | Alyssa’s relationship with Morrigan was like two sisters; always picking on but deeply caring about each other. The Dark Ritual only deepened those bonds. Even if Alyssa promised to never look for Morrigan, she eventually gave in and tried to contact her, just to know if she was doing aright. They didn’t stay together that long, but she was relieved to see Morrigan seemed happier than ever, healthy and determined. They knew they could count on each other even when they were far away. The distance didn’t break their friendship. |
| Léliana | Close friend | Alive | She wasn’t planning to meet an ally in a tavern; this sounded like her old role playing games she used to play with Fergus years back, even weirder as she was a firm believer in the Maker. But Léliana became a close ally to Alyssa. Even if Andrasté, the Maker and religion in general never was her forte, nor her main interest, she thought the help of a godlike figure would be welcomed against the darkspawn invading villages one by one. They remained very close even after Alyssa’s coronation, sending each other a lot of letters and gifts. Léliana even becomes Aaron Theirin’s Godmother. |
| Sten | Mentor | Alive | Alyssa saved Sten because she knew what was coming to Lothering. He would have died. And he could be useful. They were in desperate need for allies when they were only 3 standing against Loghain lies. Their bonds weren’t that deep, but she enjoyed his company and discussions when they travelled together. He took the place of his father and Ser Gilmore as her sword master, becoming Alyssa’s mentor. After defeating Urthemiel, they went their separate ways. |
| Wynne | Mother figure | Deceased (9:40) | Wynne reminded Alyssa of her late mother so much. Eleonora had the same look in her eyes when she was having serious discussions with her. Or joking about her father and brother. Or even giving her advices. Alyssa had troubles dealing with her feelings when she met Wynne in the Tower, but in time the pain faded. The sword of Damocles upon Wynne’s head always made Alyssa worry because she just found her mother in Wynne and cannot afford to lose her a second time. After their victory against the Blight, Wynne and Shale left Ferelden. They kept sending each other letters until the day of her death, when Alyssa received no answer. (DA Asunder events) |
| Zévran | N/A | Deceased (9:30) | When she met Zevran, she was tired of being betrayed. First by Rendow Howe, then Loghain Mac Tir… People she knew her entire life… She just couldn't let a man sent to kill her and her friends alive. Sadly, she left him no chance to make amends. |
| Oghren | Best Friend | Alive | Oghren can seem like the most stupid drunk dwarf you’ll ever meet, but he’s also more than that. He taught Alyssa how to control her anger and turn it into a weapon. How to deal with her emotions better than repressing or covering them with jokes. He also was a nice drink companion. |
| Shale | Not particularly close | Alive | After destroying Caridin’s control rod, she was surprised golems could still work. Alyssa saved Shale out of curiosity, and out of need. Any help against Urthemiel was more than welcome. Other than that, the two of them never really got along well, with Shale always commenting on Alyssa’s way to lead getting on her nerves. There was a sense of mutual respect, but not a deep friendship. |
| Anders | Friend… ? | Alive… ? | Alyssa saved him by using the right of conscription. The two of them soon became friend. She gave him Ser Pounce-A-Lot as its fur reminded her of his hair. When he went to Kirkwall, they kept sending each other messages. When she had learn the way Anders was separated from his cat, she promised him to look after the small tabby cat for him. He often discussed his manifesto through their epistolary exchange. The day she’d seen what happened to Kirkwall’s chantry, she felt an immense guilt, feeling like she encouraged him too much in his ideals of freedom. Ever since, he never replied. Was it out of remorse, shame or just the fact he ran away, she’ll never know. |
| Nathaniel Howe | Family friend | Alive | Beside her hatred for what his father has done to the Cousland and her people, she knows Nathaniel has nothing to do with his Father’s doing. She already took revenge on the iarl. Killing him would only lead to more hatred and start another cycle of vengeance without reason. As the Queen of Ferelden, she wants to work for a durable peace and keeping him alive is the first step of that new united Ferelden state. |
| Plus, they were childhood friends before. It has been a couple years since they’ve met in person due to their own duties, but they kept messaging each other to stay in touch. She gave him a chance to redeem himself and his family name. He eventually became a Grey Warden and helped her reorganize the Grey Warden soldiers. | |||
| Justice | Not particularly close | ? Deceased ? | Although she was really intrigued by Justice and his spiritual links, reminding her of her beloved Wynne, these two never really grew close. When Anders told her they had merged, Alyssa was terrified for Anders. |
| Velanna | Not particularly close | Alive | They helped each other when they had a common goal, but left separate ways as soon as their duty was done. As a Grey Warden though, they kept informing each others about the local amount of darkspawns. Especially when the Breach appeared in the sky. |
| Sigrun | Friend | Alive | It seems Alyssa has a good feeling with the dwarves in general. They directly went along well. Even after all these years, they meet from time to time to enjoy a nice dwarven ale with Oghren and Sigrun and play cards. |
| NAME | Description | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmund (and his puppies) | Mabari | Alive | Ever since Fergus had to leave the castle for undetermined times to perform his knight duties, Edmund stayed by Alyssa’s side, to the great displeasure of her parents. Only Fergus and Oren liked Edmund as much as Alyssa. She liked to practice her oral lecture with him in the library. Aldous was often unhappy about it, finding his drool all over books. Even years later, in 9:44, he remains a loyal companion to Alyssa and Alistair, father of many puppies. He followed Alyssa to her quest to find a method for preventing the Calling. |
| Ser Pounce-A-Lot | Orange Tabby Cat | Alive | Alyssa found this lost kitten starving in Vigil’s Keep. Very close to animals, she immediately took cared of him. Noticing the immense loneliness in Anders’ eyes — the same loneliness she felt when Fergus left for the first time, before coming back with Edmund — she knew he was the perfect person to take care of this little fluffy creature. After Ser Pounce-A-Lot was separated from Anders, she was angry to find the cat in a similar shape as their first meeting, and decided to adopt him in the royal court. Knowing how much Anders cared for him, she took great care of Pounce and often added a couple lines about him in their letters exchange. |
| Patapon | Greater Nuggalope | Alive | A great mount that can easily see in the deep roads even with a dim lit, used to these dark caves. She was named by Aaron, only aged 4. |