If you're patient with the Hound, it will clue you in that there's something amiss in the Larder.
She'll be irate no matter what you say, so press on regardless. The cook, Nan, is upset over a Mabari Hound having taken over the larder. It's in your interest to investigate this since it will make completing the origins story considerably easier. He'll indicate that a pet Mabari Hound is causing trouble in the nearby larder. How lax or harsh you are in your treatment of them is up to you.
You can also find here Codex entries for 'Chant of Light - The Blight' and 'Andraste - Bride of the Maker'. You can join her in a prayer if you wish. You will find Mother Mallol and a couple of guards praying here. Chests in these rooms will usually have a random item or two, like an Elfroot or Deep Mushroom.You are to find your brother, Fergus, and inform him that he is to lead the troops of House Cousland south to Ostagar for the upcoming fight against the Darkspawn. Where ever your interests may lie, Bryce has a task for you. This Origins story begins with your father, the Teryn Bryce Cousland, another Noble, Arl Rendon Howe, and the Grey Warden, Duncan, discussing preparations against an ominous evil referred to as the Blight.
