Saitada sighed at her reflection. The antique armor was certainly impressive, but she couldn't help but feel overdone in steel made more for show than for battle. At least she'd managed to convince Lord Harrowmont that it wouldn't do for her to attend a feast celebrating her military command while wearing a surface silk gown. Grumbling, she threw the helmet onto the bed as the door behind her opened.

Gorim entered, pretending not to notice as the helmet clattered to the floor. "Greetings, my lady. You are dressed and ready. Excellent. I couldn't find the armor's matching dagger, but I scrounged up a rather fancy long sword. Do you wish to wear your shield to the noble's feast?"

She nodded, twisting her crimson hair into a tight bun atop her head and fixing it with an elf-made pin. "Yes. Let them see me as a warrior."

Gorim shut the door firmly and responded, "as opposed to the Paragon of Beauty?" He gave her a low, appreciative whistle.

A laugh escaped. "Close the door," she murmured in a sultry tone. "I'll show you a Paragon of Beauty."

Gorim snorted. "Don't you remember how this game goes? I get undressed, then one of your brothers or cousins appears and thrashes me. I'll take my chances somewhere outside the palace if you don't mind." He gave her an appreciative glance. "Well... thoughts for later, I suppose." He winked at her playfully, and his voice changed from flirtatious to businesslike, "moving on to the business at hand... The king expects you to make an appearance at the feast, but there's no rush. The noble family heads will spend hours boring your father with petitions and petty grievances."

Saitada nodded. "What shall we do in the meantime?"

"As part of the celebrations, permits have been auctioned off to members of the Merchant Caste who wished to sell wares in the Diamond Quarter. Lord Harrowmont has also opened up the Provings for young warriors to test their mettle before the upcoming battle." He gave her a wry look. "Rumor has it that Harrowmont hopes you'll be swept off your feet if a well-placed young nobleman wins the Provings in your honor."

"I could use a little sweeping off my feet," she said thoughtfully, adjusting the sword and shield strapped to her back.

"I've got a well-built, magical broom just for you." Gorim grinned. "But that's for later. What shall we do now?"

She shrugged. "The Proving sounds appealing. Let's go have a look."

"With you as always, my lady. The day is ours until the feast."

#

Movement caught her eye as they walked past her brother Bhelen's room. A rather lovely dwarven woman stepped out of the door. "My Lord Bhelen?" the coy, downcast expression turned abruptly to panic. "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry... I am so sorry, your Highness." Covering her mouth with her hand, the young woman fled back into Bhelen's room. Saitada exchanged an amused look with Gorim before following.

The flustered young woman stammered apologies, looking like she wished the stone would swallow her up where she stood. "I...I'm sorry. I thought you were Prince Bhelen coming down the hall. I...Forgive me."

Saitada held up a hand in a calming gesture and made her voice gentle. "Who are you?"

Gorim shuffled his feet a moment before responding for the girl. "She's...er...it seems she's one of your brother Bhelen's newest...um, companions. Prince Bhelen is attending the feast being held in Lady Aeducan's honor."

"No harm done," Saitada said to the young woman.

The girl shook slightly and got her breathing back under control. "I will show myself out, with your leave, my lady."

Saitada smiled. "Stay, if you and Bhelen would prefer. I will pretend I didn't see you." She gestured for Gorim to follow her out of the room before allowing herself to smile. "She's... pretty."

"I didn't notice."

"Liar."

#

A scuffle was taking place just off the steps of the royal palace. Lord Vollney, in full armor, loomed over a smaller dwarf in scholar's robes. Vollney kept tapping his fingers against his warhammer as if contemplating violence.

"Please, Master Vollney," the scholar was saying. "My work is accredited by the shaper!"

"These books are lies written by the enemies of House Vollney."

"I write only what I find in the ancient records! Lady Aeducan!" the scholar cried out, ruining Saitada's thought of just walking by and ignoring the situation. "You can vouch for my work, can't you? Your father loved my "History of Aeducan: Paragon, King, Peacemaker!""

Saitada planted a pleasant expression on her face. "Ah, I greatly enjoyed that book as well."

"This worm has written a book that slanders my house!" Vollney thundered.

"That's a serious charge," Saitada responded skeptically.

Vollney continued, apparently mistaking her comment for agreement. "He deserves to die for what he has written of Paragon Vollney!"

She rubbed her hand against her forehead and sighed. "What exactly has he written, Bruntin?"

The irate lord turned to face her, punctuating his words with grand, overwrought gestures. "He says that Vollney - - the Paragon who founded my house, known throughout the world as the greatest of men - - was a fraud!"

"N-not precisely," the scholar interjected quickly. "When the Assembly names a Paragon, that man or woman is then, by definition, everything one can aspire to be in the world. They form their own noble houses, and are revered as living ancestors. But Paragons start off as men."

"Vollney was more than a man!" Lord Vollney interrupted, taking a step towards the scholar.

Saitada moved to head Vollney off, her voice sharp. "Bruntin, you're acting like a fool."

"Am I?" He tried to loom over her, apparently forgetting that they were, in fact, standing on the steps of the royal palace, surrounded by guards loyal to her family. "Would you allow this coward to slander your ancestors?"

"I have written no slander!" the scholar pleaded. "Vollney became a Paragon by the narrowest margin in history - - one vote. A vote mired in rumors of intimidation, intrigue, and outright bribery. The records of that vote are kept in the Shaperate and are a matter of fact. Not liking history doesn't make it any less true!"

"The scholar is right," Saitada said firmly, holding a hand up to Vollney, arresting his attempt at forward motion.

Vollney gave her a frustrated look. "You're taking his side? What if he published a book like this about your Paragon Aeducan?"

"The truth is more important than your pride," Saitada responded calmly.

"You would not say so if it was your house, but I shall respect your wishes. For now. Excuse me, your Highness."

Behind her, Gorim bristled at the implied threat. "That fool has no idea how weak his house is, or how low he sits in it. Shall I have him killed, my lady?"

Stone save her from posturing menfolk. "What do you think, scholar?" she asked.

The scholar appeared startled by the question, and spoke hesitantly. "Well... historically it has been prudent to eliminate a small threat before it becomes larger..."

She sighed, and turned back to Gorim. "He's not worth a blade. Leave him be."

"As you say," Gorim responded with a note of reluctance.

As he gathered the papers Vollney had knocked to the ground, the scholar gushed, "you've shown House Aeducan a friend to research, history, and the glory of our people."

"Carry on with your work, scholar," she responded, already moving away.

"Of course. I have much to document and organize. Good day, your Highness, and thank you."

#

Though she did not intend to make any purchases, browsing the merchant booths was always an excellent way to get a feel for the moods of Orzammar. Today's market seemed heavy on surface goods, silks and perfumes. Even a few of the smith crafters were showing examples of elfish made bows. She thought for a moment about purchasing one, but ultimately decided against it. The bow had never been her weapon, and she was sure some Deshyr or another would read more into the purchase than her simple curiosity was worth.

"Greetings, my lady," spoke a young dwarven woman, dressed in the latest fashion. "May I say you look striking today? Is this your paramour? He wears both his vambraces... unmarried and eligible!"

For a moment, Saitada felt as though Gorim was trying to hide behind her. "I'm flattered, ladies, but I'm not a noble. I'm a knight of the Warrior Caste," he answered.

"Warrior Caste isn't bad..." the young woman tapped her lips thoughtfully as she gave Gorim an admiring look.

The slightly older woman with her admonished, "Teli, we didn't pay gold for these permits to take Warrior Caste."

"I guess you're right. Sorry ser."

Saitada gave Gorim an amused look. "What's going on here?"

"They're noble-hunters, my lady. Because a man takes his caste from his father, they hope to bear a noble lord's son. If a noble-hunter succeeds, she is raised up to join the house as a concubine to care for her son. It brings new swords to a house, so many nobles look favorably upon such women."

The women started to shift nervously. Saitada gave her words a tone of approval, "we could certainly use more Aeducan swords."

"Then perhaps you'd tell your brothers to come say hello?" responded the younger woman, her voice a little breathless.

"Teli, mind your manners," the older woman gasped, but Saitada didn't miss the hopeful look.

"No, it's all right. I will mention you."

"My lady is kind and generous beyond her duty," the older woman responded gratefully.

Gorim glanced at Saitada as they walked away, and caught the ghost of a smile. "You'll mention them?"

Saitada smiled. "Who knows? Perhaps a night with a couple lovely ladies could calm Trian down. And if he had sons to distract him, maybe he'd leave the rest of us alone for a while."

Gorim shrugged. "I'm not entirely certain Trian would know what to do with them if you left them both on his bed wearing nothing but ribbons."

Saitada pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Ooh, there is an idea. I think I know what to get you for your name-day. What do you want, blond, brunette?"

Gorim smirked. "Anything but a redhead. Those are way too much trouble."

Saitada laughed.

#

Saitada cursed softly. Trian was walking towards her, shadowed by Bhelen. She planted a polite smile on her face as she strode forward to meet her brothers.

Bhelen's own smile was cheerful. "Atrast vala, big sister! How surprising to run into you out among the common folk."

Trian didn't bother with a smile. His face was set in lines of harsh disapproval. "Especially since duty requires you attend our king father at the feast today. Have you so little respect for him to disregard his wishes on a day set aside for you?"

Behind her, Gorim spoke up. "Lord Harrowmont told me we wouldn't be need for hours at least -"

"Silence! If I want the opinion of my sibling's second, I will ask for it." Trian didn't even bother to look at Gorim.

"Yes, your Highness," Gorim said before taking a slight step backwards.

Saitada bristled slightly. "Don't speak to Gorim like that."

Trian gave her a surprised and irritated look. "I'll speak to the lower houses and castes as they should be spoken to. Now do as I say."

Saitada rolled her eyes. "All right, I'm going."

Trian gave what almost passed as a smile. "Perhaps you were right, Bhelen, when you said our sister wasn't all useless breeding flesh." He must have seen her flinch, because his tone and face softened slightly. "I'll be along later to toast your command." He looked for a moment like he wanted to say something else, then he shook his head. "Come, Bhelen."

Gorim stepped towards her. He started to put a hand on her shoulder before remembering they were in public. Instead, he planted a cheerful smile on his face. "That was fun. Nothing like being talked down to by the next king."

Saitada closed her eyes for a moment, then shrugged. "He means well."

Gorim couldn't quite keep the frustration out of his voice. "You always defend him I wish I had your understanding..."

The corners of her lips twitched as she fought to regain her earlier good mood. She forced her voice to become light. "I didn't even get to tell him about the pretty girls."

Gorim gave her a slight nod. "Somehow I think Trian isn't in the mood for that sort of thing right now... or ever." He jerked his head in the opposite direction of the palace. Her oldest friend knew her well. "Shall we?"

#

They walked through the market. Gorim watched Saitada move easily through the crowd, smiling and making polite conversation with merchant, noble, and guard alike. He noted more than a few were reduced to stammers by the kind smile of the princess. Tapping the hilt of his sword, he gave a glare to a young guard whose eyes wandered inappropriately, and saw a blush creep up the boy's cheeks. Not that he could really blame the kid. He shook his head, and followed her towards a booth displaying a variety of fine weaponry.

The merchant hesitated, then spoke. "Greetings, My Lady Aeducan. I am... so honored to have you visit my booth. I have a... proposition, but I dared not approach."

Gorim stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. "Yet you dare now?"

A raised hand from Saitada held him back. "It's all right. I'll hear him out."

Gorim nodded. "Very well, then. Speak."

The merchant shuffled his feet, eyes flicking to Gorim's sword before he turned his attention back to the princess. "Um, yes, just so. Here is the thing. What I mean to say is..."

"It's all right," Saitada said, her voice warm.

The merchant blushed slightly. "Sorry. So nervous. I had a dagger made. For you. As a gift for your first command. I, uh, sent a messenger to deliver the dagger to you. Prince Trian had him thrown out." He held up his hands as he rushed to reassure the princess. "I don't know what offense he caused, but I had him beaten severely."

Saitada exchanged a look with Gorim, and he saw irritation in her eyes before she glanced back at the merchant. "I'm sure Trian has his reasons."

He nodded, clutching an item to him. "Won't you at least look at the dagger?"

"I'll take a look, but no promises."

"Of course! A thousand thanks to you. Here... here it is, your Highness." He held out the dagger as though he were offering his firstborn child.

Gorim couldn't quite keep the admiration out of his voice. "That's an amazing piece, merchant."

"You do me much honor, ser. The blade has been crafted over a period of two years by masters of every art. I wish to bless the Lady's first command, and hope that someday, when she rules, she will wear it."

Gorim felt a chill in his blood. Dangerous words to speak aloud, in the middle of a public market. "Trian is heir. He will rule when King Endrin returns to the Stone."

"If the Assembly wills it. Forgive me, ser, but whispers day the second child of Endrin will be chosen."

"Whispers, indeed. It's a princely gift. If Trian recognizes it, though, it may send the wrong message." His hand itched to clasp the hilt of his sword, then he caught the expression on the face of the princess. "Or the right one, depending on your view."

"I'll take the dagger." Saitada's voice was contemplative.

"Thank you! You bring uncountable honor to me." He handed it to her, and Gorim saw actual tears in the man's eyes.

He kept his own voice light. "What he means is that you'll bring uncountable gold to him if you wear that piece in public."

#

Saitada was nearly to the gate when a guard stepped into her path. "My lady. Are you heading to the Proving Arena?"

She smiled. "Yes. I intend to watch the Provings."

The guard nodded. "We have been charged with the task of escorting you to the Proving grounds."

Gorim saw her face go a bit murderous, and spoke up quickly. "I clean forgot about that. Forgive me, I should have informed you sooner. The king decided you are not to travel through the commons unguarded."

"I am quite capable of walking safely to the Proving." Gorim heard the sword in her voice, and saw the guard start to melt under the weight of the princess's gaze.

Gorim coughed. "I did mention the merchants that won permits to show their goods in the Diamond Quarter?" he said delicately. "There were only so many permits auctioned off, and quite a few were turned away. Your father fears you will be harassed on the way to the Proving."

He saw relief flood into the face of the guard as she nodded. "This is silly, but I will comply."

"Will we be leaving then?" the guard asked.

"Yes."

"We are at your command."

"You are Padar, yes? Of house Turin?" Saitada asked the leader of the guard.

He swallowed. "Yes, my lady."

"I hear you held a passage against four hurlocks on the most recent excursion."

Gorim smiled to himself as he watched the princess put the men at ease. It took only moments for Padar to begin to lose the businesslike tone, and the two younger guards were well on their way to being her loyal vassals by the time they'd reached the Arena gate.

#

The proving master glanced in their direction, then glanced again and quickly got to his feet. "Your Highness, it is an honor to have you here. Have you come to watch these brave warriors do battle in your honor?"

Saitada rolled her shoulders. "No, I've come to fight." Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Gorim place his palm over his face and shake his head.

"Your Highness, this Proving is in your honor..."

"Then honor her by doing as she says. Lady Aeducan will fight in this Proving," Gorim said.

"I will honor today's warriors by testing their skills," Saitada said.

"Of course. It is well within your rights." He went to the podium. "Men and women of Orzammar, we have a late entry to these Provings, held for the honor of House Aeducan. I give you... the Lady Aeducan, herself!"

#

Gorim tried to keep his excitement contained as he watched his friend enter the duel. Beside him, the two younger guards were less restrained, openly cheering for the princess. One started to make a comment when the Lady Aeducan went toe to toe with Adal Helmi, then glanced at Gorim nervously. Gorim couldn't quite blame him. There was something about two beautiful women squaring off in the proving that could get the blood flowing.

For a moment, he thought wistfully back to the days when he and the princess had been foolish and rather randy teenagers. Then he laughed at himself and turned his attention back to the proving. Frandlin Ivo fought well, even managing to land a hit before Saitada swept his legs out from under him.

Hopefully, she'd gotten it all out of her system now.

#

The proving master was practically beaming when she returned to where he was standing. "Congratulations. Frandlin Ivo is as fierce a competitor as I've ever seen. You've vanquished every warrior of note in today's Proving. The ceremonial helm commissioned by your father for today's winner is yours."

Saitada inclined her head gracefully. "Send it to Frandlin Ivo. He fought bravely."

The proving master looked surprised, then approval lit his face. "The people will remember your honor and generosity for all time."

She gave him one of her warm smiles before turning to the guards. "I am ready to leave."

Padar nodded. "Your wish is our command."

The two younger guards could barely contain their excitement on the way back, and nearly fell over themselves congratulating the princess. Gorim exchanged a look with Padar, who merely rolled his eyes before resuming his businesslike expression. They parted ways with the princess promising to come cheer the young men on when they fought in the next proving.

Gorim fell into step behind her. "Harrowmont is going to be annoyed." He caught her catlike smile. "Which you intended."

"It's not the matchmaking that bothers me as much as the fact that he thinks I don't actually know what he's doing."

Gorim chuckled.