The din of Highever Castle is all around me. Armed men walk around discussing plans for the upcoming battle. Making last minute adjustments to their armor or going to have their blades sharpened. I've heard rumors that a Gray Warden is at the Castle, but the servants often get bored. Things tend to get blown out of proportion so it's quite likely the Warden simply passed by close to the Castle.
I heave a sigh of frustration as a Knight of Highever I should be joining the upcoming battle against the Darkspawn. I had been looking forward to it, but Teyrn Cousland had informed me this morning that I am to stay at the Castle with some of the other men. I'm to be in charge of them so I suppose I should be grateful that he puts so much faith at me. Well if there really is a Warden here maybe I can see about being recruited…
"Well Ser Gilmore it appears we are both to at the Castle while everyone gets to run off to war and have all the fun," says a lovely voice.
I fight to keep a huge smile off my face as I turn around to speak to Lady Giselle Cousland the Teyrn's youngest child and his only daughter.
I've always liked her. Though I've always tried to keep my feelings hidden. I like my life here at the Castle. Even though her family is very kind I doubt they'd like her dallying around with me. If that happened I'd probably be asked to leave the Castle. Besides I doubt she returns my feelings. Oh she's very sweet and is a bit flirtatious with me, but I doubt she's serious about it.
It's easy to forget the status difference though. Like the rest of her family she's kind to everyone servants, guards, nobles alike.
She's not out of place in the training grounds sweating and cursing along with the men. At the first we were hesitant when we sparred with her. She was the Teyrn's daughter after all. Even though she could easily defeat us all, we were still cautious. What would happen if one of us hurt her?
It finally happened one day. Landon was probably the best swordsman, after her. He managed to break through her block and given her a small cut on her arm. Everyone froze we weren't sure what was going to happen. She just laughed and wiped the blood off. Then she asked if they were going to continue or have staring contest.
Neither is she out of place in the kitchen talking with Nan. Nan had been her Nanny as a child. Once she was no longer needed for that role she took over as Cook. It's quite common to heat Nan complaining about Giselle's Mabari Luca who frequently got in the larder, or telling Giselle to stop pestering her and let her work. Giselle always hugs Nan and runs off with Luca, while Nan smiles fondly after her.
"My lady. So you are staying at the Castle as well?" Well with her around things won't be quite so dull.
"Yes." She sighs with a morose look on her face. "My father just told me. I'm to stay behind and mind the Castle while he and Fergus are gone. When Lady Landra leaves Mother is going with her. I guess the two of us will be in charge eh. Though really it's just a Castle, it's not like it can run away or anything."
I smile. "Just so my lady."
She leans back against the wall crossing her arms. "I'm also supposed to entertain Duncan while he's here." I give her a questioning look. "Duncan is the Gray Warden that's visiting the Castle."
"Really? I had heard rumors, but I wasn't sure if they were true. He must be here to recruit you. Many have heard of the Teyrn's lovely daughter. With your prowess with your blades you're quite the capable rogue." I know I'm being far too companionable with her, but I can't help it.
"Ser Gilmore you flatter me." She smiles her cheeks reddening a bit.
Did she blush because of what I said? I clear my throat. "I only speak the truth."
"Perhaps you could tell my Father that then." She grins. "Duncan made mention of recruiting me and my Father immediately stepped in. No Duncan is here to see you. My Father recommended you."
I feel a bit shocked. "He personally recommended me?"
She nods. "Don't forget you're quite capable too…and handsome."
My cheeks blaze. Blasted cheeks always quick to betray me when she's around. Thankfully I'm saved from responding by Nan storming down the hall. I point so Giselle will look.
"Giselle come get your blighted dog out of the larder," Nan huffs.
"Oh Nan did you leave the door open again?" She winks at me.
"I most certainly did not," Nan says indignantly. "That dog is a troublemaker just like you are."
Giselle kisses Nan on the cheek. "I know I was only teasing. I'll go take care of it." She runs off down the hall.
"Don't run in the halls girl. You're far too old to be acting like a child," Nan calls after her. She shakes her head, but she's smiling.
She motions me to follow her. "Go check on her would you. I worry what that dog might do to her in his excitement. He's so big and he is a wardog after all."
"Of course. Though I don't think there's anything to worry about. He's trained after all. Plus he worships her."
She sniffs, "He's not the only one."
"I…" My response is cut off by crashing, barking, and Giselle's cry of "Andraste's flaming knickers".
I run down the rest of the hall, sliding into the kitchen. I draw my sword as I enter the larder. I see Giselle and Luca battling large rats. I quickly join the fray. Trying not to be too distracted to her. It's not often we fight in such close quarters. Maker but she's impressive. How could a woman be graceful, deadly, and gorgeous all at the same time? Her blades sing through the air quickly dispatching the rats nearest her.
After all the rats have been taken care of she looks at me. She's spattered with blood and grinning. "What fun. Thanks for the help."
"My pleasure." I smile back, though I know she could have easily handled the rats without me.
She walks out of the larder a spring in her step. Her hand brushes mine as she passes. I hope she doesn't notice my sharp intake of breath. In moments like this I didn't give five sovereigns about status. Just to feel her hand in mine…to kiss her. I push the thoughts out of my head. I'm sure it was just an accident. She doesn't return my feelings.
I keep telling myself this because there have been quite a few occasions that suggest she might care for me as well. Like now with her hand. Plus she's always so relaxed around me. She always asks me to accompany her when she wants to go hunting or to fight monsters. It doesn't matter though. Her parents will never allow us to be together. They might be willing to let her make her own decisions and marry whoever she likes, but I'm sure that only applies to noblemen. Not a Knight from a poor farming village. I sigh. Best to put it all out of your head.
I follow Giselle out of the larder.
"Nan it seems Luca was defending your larder against giant rats," she says sounding quite pleased. "Quite helpful wouldn't you say?"
"Well I'm sure he was nosing around in there and let those rats in," Nan grumbles.
Luca walks up to her whining.
"Oh fine just take over the kitchen." Nan throws her hands up in the air and goes over to the table. She gets a chunk of meat to give Luca. He swiftly gobbles it up and starts sniffing around the floor.
"What about us. We helped to," Giselle says with a playful pout on her lips.
"You are coming with me girl. We're cleaning that blood off you and getting you in a dress."
"That's not much of a reward." Giselle frowns. "Couldn't I have a cookie or something?"
Nan sighs. "It's your mother's orders. Lady Landra and her son Dairren just arrived. Your mother wants you looking presentable, so no armor, swords, or blood." Nan grabs her arm and leads her out of the kitchen. Luca trots along behind them.
"I'll see you later," she calls over her shoulder.
"Looking forward to it my lady." I could have kicked myself. Keep going on like this and she's sure to figure you out.
She smiles at me before she disappears into the hall.