DUNCAN

I was beginning to dread the night when dinner was finally called. The Teryn is a gracious man but his choice in dinner companions is much to be desired. Arl Howe kept mentioning how this castle used to be in his family. It was easy to see that Howe was jealous but since they had fought side by side once, the Teryn was able to overlook his friend's words and actions. I was told that his son showed much promise with a bow as well and that there were many bets made and lost as to when the two competed. From what I could see, the boy was shy and happy to be left alone, well away from Fergus and his cousin, who much preferred swords to archery. To see his face light up once, I had to see what captured his attention and was very pleased to see the Teryn's daughter had finally joined us for dinner.

I had gone down to ask the stable boy where she snuck off to in such a hurry. I was given directions to where she might be and decided to go out into the village to locate the home my family had left so long ago. I wore a dark cloak so as not to attract attention to myself as I wandered around the vast village. Even after all this time away, there were sights that would remind me of my childhood and of the family I had lost long ago. I followed the stable lad's directions and found her with a man who was unmistakably Antivan and knew then who was training her. The fact alone that her master was a former Crow was very interesting to learn. I could not get as close to watch them as I had that afternoon but it was obvious she was his only student and she was indeed as gifted as her father said. Even after a few rough tumbles, she would easily get back up and return to the lessons. I knew that soon, she would be worthy to be called the best fighter I had seen in a long time.

It was even better than I could hope for, that the Teryna had seated her next to me. I saw that she noticed the only open seat was by me and not by Nathaniel Howe, who she smiled at as she entered the dining room. I also saw Arl Howe attempt to sit next to me so that she could sit next to his son but the Teryna called him to sit by her to chat, much to his anger. I watched as she walked slowly yet gracefully to her chair and I held it as she sat. I could not stop noticing how the dress matched her eyes, or that her hair was even better now that is was brushed out.

"I dare say, I almost did not recognize you," I found myself saying to her, gesturing to her dress.

"Yes, even I am forced to dress for such occasions as these, I'm afraid." She admitted.

"If I may say, the dress matches your eyes, and yet I did not think one could hide a weapon in such a gown." I smiled.

"Believe me, I tried," she said and we both laughed.

"Well I for one am thankful not to be at the pointed end of one of your weapons for a second time today," I said as I drank from the wine I finally noticed was in front of me. Maker, when did that get there? I thought.

She blushed and quietly apologized for this afternoon. I held up my hand and said that there was no harm done.

"It is not every day that someone points an arrow at me that I feel even I cannot dodge," I told her.

"You think you are fast enough to dodge my arrows, Warden?" she asked, hiding a smile behind her linen napkin.

"I'd be willing to try but from seeing you this afternoon, I know I would fail!" I admitted.

"I find that hard to believe as you are a Grey Warden, are you not?" she also got her glass and drank.

"You still don't believe that I am a Warden?" I asked her. "I'm not as young as you think, my lady." I hated to admit it, hated feeling old then. "If I must admit it, I am 32. An old man indeed."

She smiled at me again as the food was placed in front of us. It was hard to recall half of the food I ate, as I tried not make a total fool of myself. I tried very hard not to stare at her and often found her mother smiling in our direction, while also noticing Arl Howe's glaring as we spoke. I must admit, I did not want the evening to end so that I could sit by her side and listen to her speak. When the dinner was over, the men were called for drinks in the main hall and I could see she would not be joining.

"Have a good evening, Warden," she said as she was about to take her leave.

"Duncan. Please, call me Duncan." I told her.

"Good evening…Duncan."