Sorry it took me so long to post. Happy Holidays! Thanks to my beta Kira Tamarion. Please RR.

Alistair's first year with the Couslands was coming to a close. He was proving himself to be an ideal page. Everyone seemed pleased. With each success he was given more responsibilities. He didn't mind instead he was honored. His very long chore list was a testament to his achievements. There were still a few years before arms training begins. Right now academics, horseback riding and decorum were the focus of his lessons. Aldous taught him reading, arithmetic, and geography. Aldous extensively lectured on Ferelden history in general and the Cousland family history in particular.

Fergus graciously offered to spend the afternoon with Astrid and Alistair. They planned to ride out to the forest's edge. Rory and Aiden could have come along, but they both had other obligations. Aiden had a sparring session scheduled and Rory had errands to run in town. Upon Eleanor insistence, the children never left the castle without an escort. Today, Ser Galen was their escort. Since Galen was a younger knight he served more as a companion for Fergus than a guard. While most of the older guards were stoic and vigilant, Galen would sit and chat. They all felt safe in their little section of the world so a companion was more appreciated than a quiet guardsman.

Galen and Alistair were preparing the horses to ride out to the clearing. Astrid declined assistance readying her pony, Magic. She only had him for a year and enjoyed taking care of him just as much as she enjoyed riding him. This was not surprising. She had a natural affinity with animals and relished even the more tedious chores tending them. This talent with animals encompassed riding as well. In only a few months she had become a confident rider.

Astrid smiled when their destination came into view. It was not difficult to understand why many found solace at the small clearing. It was close enough to the village and castle that guards patrolled the area. The forest rose around it on one side and it greeted a meadow of wild flowers on the other side. Someone long gone, had shaped the stones around the pond into seating. The trees closest to the pond were excellent for climbing. One in particular served as extra seating: a tree that split into two with one strong branch curving past the water's edge.

It was on this tree that Alistair and Astrid planted themselves. Alistair beseeched Fergus and Astrid to help him study for Aldous' end of the year history exam. The Cousland and Ferelden history were two subjects Aldous was adamant that his pupils learn and was the bulk of the material for the exam. Aldous celebrated a successful year of lessons by providing his youngest pupils a rather lengthy exam. The examination would take an entire morning and was scheduled to occur in one day.

"What happens if someone fails?" Alistair asked

"You should ask Aiden," Astrid smirked.

Alistair's was astounded. "He failed an exam covering his own family history!"

With a quirk of an eyebrow she replied, "This surprises you?"

"So he did it on purpose?"

"Not that time. He probably thought along the same lines you have; that he would surely not fail such a test."

"What happened?"

"Punishment wise?" Alistair nodded. "Well, I must say Aldous' punishment was ingenious," she chuckled. "Aiden had to retake the test on his day of rest and in front of a prestigious audience, Father, Mother, the Guard captain, ten people. I was there. I was three and fell asleep half way through."

Alistair swallowed hard. The idea of retaking a test in front of that audience terrified him. I must pass. He preferred the rod to that or actually no punishment at all.

"Does the Teryn forbid the use of the rod or does he allow Aldous the liberty to choose?"

"I think they are of like mind on the subject. They both believe in using it sparingly" Astrid discerned.

"The chantry tutors believe the opposite," Alistair groaned. "Was that the worst punishment any of you received?"

"No, Father took the switch to Aiden's rump once." Astrid confirmed.

Alistair sucked in his breath, and his eyes widen. "His crime must have been heinous for it to warrant such a response." Astrid snorted in agreement which prompted Alistair to chuckle.

"The crime was against Astrid," Fergus elaborated.

Alistair raised an eyebrow. He could not fathom what the crime could have been.

The two gave each other a hard time but it was born from camaraderie. Fergus answered Alistair's unspoken question. "There rough housing was not always in jest. Aiden did not take kindly to the idea of a baby sister at first," Fergus said cautiously.

"That's putting it mildly," Astrid snorted. "But I will admit my part in it. I did have a habit of following him around like a puppy. We were outside with the Howe children. Aiden was playing with his toy soldiers. I jumped in a mud puddle splashing him and his toys. He tackled me and made me eat mud."

Alistair tried not to laugh, be he could see Aiden doing that.

Fergus peeped in "You two should probably start studying." Astrid nodded. Fergus began grilling the two and providing helpful advice along the way.

They studied for an hour then headed back to the castle. The next day they both passed the test with flying colors.

6 months later

It was a week until Satinalia, it was hosted by the Teyrns and crown alternating years. Last year the Couslands went to Denerim while Alistair was allowed to go home for the holiday. He was told that after his first year that would change. If the celebration wasn't hosted at the castle he would accompany the Couslands to Denerim. Last year, even though the Couslands were away, they funded a feast hosted by Highever leadership held in the town square. Each year children enjoyed a break from their lessons between Satinlia and First Day.

This year the Couslands were staying in Highever. All of the Teyrn's vassals were traveling there for the celebration. The Howe's were due to arrive two days before Satinalia. While everyone else were due to arrive on the eve. Aldous had spent many lessons covering the titles and lineage of the families from the north. Westhills was technically in the south but far enough north that the Arl swore fealty to the Couslands. This also balanced out the Arls, with two swearing fealty to each Teryn. When explained all this, Alistair had asked who then swore fealty to the crown, which made Astrid giggle. She answered before Aldous had a chance. She simply said "everyone" then allowed Aldous to elaborate.

Everyone at the castle was in a cheery mood even if they were busy preparing for the Howe's arrival. Most of the nobles stayed until First Day then headed back home. The captain had commanded Alistair to help Rory and Jevin clean and polish the guards' armor. Alistair and Rory were more than happy to do their part. Jevin, on the other hand, was grumbling. He only stopped grumbling when a knight walked by. Rory couldn't help shaking his head in disapproval.

Once the two boys were alone, Alistair openly discussed his dislike of Jevin. "Jevin has become almost unbearable these last few months. I almost wish the captain would go ahead and knight him even if he doesn't deserve it," fumed Alistair. He furrowed his brows when he saw Rory looking cheerful.

"Actually in a few days, before the holidays, he is going back to the south for good. I just found out. It will be announced tonight."

"Alistair asked, "Really!"

Yes, Jevin's older half-sister, Lady Cecil, inherited the Bannorn of Penfro from her mother. But the daughter has died a few years back with no heirs. Her will was suspiciously changed at the last minute. It stated that if she died childless that the bannorn would go to her father." For years Lady Cecil's husband and a cousin have been contesting the will saying it was a forgery. When I went to Denerim with the Couslands I heard rumors that the crown might reward the bannorn to Lord Cormac, Jevin's father, just too make him go away. He had been petitioning the crown for land and a title for years. Seems the gossips might have been right. Jevin is going home to learn how to run the Bannorn."

"Well, I'm glad he's leaving. I have always wondered why he was here in the first place since he is from the south. Why didn't his father send him to be fostered by the Teryn in the south?

"Loghain?" Rory asked. Alistair nodded. Everyone in Ferelden knew who Loghain was and how he risen to power; many of Alistair's father's stories about the rebellion centered on the man.

"Well most nobles don't believe in upper mobility for commoners. Jevin's father would never allow his heir to be fostered by a commoner, not even a war hero like Loghain. But to have your heir fostered by the Couslands is a great honor. Jevin's pompous attitude did not form out of thin air. It's been passed down from his father and carefully cultivated. Many titled nobles and their heirs are like that. So basically, Jevin likes bragging about being here. Yet feels the actual squire duties are beneath him. A lot of nobles are often like that," Rory commented wrinkling his nose in disgust.

A huge lopsided grin formed on Alistair's face. "Aren't you a noble and a firstborn son?"

Rory quietly laughed in response. He did not really consider himself part of the nobility. "Yes, but my father doesn't give a damn about status. He is satisfied with our glorified farmstead. He believes that honor is paramount and an honorable man is worth twelve worthless lords. I am my father's son, and you will meet him soon," Rory beamed. "I have gotten word that he will be here for the festivities. Many of the banns from the Bannorn come here, even though they don't swear fealty to either Teryn."

The bannorn confused Alistair. He didn't understand how the middle of the country could keep themselves separated. People had tried to explain it to him before but he was sure he would never really get it. Alistair rubbed his temples. He was pretty sure he would never understand politics. Lucky for him this skill wasn't in his job description. Yes, he thought, he was where he belonged. He couldn't think of a better future than the one he was training to fulfill.

"I look forward to meeting him," Alistair stated. "…But you do make it seem like the majority of nobles are a pack of rats parading around as men." Before the words even left his mouth the picture of Rendon Howe Astrid drew flashed through his mind. Besides making the man look goofy the picture the realization startled him, but he wasn't able to hide his amusement.

Rory laughed heartily as he too made the connection and seen Astrid's drawing. "I guess you would think that, considering Rendon Howe is the only other noble you've met." Once Rory recovered his composure he declared, "Power has a funny way of corrupting men. You will understand better after your first visit to Denerim. It's a whole different world. But most of the nobles in the North aren't too bad, except Bann Esmerelle and Franderel." Alistair raised an eyebrow. "You'll have to wait and make up your own mind after you meet them," Rory laughed.

"I heard Arl Howe's family will arrive a day ahead of everyone else. From what I've learned from Aldous the Howe's have a checkered past."

"Yes, it's true, but the current Arl proved his loyalty to Ferelden during the rebellion. The Couslands and Howes have been close ever since. They always seem quiet somber when they first arrive but the children at least warm up quickly. The oldest, Nathaniel, is very close with both of the Teyrn Cousland's sons. I think if he had a choice he would stay here until the day he takes his father's place.

"What about the second son?"

"There is not much to say about him, good or bad. He just seems to takes up space," Rory said with a shrug.

Astrid had spent most of the week with the ladies decorating the castle. It was one of the more feminine duties that she enjoyed. But today was the day the Howes were to arrive and she mostly just tried to stay out of everybody's way. With the whole castle busy with preparations, Astrid decided to sneak off to the gardens. She stepped in, but shadowy movement in a far off corner stopped her dead in her tracks. She listened for voices. She was surprised to hear a young girl's voice. The voice was speaking to someone, but Astrid heard no other. Her curiosity was peaked, so she stalked in the shadows to get a glimpse of the unknown girl. Astrid was thrilled that a mystery had presented itself during what she had decided would be a dreadfully dull few hours. As quiet as a Chantry mouse she crept closer to the voice. Once she got close enough she was surprised by what she saw: an elf girl, smaller than her, brandishing a stick like a sword. "Leave these lands you vile fiend!" The elf girl said to her imaginary foe.

Astrid stifled a laugh with her hand. She thought for sure that she was the only girl that imagined herself as a sword bearing hero. She couldn't help but instantly like the other girl. She would have loved to join the play. Astrid sighed. The girl was obviously a servant, and servant children scurried away when she approached, sputtering apologies. By the time she was four she gave up trying to play with them. At the time, she was so desperate for a playmate. Her brothers didn't want her tagging around on their adventures. She was grateful for Alistair's arrival.

She had spied on the girl for a good ten minutes when she heard footsteps nearing. The other girl also heard them which caused her to drop her stick. "Mistress Ann! I…" The girl exclaimed looking at the newcomer with trepidation.

Ann was one of the maids. Without a word, the older women stormed over to the elf girl and began dragging the child out of the garden by an ear. The elf child's worry turned into anger. Astrid prayed the girl's anger would not loosen her tongue. Ann would probably beat the girl, forcing Astrid to make her presence known. "You worthless elf, why I ever agreed to take you on is beyond me," the angry woman boomed. "Your parents will here of this." The mention of her kin quelled the girl's anger.

Now abashed, the elf pleaded, "No misses please. I'm sorry I forgot." The girl was saying more but the two were now out of Astrid's hearing range. Astrid hated to see anyone treated poorly. She had motioned to intervene once, but Nan cautioned her not to. Nan explained that it was not her place to interfere. If things got out of hand Eleanor would put an end to it. She felt the elf girl was a kindred spirit. She hoped that this servant girl would be the exception and not run from her.

Astrid came out of her hiding and picked up the stick the girl was playing with. Hmm… a fine sturdy twig. Astrid giggled to herself. She knew this stick. She walked over to her hidden stash of sturdy twigs and sure enough one was missing. These were handpicked and perfect for her and Alistair to clash together like real weapons. With the stick in hand she began her own game of make believe, but this time she imagined having an elven warrior sidekick.

Astrid was still playing make-believe when Alistair found her. His laughter startled her. Her cheeks were bright pink when she looked upon the amused intruder.

"I didn't know you played these games without me." Alistair jested.

She shrugged, "You weren't here."

Still smirking, Alistair said, with as much decorum as he could muster, "I am to accompany you to your family's quarters, my lady."

"You could just tell Nan you couldn't find me," she said nonchalantly. But Alistair saw the hopeful glint in her eyes.

"Astrid! Nan would have my head." Worry lines formed on his face.

Astrid giggled. "Don't worry Alistair. I'll go without a fight."

Alistair laughed and shook his head in relief. Once they arrived at the entrance to the private family quarters, he told her that Nan was in the master suite with Eleanor. Astrid nodded. "Thanks, and happy Satinalia Alistair," she said hugging him.

He blushed and nodded. He could not make eye contact with the amused guards. Astrid giggled before disappearing behind the door. A discombobulated Alistair quickly scampered away. He knew she enjoyed seeing him flustered but he couldn't help smiling. She's evil. .

Astrid entered her parent's quarters and found Nan talking with her mother. Her mother's handmaiden finished the final touches of Eleanor's delicate hairstyle.

Astrid gazed upon her mother with awe. "You look beautiful, Mama."

Eleanor fondly smiled at her youngest. "Thank you dear." She would have hugged her, but the many fingers upon her head wouldn't allow it.

Nan waited a moment to allow the exchange. Then with purpose said, "Come child. We can't have you greeting your guess in that," motioning to Astrid day dress.

"I rather like this dress Nan," Astrid said matter of factly.

Nan retorted with a snort. "Well of course you do child. It's old and no one cares if you get it caked with mud." Astrid knew this was true and gave the women a lopsided grin.

"Go on, Astrid," Eleanor nudged. "You know better than to match wits with Nan." Astrid didn't think this was entirely true. She had won quite a few battles against the mighty Nan over the years. However, this would not be one of those times. Nan never tolerates dissidence when guests were soon to arrive.

"Yes, Mother," Astrid sighed.

Maids had already filled her tub with steaming hot water. Nan and Betty, a kind older maid, spent a whole hour prodding and scrubbing her to perfection. Astrid hated this part. She always felt like an overcooked goose by the time the two ladies finished. Astrid fidgeted and tugged at the collar of the dress she now wore. She peered into the mirror flipping the dress' many layers.

A concerned Betty tried to console Astrid. "You look very pretty my dear."

"Thank you Betty," she said sincerely. "It's just hard to move around in these dresses."

"Hmph, it's not like you will be running in the fields or climbing trees tonight," Nan scowled.

"No?" A wistful gleam appeared in the child's eye as she imagined herself outside playing.

Nan hated to be harsh with Astrid, but couldn't see any way around it. The rules for Astrid were very relaxed. And Nan knew relaxed rules and a spirited child brewed trouble. She should know; she was a handmaiden to a young Eleanor. At the tender age of 16, a leather clad Eleanor was void bent to join the rebel cause like her brother. Nan was void bent in keeping Eleanor from getting herself killed. During those turbulent years she had come close to losing her friend many times. She was just too damn old to follow after this one, she thought.

Fergus came bounding into the room. "I'm to escort my sister to the great hall. Have you seen her Nan?" Nan just chuckled.

"I'm right here Fergie," Astrid giggled.

"You!" He cried with mock skeptics. "Hmm…you do sound and resemble her a little. His hand was on his chin, "Nope you can't fool me! There's not even one twigs in your hair or mud on your shoes!"

She giggled. "Silly Fergie, piggyback?"

"Sure." He was turning around to oblige her, when he heard Nan clear her throat. Both children stopped to stare back at Nan.

Astrid wore a pout.

"Okay Astrid, but just to the door to the main hall," Fergus said to appease Nan.

Nan slowly nodded. "Alright, but no farther than that," she warned.

This produced a gleeful squeal from Astrid. She leapt onto her brother's back with little warning, almost taking both of them tumbling to the ground. Luckily, Fergus found sure footing in the nick of time. He sheepishly laughed. Nan shook her head; she watched with amusement as the two made their way down the hall. Then she cringed when she took note of how Astrid's skirt was bunched up. The dress was immaculate no more than a second before.

Fergus and Astrid surfaced in the public area minutes later looking like the ever proper children of a Teryn.