Dire Straits

Juliette, Nathaniel, Anders, and Oghren arrived at the Vigil three days later. Slowed by the region's first snowfall and chilled to the bone, they arrived late in the day.

Seneschal Varel greeted them at the entrance of the main hall, directing staff to take packs, bring warm tea, and make the commander's rooms ready. Juliette was most grateful for Varel's efficiency.

After the four had eaten, they answered Varel's questions and Juliette handed over a few items of business she had carried with her.

"I was aware you would be arriving soon. The palace sent word ahead of you, though your goods haven't arrived yet." Varel said.

"No, we saw those poor buggers waiting at an abandoned crofter's hut about two days ago," Anders offered. "The cart was unable to push through that slushy mess they call a road. Hopefully another few days and they'll arrive."

"Speaking of arrivals, Commander, your brother the Teyrn sent word he would be arriving sometime this week."

"Good." said Nathaniel.

"Yes, that is good news," she said. Juliette looked at Nathaniel before turning to Varel." Well, then let us make sure we are prepared for his arrival."

"It is already underway Commander. The best guest suite has been opened and the maids are preparing it."

"Thank you, Varel." Juliette stood and the men rose respectfully from the table.

"We can begin catching up on events first thing in the morning. I am afraid that I am beyond comprehending anything right now," she stepped back. "Good night then."

"Yes, Commander," Varel answered. "Welcome home my lady."

She left the hall but not before meeting Nathaniel's eyes and offering him a tiny smile. He could see she was uneasy at the news her brother would soon be arriving.

"Varel, did Teyrn Cousland estimate the day he would arrive?" Nathaniel asked after bidding good night to Anders and Oghren.

"No, only that he anticipated his journey taking three days since he was checking in with his people in the farther reaches of his lands. I would expect him day after tomorrow at the latest."

"Thank you Varel, and good night."

Nathaniel left the hall and headed to his rooms. He thought for a moment about going to Juliette but decided against it, knowing he needed time to consider how to best handle Fergus.

He sank onto his bed and pulled off his boots, tossing them into the corner. He dreaded the coming confrontation with Fergus and he had no doubt that it would be anything less. Fergus was a typical big brother and was protective of Juliette, but there was also the minor obstacle that Fergus hated him.

Nathaniel could hardly blame him for that.

Fergus Cousland had awakened from a horrible fever from injuries of battle to discover that his son and wife were murdered in their own home. His beloved parents were dead alongside them, and his home and people held by the bastard who had committed the act. Had it not been for Juliette and Alistair's success at the Landsmeet, it is possible he would not have regained the lands or his father's title.

Nathaniel understood the rage in Fergus. Nathaniel's father was responsible for all the pain and loss in his life. It was that simple. With Rendon Howe dead, Nathaniel had become the face of what Fergus hated most. Nathaniel didn't believe that he truly thought he had anything to do with the events at Highever, but he was the only Howe available to hate.

Not only was that against him but it also was hardly unreasonable to claim that Nathaniel was no longer worthy of a marriage to Juliette, at least in stature.

Nathaniel was the only surviving son of a disgraced Arl who had murdered many and was a traitor. Therefore he was landless and could offer Juliette no more than a name that had a black mark against it. If he hadn't become a warden he would still probably be wandering the land pick pocketing and searching for work.

Compiling it all made for little hope that Fergus and he would reach an understanding. But an understanding must be found, for not marrying Juliette or loving her in an honorable way, was out of the question.

Nathaniel stood and finished undressing. He crossed the room and washed his face in the basin, feeling the grime of the road come off. Exhausted, he climbed into his bed and snuffed his light. He fell into an anxious sleep.

The next morning he was eating breakfast and speaking with Seneschal Varel when word arrived that the Teyrn's party had been spotted by the west tower. Varel hustled away to prepare the way and a servant was ordered to retrieve the commander from her office.

Nathaniel took a now tasteless last bite of food and offered a quick prayer to the Maker. Juliette walked through the archway and arrived into the hall, her eyes scanning the hall. She spotted him and came directly to him.

Juliette arrived at Nathaniel's side looking flustered and he understood the feeling. It was going to be a very interesting day.

"Nate," she said quietly. "I know this will be hard and I'll follow your lead." She turned her head to check the main doors, and quickly looked back at him, "I love you."

"I love you Jules and I will make this work, I swear it." he said adamantly. Juliette smiled nervously at him and nodded before hurrying off towards the hall's entrance.

A short wait later the noise of the party could be heard in the courtyard and Juliette stepped out to greet her brother. Nathaniel stayed back watching the reunion. Fergus beamed as her lifted her into a bear hug. He gently set her down and wrapped his arm around her shoulders as he greeted Varel and introduced his staff. Soon, they were walking arm in arm towards the entrance. Fergus spotted Nathaniel who nodded in greeting. Fergus responded by looking away.

"At least I know where I am starting from." Nathaniel said under his breath.

Juliette and Fergus went directly through the hall to the stairs that led to the upper apartments. He knew that she would want him shown to his rooms and made comfortable before Nathaniel spoke with him.

Nathaniel wanted to allow for a brief visit but he was full of tension and felt charged up. He decided to head to the soldier's training area and see what exercises he could take part in.

Three hours later he left the sparring ring, shirtless and bloodied. But the tension was gone having been replaced by stone- hard resolve. Juliette and he belonged together and he would make Fergus see that.

He bound up the outside stairs, cut through the courtyard and into the main hall. He grabbed a hot roll and crammed it into his mouth. He rounded the corner into the long hall that led to his rooms. He stopped short when he saw Juliette at his door, about to knock. A smile flashed across his face as he slipped up behind her and whispered into her ear, "Who's there?"

Juliette jumped and he caught her, smiling down at her.

"Oh! You scared me!" Juliette laughed at him. "Where have you been?" she asked as she turned around to face him. Her back was against this door. She noticed he was half naked and took a quick breath, her eyebrows going up.

Nathaniel leaned toward her and reached around popping his door open. She tumbled backwards but Nathaniel stepped forward quickly and had his arms around her waist, catching her. He held her like that before slowly pulling her up to her feet.

Her hand touched his bare chest and she let it linger there before slowly running it across his belly. His eyes darkened and his breath hitched. Nathaniel kicked the door shut behind them and he grabbed her, slamming his mouth onto hers. She wound her arms around him as he picked her up, her legs going around his middle. Their kisses were urgent and far from gentle. His hand was running up the inside of her shirt. Gasping she grabbed his hair and pulled it hard.

"Nate!" she panted. "Go talk to Fergus! Now, Nate!"

His eyes were unfocused and she knew that with another kiss his conviction to not bed her until they had married would be forgotten. It was agonizing, but she knew he would be very upset with himself later and she couldn't let that happen.

"Nate."

He was breathing hard but his eyes changed and she knew he was back in control.

"Woman, I want you under me so badly," he growled.

"I know," she shivered. "I know."

Nathaniel lowered her and she stepped away turning her back to him.

"Nate, I want you to talk with Fergus but I want you to know," she turned around to look at him "that if he refuses, I won't give you up. I would marry you regardless of what happens today."

Nathaniel understood what she was actually saying. She was asking him if he could put aside Fergus's refusal, should he be unmovable.

"A good man told me not to let anything come between us, no matter the costs. I will heed his advice, even if Fergus Cousland threatens my very soul."

She smiled at him. "Good. I can't think about losing you," she walked toward the door. "Who told you that, about us I mean?"

"King Alistair." Nathaniel told her.

Juliette stopped short and looked at him, her eyes full of question. "What? Alistair?"

"Another time, Jules," he said gently. "I must get cleaned up and find your brother."

Juliette shook her head and left the room.

Nathaniel quickly changed his ruined breeches and washed. He dressed in a dark blue tunic and his better pair of leather pants. Pulling on his new boots, he was soon ready to go find Fergus.

As he neared the base of the steps that led to the upper apartments, he took a deep breath.

"Here we go."