Just letting anyone know who is concerned Ser Alrik does make a extremely small appearance in this chapter.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Kingsway 9:33 Dragon- The Gallows

Adrianne breathed heavily and squinted to kept her sweat drenched face from blinding her. There was nothing like having your vision compromised during a training exercise. Especially one with objects flying towards you. It was a miracle Adrianne dodged that ice spike in time. Not with the way she was moving.

Her movements were sluggish and off balance. Slow and ungraceful. The lack of rigorous physical exercise caused her to go soft. Of course, being crippled for a short while didn't help either and Adrianne knew she couldn't control the extent of the trauma her body experienced. However, she now understood why Enchanter emphasized physical fitness. If these last several months were any indication, it was going to a long road. Bruises and all.

Physical ability was just as important as mental capability. Magic was a valuable tool, but it shouldn't be used as a crutch. Many mages made the mistake of relaying too much upon their magic. As a result, that mistake cost them their lives. Knowing a few defense moves goes a long way. Especially for a mage.

Adrianne was receiving the brunt of that knowledge. For her lack of physical finesse, she had to make up for it by using more magic to block spells she couldn't dodge or use spells to dispel barriers she couldn't break. Her control over how little mana she had to use for each spell only went so far.

At least I've lasted longer than the last match...oh joy. Adrianne grimaced as she summoned a shield to protect herself from a quick moving fireball she knew she wouldn't be able to evade.

Seeing her opportunity to strike from the smoke covered field, Adrianne charged with her staff and spirit blade drawn. Every swing of Adrianne's spirit blade was weaker than the last. She barely even penetrated Garth's barrier with her latest swing. A newly trained Knight Enchanter could probably put up a better fight than she.

Now Adrianne understood more than ever the lessons the late Enchanter Bryant taught her. With her mana stores low, Adrianne was unable to put up a sizable barrier to block Garth's last attack. His blast sent her flying backwards and crashing into a chair like a rag doll.

Exhaustion seeped into Adrianne's bones as she lay back. She lost the battle, but at least she went down with a bang. Literally.

Adrianne up to watch Garth come running up to her with a guilt ridden expression and her crutches in tow, "I'm so sorry! I should've been more careful. What was I thinking?" he chastised himself while helping Adrianne rise.

Adrianne heaved but smiled at his concern. Like her, Garth was one of the mages from Ostwick transferred to Kirkwall. Unlike everyone else, however, he took the change in stride. He attempted to lessen their worry. He failed, but it was still touching to know that he cared so much for his fellow mage. Even if many scoffed at him.

A kind man, and a talented mage in elemental magic, Garth was the sweetest young man Adrianne knew. They worked together numerous times in the Ostwick Circle on experimentation on mana consumption as well as training exercises in their spare time. There was always a smile on his face, and he cared deeply about the Circle and everyone within it. From what Adrianne could tell, Garth didn't one mean bone in him.

"You didn't do anything wrong Garth," Adrianne laughed while catching her breath. Her heart was thumping out of her chest and she laughed some more at herself, "I told you to go full force for a reason. You're helping me by not going easy on me," Adrianne explained.

"Are you sure?" Garth asked as he handed Adrianne her crutches.

Adrianne steadied herself before smiling at Gareth, "I'm sure,"

Garth continued nonetheless with apologies. Adrianne repeated that it was okay and she wasn't hurt.

Everything was going well until Guinevere's bane show up.

Out of the corner of her eye, Adrianne saw Ser Alrik standing near the doorway, out of sight to those not paying attention. However, Adrianne knew better than to let her guard down. Guinevere's words echoed throughout her mind. Adrianne tensed as she began to search for alternative routes out of the training room.

Garth must have sensed her worry when he smiled at her slightly. Adrianne was going to speak and tell him he needn't about her. That she fine. However, Garth beat her to it.

"You know," he began as his eyes twinkled, " I can go for a walk right about now. How about it?" he asked.

Adrianne looked once more at Ser Alrik before she answered, "I would like that"

Adrianne chuckled hysterically as Garth finished his story, "And let's just say, the ladies in Ansburg didn't greet me too kindly after that,"

She bit down on her lip to prevent her girlish laughs from coming. However, it had been too long since she had a good laugh. Adrianne felt much like she did when she was younger and carefree. When she could laugh for days on end without a care in the world.

Laughter was contagious.

Garth joined in her fun and shrugged, "How was I supposed to know accidentally singeing someone's eyebrows off would receive such hostility. If only I'd known,"

Adrianne shook her head and rolled her eyes with amusement. She sighed heavily as she turned to the door of her room. All good things end, they say. Today had been something she needed. Truth be told, she was glad Garth was with her. With all the darkness in Kirkwall, Adrianne was glad his cheerful self didn't dim. At least someone wasn't damaged by this Circle.

They faced each other and smiled goodbye.

As Garth turned to walk away, he quickly turned back around and pulled a folded piece of paper out from his robe, "I've been meaning to give this to you for a while now," he said as placed the item in Adrianne's hand. Adrianne stared at the folded paper.

It was withered and crinkled around the edges. Garth must've held onto this for quite some time. Adrianne wondered why. He was never one to be so shy about giving people things.

Adrianne raised in eyebrow as she felt how heavy it was. It was then she realized there was something the paper was containing. Before she could ask what it was, Garth was already almost at the end of the hall. It was strange that he left so quickly. His departure only made Adrianne all the more curious.

Something he's been meaning to give me?

With delicacy, Adrianne opened the folded paper slowly. Her heart stopped and her breathing ceased. Every sense grew numb as she stared at the object within the folded paper. Adrianne gasped silently as her eyes widened evermore at what was revealed:

A yellow daffodil.

Confusion overcame her until she thought back to what Garth had said.

It was him...back at Ostwick...it was him.

Adrianne looked up with quickly again for any sign for Garth, but he was long gone by then.

Gone, and leaving her with only her thoughts to fill in the blanks.

Told you I wouldn't leave you guys hanging! :) Adrianne's admirer has been revealed!

As always, I love to hear from you guys. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Remember: I'm your biggest fan!

Thank you for reading!