Chapter 19
As we exit the hall I turn to her, "Have you had anything to eat recently?"
"Last night was my most recent meal. There aren't many opportunities to stop and eat when traveling." She answered. "Do you have a quartermaster within the castle or should I travel to the market instead to get what I need?"
"There is no need for that."
"No need to get supplies?"
"No need for a quartermaster or for you to travel outside the castle."
"Where am I to get my supplies then?"
"Yourself and Duncan are guests of my family, I will ensure that the supplies that you require are gathered. As for food, there is no greater cook I know than Nan."
She was visibly a bit shocked at the answer. "Thank you my lady."
As we walked down the hall Ser Gilmore appeared. "There you are! Your mother told me the Teyrn had summoned you, so I didn't want to interrupt."
"Good thing, too, considering Father's company." Gilmore knows as well as I do that Howe finds formalities too important.
"Yes, I saw the Arl arrive. Who is with you?"
"Oh! Forgive my rudeness, this is Nienna Tabris. Nienna, this is Ser Gilmore."
She looked at Gilmore, before bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Gilmore bows slightly, "It is, though I wonder why you carry weapons?"
"Are you asking because I am an elf?"
"Ah, I didn't mean to offend you. I just wonder because it is technically unlawful, though if you are in the castle with them that means you are an exception."
She seemed to be satisfied with his answer. "If you must know, it is because I am a Grey Warden recruit."
"Ah, I see." He seems to nod in respect to her, acknowledging that she is a warrior.
"So… Why were you looking for me, Ser Gilmore?" I inquired.
"I fear your hound has the kitchen in uproar again." Damn it… "Nan is threatening to leave."
"You're hound managed to find its way into the kitchen? On multiple occasions?" Her voice taking on a slight air of amusement.
I sighed, "Did Aseir get into the larder again?" I heard a soft chuckle come from Nienna.
"No matter how the maids try to keep him out, he always finds a way in." Gilmore chuckles slightly and recomposes himself. "You know these mabari hounds. He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off." I take some offense to that.
"He knows better than to hurt anyone."
Gilmore puts his hands up in defense, "I'm not willing to test that. You're quite lucky to have your own mabari hound, you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say. Of course, that means he's easily bored. Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself." He clears his throat, "At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?"
I nod, "To the kitchen, then. We were headed that way anyway, but it is nice to know what I'll be walking into."