A Song of Frost & Flame

by Chimaera1201

When Robert's Rebellion broke out, the ancient friend and ally of the Starks, House Tormont offered their oldest daughter to the Lords of the Corridor for their alliance. Powerful and respected, the Taugere family kept the way north safe and at peace for thousands of years. But a less known prophecy may declare if the world will freeze over again, or burn in the fires.

14. Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14 – THE WOKEN

Falgon stood watching Berin in front of him, winded and holding a damaged sparring sword in his left hand under the shine of the sun. Two moons had passed since the night he was summoned to the maester's tower. His friend's hand healed very well, but the muscles were left weakened and rather immobile, being bound in the cotton and leather for several weeks; nonetheless he'd taken to retraining and it was going well despite the frustration.

"Come now, Berin. You can do better than that." Wymon teased from the circle around them, and the dark eyes cast him a quick glance. He enjoyed doing that, coaxing others into situations. Although being a likeable member of their hold, he had this way of souring the demeanour of others, albeit intentional or not and it might have been well believable why lady Claira had become annoyed with him on more than a single occasion.

"Hold your tongue!" Berin bit back at him before bringing his attention back to Falgon who stood facing him evenly with Summit in his right hand.

"You should rest. We've been going at this since dawn." He suggested, watching Berin force a smile.

"Are you getting tired?" he asked, making the tall sentinel scoff humorously.

"No. But you are." he indicated, evidence of the drawn forward posture and shoulders rapidly rising and falling. Suddenly, Wymon moved forward from the circle unsheathing his sword; taking up an opportunity not presented then lay his hand on Berin's shoulder.

"Go take a seat, let's show you how it's done." he teased again, but Berin grinned.

"You're going to regret this." he told, and Wymon laughed.

"Regret it? I'm going to enjoy it." then he turned towards Falgon, holding his sword out towards him.

"I've wanted to draw my blade against you for a while now." he declared, to the murmurs and flouts of those around them; the venom in his words not clear to all. But Falgon watched him with a confident smile.

"That might not be the best notion from you." he said while Wymon's grin faded.

"We'll have to see." he suggested preparing himself. For a moment, Falgon hoped that the boy was wearing armour underneath his leathers as Berin moved away, taking a space between the others and Wymon stood watching him; trying to anticipate what was not there for him to read. Without warning he shot forward in a lunge, parried effortlessly and sent away along with the weight of his body. He looked back, the tall sentinel was still exactly where he was not having moved an inch, still smiling at him.

"I may not be the best sparring partner for you." he mentioned, and Wymon turned.

"Who said anything about sparring?" he said softly, just enough for his opponent to hear the words; this was as clear a threat as any and Falgon's eyes sharpened, focused and intent on the menace and nothing else. Wymon shot forward, bringing the blade down over Falgon's shoulder and he countered sending the attack away yet again, to his opponent's frustration. But he laughed, bringing the sword around again.

"Are you afraid of me, ser?" he asked, trying to provoke the tall sentinel who only stood watching him.

"Of you? No. But it would be disappointing to get scolded." Falgon said, not in the least bit slighted.

"Oh, accidents happen. So unfortunate that some lead to dismissal, I have the deepest sympathy for ser Hernaut." Wymon told, and a bitter sting cut into Falgon's throat. How dare you... Wymon sprang forward, seeing an opportunity and the blade cut down through the air, catching on Summit's cross guard.

"You have no right to speak of him. He gave everything, he would have died for his liege. And here you stand." Falgon said softly, and then Wymon grinned.

"Yes, here I stand. In front of you." he said, but the grin faded realising his blade would not move in any way; and saw the sharp eyes darken.

"Not for long." the air around them darkened, and he suddenly pushed him back, Wymon pitched falling on the ground.

"Either you finish it now, Wymon. Or I will." he told, laying the long glinting blade on his shoulder and Wymon stood, gripping the sword in his hand.

"You bastard!" he shot forward, bringing his sword up through an obvious opening. Too obvious he found too late, and the shimmering sword came down, clashing and cutting through the blade of the sword in his hand with tremendous force and sending him down; a swirl of dust floated around them where he knelt drenched in sweat and Summit cutting into his right shoulder through the armour, the sting of broken skin edging up his neck; and the edge of his sword fell in the dust several feet away. He looked up at the face above him, indifferent and emotionless as if nothing happened.

"That's enough for today." he decided, bringing the sword away and replacing it on his back as Wymon stood. He looked at the others, some faces in shock and others in fear; except for Berin who sat grinning at him and he knew what he was thinking. I told you, you would regret this... He threw the broken sword down in anger, and walked away towards the guard's hall, dispersing the ring of watchers that had gathered. He paused at one of the long tables, breathing hard and a shadow approached him.

"Are you al right?" he turned to see Hilfert behind him with whom he'd become quite close friends since joining the guards of the burning mountain. He was short, but lean with short brown hair and dark grey-green eyes above a pinched nose and a narrow jaw.

"He caught me off guard, that's all." he said, and Hilfert glanced back.

"Caught you off guard?" Wymon turned to face him.

"If I had a better sword, I could have taken him down today." he said sourly, but Hilfert scoffed.

"You should have known better. Falgon is the best swordsman in the hold if not in this domain, everyone knows this." he told as Wymon looked away from him.

"Everyone says. If he's so good, why didn't he leave for the rebellion with the other soldiers? I've never seen him in a real fight-" he started to tell.

"I have. You'd rather want that man at your back, than in your face." Wymon looked up to see Berin in the light of the arch leading outside.

"He humiliated me." Wymon spat.

"Don't give others the blame for your mistakes." he moved forward,

"You're the one that challenged him." and shoved the broken pieces of the sword into Wymon's hands with a satisfied smile.

"You will have that reforged with Philpot; and do so from your own earnings." he instructed, and then turned as a serving girl entered to announce that the morning's serving will be brought out a little bit later than usual, but that they were welcome to wait in the southern hall. Then he cast the mortified sentinel a final glance before moving off with the rest of the hold making their way through the hall towards the southern hall. Falgon entered last, pausing a moment where he stared at his former opponent and Wymon examined him. The dark eyes taking in all of him, but again no pleasure, no contempt. There was nothing... Then he turned and followed the rest of the guards through the hall, deciding he might enquire with the maester on another book while the hold broke their fast. Breaking away from the flow to the feast hall, Berin approached him with an interesting smile.

"Falgon, why do you use the cross guard like that?" he asked as his eyes examined the sword protruding above his right shoulder before joining his walk to the grand staircase.

"There are two reasons for that. The first, is that it's an effective albeit learnt defence, should an attack come too close. But it takes years of practice, you must be both quick and precise. The second is that it brings your enemy into a final striking range; there's no need to waste energy on trading blows. You block the attack, and you end his life. If done correctly, there's no way that your attacker can retaliate from that position." Falgon explained, and Berin suddenly stopped turning towards him, taking hold of his shoulder.

"I want you to teach me, the way you learned." he said, and the tall sentinel seemed stunned for an instant.

"I can't." he finally replied, and disappointment sparked in the eyes of his friend.

"Why?" Falgon looked away, towards the figures standing on the third level watching over the hold.

"Because I don't know how to teach." he confessed.

"But you learned." Berin reminded, and heard Falgon laugh.

"Yes, I learned because it was driven into me like a nail into wood." he recalled the times, long days spent on nothing else from dawn until dusk.

"Good. Then teach me, the same way you learned." Berin urged again, and his eyes came back to him.

"It won't be easy, Berin." he warned, met with a confident smile.

"I don't care." he took a deep breath, having no alternate but to relent to the request.

"Al right. With the sire and her grace's permission, I'll need a few days for preparations." Berin's smile broadened, secretly pleased with his small victory.

"I could arrange that with them." he hinted, and then started making his way up the stairs to Raeghun who stood on the third level with Claira at his side dressed in an elegant wide sleeved green gown watching over the hall, taking in the faces of his hold, both old and new. Since the uprising, their numbers were left diminished and they were slowly replenishing their forces when they could. His eyes settled on the figures making their way up the stairs.

"These people, have made immense sacrifices for us..." he breathed, and his wife turned towards him taking his hands.

"You make sacrifices, for the people you love, Raeghun. These people love you, you're not just their liege lord, you're their protector, their friend, their brother," smiling, she pressed his right hand to her stomach to feel a tiny flutter.

"Even a father..." they shared a happy laugh as his left arm went around her waist and drew her gently closer. She hadn't started to show yet, but he was there. He could feel his son every night when he fell asleep with his hand against his wife's stomach, blissfully relishing the soft surges. Many had sought to bring their attention to the realism that the child may be a daughter, but Claira was certain that she carried a son, and so was he.

"Have you thought of a name?" he asked excitedly, having given her the freedom to choose one herself.

"Not yet. But I will soon. I was thinking of your father, though." she mentioned as his eyes met hers.

"Rychard?" she paused.

"You don't like it?" he chuckled, softly stroking his fingers over her.

"I do. But as far as I can recall, sons have never been given names identical to their forebears, to allow them their own identity. So they would not be compared to someone greater, or lesser than themselves." he told, and she made a mental note of that. It was a good notion.

"Who were you named for?" she asked curiously.

"My great grandfather, who was married to king Maekar Targaryen's daughter Daella." he smiled again.

"The last dragon in our family." he seemed to bring back a memory, albeit a far off and vague one.

"I never knew him. And my great grandmother died when I was very small. I have but one memory of her, from when I sat on her knee. She had the most beautiful eyes, like amethysts..." he trailed off as the memory faded away, and she wondered for a moment if their son would have eyes like that. Then his attention came back to her.

"But whatever you choose, it will be perfect." he leaned forward and placed his lips to hers in a sweet lingering kiss, to be broken by another small tumble as she laughed.

"Your father is allowed to kiss me." she told him off, without being able to dismiss the humour.

"I'll have to thank him for that. I might have received a slap." Claira looked back at Berin standing behind them, having no concept of how long he'd been lingering there.

"I mean for taking your attention. I'd like a moment to speak with Raeghun, if that's al right." she blushed, taking a small step back as they laughed again. This was a happy time, more than had been for a long time. Since the announcement was made that their greatest wish had become a reality and she was finally carrying a child of her own who would be heir to the burning mountain, the word spread like inferno throughout their lands and beyond, and they received many fond wishes from family as well as friends. Laughter and joy was as natural as the sunlight spilling through their windows each day and it was shared by all.

"Certainly, Berin. I should visit our infirmary in any case." she allowed, and Raeghun brought her hands to his mouth.

"Go on, we'll meet you again soon." he urged, and she moved slowly off to see their wounded before joining the rest of their people in the southern hall for their morning, finding her sentinel who had decided to wait for her at the top of the eastern stairway to accompany her down while Berin and Raeghun remained on the third level. Only after seeing to the wounded, they entered into the sweet smell of flowers, and the enticing scent of cook Jeody's kitchen finding Milla already hard at work having the hall prepared with Bella in her arms. A happy squeak from the baby made Milla turn, greeting them with her lovely smile.

"Good morning, lady Claira. Ser Falgon." she glanced at Bella, gurgling excitedly as her arms reached for the lady.

"Good morning, lady Milla." Claira smiled warmly as her hands came up to take the little one.

"And my little nymph." she brought Bella to her chest and held her in a loving hug before allowing her weight to rest on her hip as the small hands took hold of a lock of hair, swishing it about playfully.

"She's missed you." Milla mentioned.

"Oh, and I've missed her." Claira returned, planting another soft kiss on her cheek as she bubbled again, then looked at the lady's sentinel and reached for him as well.

"Apparently, you're not the only one, though." Milla hinted further,

"Good morning to you too, little Bluebell." Falgon smiled giving his hand freely. Bella took hold of his index finger and brought it to her mouth, and suddenly he started snickering.

"Seems you're feeling a bit shodden this morning." he joked before glancing at Milla.

"She's teething." he mentioned, and her face flashed white as mist.

"Bella! Don't chew on Falgon!" she moved forward, Claira having to share in his soft voice that became deep laughter.

"It's al right. I've had worse than this." he eased, and Milla placed a small white husk into Bella's hand, bringing it to her mouth hoping that she would exchange the sentinel's extremities for the shaft, which after a moment she did to her relief and she could reclaim her from her friend's hands.

"I'm so sorry, maester Adlyn gave her a coral staff but I'm afraid she doesn't favour it." she pardoned, bringing her attention to her daughter.

"You're being very rowdy today, so no sweetness for you." she scolded, being met with a disappointed mumble before Milla's attention came back to Claira.

"And how are you feeling?" she enquired, to a lovely smile as the lady's hands rested against a still flat abdomen.

"Good, I can say. There have not been any difficulties." she reported as she glanced down happily; and Milla smiled.

"Where is Mandeline?" Claira asked bringing her attention back to the people in their hall.

"You'll never guess." Milla giggled adjusting Bella's weight on her hip.

"She's in the garden with Gavin. He asked her to join him for a walk a little bit earlier, so she should rejoin us soon." she hinted, and Claira sniggered with her.

"Well, wonders are a common occurrence of late." she mentioned; the unbidden sentinel had taken an apparent liking to the nurse since she joined them, and spent more time with her. While they waited overseeing preparations of the hall, the tall sentinel took his leave to tend to the activity he had discarded. As the serving girls set the last of the feast ware on the tables, the ladies settled in at the high table sharing light conversation. The peace of their nights, the activities of their days, and all the emotions that came with it. A little while later their attention was drawn by the couple entering the great doors that led outside, where Gavin brought Mandeline's fingertips to his lips before leaving, and the nurse blushed merrily before coming over to them and the morning followed its routine like any other one. The lives of the hold assembled to break their fast before tending to matters and inspections, and the afternoon was spent with relaxing activities with the lords in the fields and the ladies passing time in Claira's common room where she again held Bella on her lap and Milla and Mandeline kept their hands busy with knitting and crochet. Mandeline examined the lady of the hold, despite not being able to rid herself of a strange nagging concern. She did not want to bring it up, but compared to other expectancies she was familiar with, Claira was tiny for the extent hers has reached. Once, a few days ago as she was returning to her room at night after being dismissed from her duties; she had to repress the urge to strike a girl whispering in the hallway, sharing with others that cared to listen, her scepticism that the lady was with child; or then in the instance that she was, and was not showing as yet, whom was the father of her child? But, instead of corrupting the halls, she resorted to reprimanding the girl and her listeners, demanding that they keep whatever ridiculously ludicrous thoughts they had to themselves lest they wanted the wrath of the mountain on them. She hadn't heard anything since then, and hoped no one else did, either. All the same, she confessed it was concerning; and if anything could be wrong she had to address it, however hard it may be... But how? How to do that without breaking the glowing spirit whom waited so long for this gift? And she bit her tongue as she breathed in deeply, wondering what to say.

"You must be very excited, lady Claira. With your son's birth so close..." she started, not being able to think of anything else; and she looked up.

"Yes, just a few more months." she agreed, and Mandeline's heart broke.

"I suppose he will be a tiny baby, with you being so small at this time. All other mothers I knew were great with child by this point." she pointed out, hating herself as she witnessed the smile slowly fade and the lady's hand rest against herself.

"I suppose he's a little bit... small... But he's there... I can feel him..." she mentioned, seeming to recall others she had seen. A little bit?

"That is good. Has the maester said anything?" Claira glanced out the window.

"I haven't seen him in a while..." her hope was suddenly fading, and Mandeline wished she could hit herself for doing this. For dimming her light, and saw Milla staring at her.

"Perhaps you should, just to ensure that everything is fine." she suggested, and Claira nodded.

"Al right. I'll go see him." she agreed, trying to hide the sudden anxiety that struck her like a wave.

"I'd be happy to take Bella for a while, if you wish?" she suggested as she stood, hoping that the lady would rather not delay her visit to the maester and held out her arms. Claira stood, giving Bella to Mandeline and left the common room in silence as the nurse retook her seat with Milla still staring at her.

"Where did that come from?" she suddenly asked, the tones of shock and confusion sounding like chimes.

"I'm sorry, Milla. I didn't mean to upset her, I'm just a bit worried. And I might not be from here, but I've grown to love these people." she sighed, bringing her attention to Bella on her knees.

"In the year before I started service at Citrine Arch as your watcher, we served in the Vale where my mother was a nurse in Heart's Home for lord and lady Corbray. I knew a young woman there who received a child, but she didn't show because the baby didn't grow..." she thought back to that time as Milla listened.

"What happened?" she asked softly, and her chest stung with sorrow.

"She lost her baby..." she said softly, a tear leaving a glinting trail down her cheek as Milla sat back against the chair, realizing her fears.

"That's why you told her, to go see him?" Mandeline's eyes met hers.

"Yes. Just to know that she won't see the same heartache as that girl..."

Claira hurried up the narrow winding steps to the maester's tower, hoping to find him and hoping that the sudden fear that took hold of her was irrelevant. Stepping through the door she paused, relieved that she saw him sitting at his desk, going through old scrolls deciding which might need to be transcribed.

"Maester Adlyn?" he looked up, smiling warmly and then stood to meet her.

"Come in, my lady. Come in. What may I do for you?" he invited her to the chairs in front of his little hearth, she stepped closer but remained standing as she held her stomach and the reality of how petite she was sank deeper.

"Maester, I'm worried." she confessed, and he sat down to listen with undivided attention.

"About what, my lady?" his deep brown eyes regarded her intently, and she looked down at her arms around herself.

"My baby... I'm afraid he's not growing..." she said softly, and the maester studied her. Taking in her still remarkably slim frame.

"Well, you are rather small, my lady." he commented, once again trying not to unnerve her, but the threads snapped one by one as the anxiety dug its way deeper into her mind.

"Small? I have no stomach. What if something is wrong? What if I lose him? How could I ever..." she covered her face to stop the cries, and he stood moving forward and wrapping his arms around her, comforting as she shuddered against him and stroking the length of her back to calm the stricken muscles.

"It's al right, it's al right." he soothed, and she forced several deep breaths into her chest, bringing with it his scent of herbs.

"Can you still feel him?" he asked softly, and she stood silently waiting for the soft motion, so clear against her skin.

"Yes." she breathed finally through a soft smile, and he pulled back away from her.

"Then there is no reason for concern. As long as you can feel him and there is no pain, he is fine. I'm sure he will grow, just give it some time." he advised, and she wiped the warmth from her face.

"But maester, this-" she started, and he brought his hand up to silence her.

"Not everyone's child-bearings are the same, Claira. Yes, most mothers are great with child by this time, and it's not common for a mother to carry as small as you, but it has happened." he told, and she found a bit of relief.

"And the children?" she couldn't stop herself from asking, and he smiled.

"Born healthy and strong. But I will tell you what is not healthy, for either of you." he continued, taking her hands in his.

"Being in any amount of distress, even if it's just thoughts. Do not reflect on anything that could or might happen, that's why I am here. Leave the concerns to me, you should enjoy this time." he advised, and her fingers tightened in his.

"Thank you, maester." she smiled once again, calmer than before as the flush left her cheeks.

"Good. Was there anything else, my lady?" he asked as he accompanied her back to the doorway.

"No. But if there are any changes, I'll come see you." she promised, and returned to her common room where the first eyes that met hers, were those of the nurse.

"Have you seen your maester?" she asked, not entirely veiling the uneasiness in her voice; but she smiled.

"I have. He has assured me that everything is in order." she watched the obvious relief wash over her, and approached her.

"Thank you, Mandeline. For your concern, and for sending me to see him. I'll make a point of it to do so more often now." she ensured.

"You are most welcome, my lady. But, I hope you did not find my insistence unmannerly." Mandeline apologised, watching as Claira moved away to retake her seat.

"Of course not. That's what families do." a warmth spread through her as elation melted her heart. In all her years at the different holds, she had only been seen as a servant and nothing else. There to perform her duty, with nothing less expected and nothing more given. She'd never been in a place like this, never felt a joy as overwhelming as here. Never been part of a family larger than herself, her mother and her father. But here, she wanted to stay. Day seeped into night, and the hold gathered in the southern hall to share the evening feast of smoked ham, garlic stuffed mushrooms, creamed chard, fresh tomatoes and custard tarts after which they retired to their chambers for the night and Raeghun sat on the bed awaiting his wife to return from her bath. Shortly after, she entered their chamber dressed in a soft lavender gown, and he smiled as she approached him.

"You are so beautiful." he complimented as he stood, taking her hands in his.

"You've been telling me that a lot, lately." she teased as he pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her.

"Well, it's true. No one will ever deny it." he moved forward and kissed her as her arms wound around his neck to share his warmth, and his arms tightened gently to press her against him. A soft tremor broke the union of their lips in a laugh, and Raeghun looked down.

"You'll have to do better than that to keep me from my wife, little one." he encouraged, and her hand went to her stomach.

"Oh, he'll be able to beat the stuffing out of anyone, one day." she predicted, the vision of a man much like his father entering her thoughts. Black haired, blue eyed, strong and brave and proud.

"He'll be able to do more than that, with the right training." Raeghun's hand rested on hers, and once again he pulled her closer and placed his lips to her brow.

"Which reminds me, there is a small matter I need to discuss with you." he led her back to the bed where they sat down.

"It concerns Falgon." he pointed out, and she stared at him.

"What about him? Is he in trouble?" she asked, and he laughed.

"No, you know him better than that. Berin has asked him to help retrain his sword hand, so they might not be on the grounds for a while. But, since Falgon is your sentinel, they'd need your consent." he explained, and she sat back glancing away from him; bringing into her mind the words he had told her... I belong to you...

"But Raeghun, you are the lord of this hold. Permissions are to be granted by you." she reminded him, to a small shrug.

"I told Berin that I do not believe there would be any problems with that as we've seen peaceful days, but Falgon won't leave Mount Ardor's grounds without our permission; or maybe more specifically, yours." he further told.

"How long?" she asked.

"I'm not sure. He mentioned that he would require several days for preparations, whether that is here or elsewhere he didn't say. And then further to that, every second day or so, at least for the training itself." she found herself battling with it, not enjoying the idea that her most trusted and calming protector would be absent from her side, let alone the castle grounds.

"And your plans?" she looked back at him.

"I'm not going anywhere." he assured, and she smiled with a gentle nod.

"Then, I give my consent. Falgon can help Berin with his training." she agreed, and he brought her hands to his lips for a gentle kiss.

"Thank you. I'll give them your permission by morning." he decided, and they took their places for the night, only surrendering to sleep some time later, still appreciative for the opportunity to enjoy each other, and rising again with the pink sheen of dawn. Having received approval to leave the castle grounds, the tallest of the Sentinels was seen riding through the portcullis on his bay stallion with the sunrise following the promise to return by the fourth day and was not seen again, his absence left a considerable emptiness throughout the halls of the hold, along with a subtle sullen atmosphere over some. Gavin had been appointed to the lady's company for the time being which seemed promising, hoping that his cheer might lift the air. And then to the elation of the castle and all in and round it – and as if to prove a point, Claira's abdomen started to swell quite suddenly to the point that the maester advised her to apply sage oil to her skin multiple times during the days to avoid any damage this sudden growth may cause, and a small but visible curve over her stomach could be seen. It was past noon one overcast day, Hilfert stood in front of the hearth of the guard's hall, wondering on the circumstances. The castle was peaceful, but the noticeable sadness of the lady of the hold during the past four days brought to mind the whisper he'd heard in the hallway not too long ago. A set of footsteps drew his attention to the grey haired figure who came to his side.

"You've been quiet." Hilfert mentioned, watching Wymon sigh as he stared at the flames.

"Mount Ardor is quiet. But it's a good quiet, I suppose." he agreed, and Hilfert's eyes went back to the flames.

"Despite the good fortune, lady Claira seems somewhat unhappy." he hinted, receiving a flout.

"She's not the only one, I'm sure." Wymon told.

"It's not the others that worry me. She misses him, and I'm just wondering-" he started, and the stare of the man next to him met Hilfert's.

"About what?" he asked suddenly, almost harshly and Hilfert turned towards him, recalling a few nights that he saw the glint of black marble in the halls followed by a dark mass.

"About who the father of the heir truly is." he said softly, and the face he stared at hardened.

"That will never happen." Wymon told, having to admit that even though he was covetous he knew Falgon well enough to bet his life on the belief that he would never betray Raeghun, much less Claira. But chose, for the time being, to keep his greater admiration for one of their foremost members to himself.

"I thought you didn't like him." Hilfert indicated, having listened to several outbursts of ranting on the faults he found.

"I don't. But by entertaining these thoughts, you're not tarnishing the honour of a man that has none, only hers." Wymon told, and his friend looked away in disgrace.

"That is true..." he stared at the flames, feeling like a fool even for listening to the admittedly absurd tale. Yes, she enjoyed him, favoured him, admired him, perhaps even idolised him. But she would never allow a degree of intimacy; and whenever he was with her he would not touch her unless it was necessary, but would simply follow to keep watch over her. There was a tranquillity to him that was rare in men of power, and it was his presence she relished, nothing else. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked back to the eyes staring at him with a wry smile.

"Good. And if you ever think that of my lady again, I will have you served to maester Adlyn as raven feed." he promised, not noticing the great grinning mass moving through the Hall of Fire behind them, towards the small group slowly making their way up the stairways, and the sound of the heavy footsteps echoed through the hall as he walked forward. The past few days have been tiresome, but he was happy to have returned. Moving up the grand staircase Falgon looked up, taking in the ladies on the second level, and settled on the figure in glinting blue silk with her hair held back in braids, from where the strands hung freely down the length of her back, and seeing her again left the sensation of butterflies fluttering across his shoulders. Milla turned, the sparkling orange velvet hugging her body glowing in the hearth light, noticing him she smiled and reached for Claira's elbow, and he paused on the steps.

"Greetings, my ladies. Your grace." she turned, her frost blue eyes glowing and her smile bright; his heart skipped a beat. She was still as beautiful as ever, if not more.

"Welcome home, Falgon." She welcomed him, and a soft warmth spread through him. Home... Then he noticed the gentle curve over her stomach, and he smiled.

"Thank you, your grace. It is good, that the little one has decided to make his presence known." he indicated, and Claira looked down resting her hands on the small swell.

"It was quite sudden, but it is wonderful." she agreed with a blush.

"It is good to see you, ser. You might find Berin in the stables, he is in the lord's company." Milla advised, and Falgon nodded.

"Thank you. I may speak with him this evening, as we won't return to the training grounds today." he decided, bringing his attention back to the blue eyes still watching him.

"When will you?" she asked, sounding near to fearful.

"With your permission, with the morning if I am not needed, your grace. Training will start at dawn, and end with sunset every second day, in the event I am not required at your side." he told, and she nodded, and then sighed.

"You should go and rest, I'm sure you're tired." she allowed, and he took a step forward.

"If it please you, I will retake my place in your company. I have not played for you in a while." he offered with a gentle smile, seeing his queen shine brighter for just an instant.

"I would like that..." she said softly, and he proceeded to follow them to her common room where he assumed his place against the wall, and took the lute in his hands, summoning from its strings another soothing melody which enveloped them entirely as they sat listening while they continued their embroidery and knitting and Bella played happily on Mandeline's lap until the sky grew dark and they were informed that cook Jeody's feast would be served soon, and they made their way down to the southern hall where they enjoyed one another's company along with berry press, chicken roasts with potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower with cheese strips and carrots, and finally apple pie; all in the whims of a jester's entertainment before deciding to have the hall cleared and return to their beds for the night. As Claira returned to the lord's wing on the arm of her husband, Falgon met Berin at the base of the grand staircase to inform him of their planned training schedule, and then returned to the guard's hall for the night. Rounding the arch, he met the light grey eyes of Wymon. A short pause followed as they stared at each other, the dark outweighing the light and a mixture of respect and dislike alternated in the flashes of light; but then Falgon smiled.

"Thank you, for what you've done." he said, and in the instant after the obvious emotions were replaced with confusion he looked away.

"I didn't do it for you." Wymon countered, wanting to hide his thoughts.

"I know. So, thank you." he said again, and the light eyes went back to him. To the tall mass that was so daunting, but had not a single shred of thought for himself. And rather than wanting what he had achieved in so little time, he wished to be more like the tall warrior.

"We are both her sentinels, her honour and welfare must be our first if not our only priority." Wymon determined, and Falgon nodded.

"Of course. And I am sure we will have no difficulties concerning that." he agreed, and Wymon could smile.

"No. No I believe there will not be. Good night, ser Falgon." he greeted, and started to move past the great sentinel.

"Sleep well, Wymon." they haven't shared a conversation like this in a long time, and he returned to his bed at ease and with peace while Falgon reclaimed his place in front of the hearth, the books he had borrowed from maester Adlyn still exactly as he had left it; and he settled in to enjoy the quiet of night.

With the early morning, Berin made his way quickly down the stairways after greeting his wife and daughter, still lingering peacefully in their chamber. Despite being tired from a rather fretful night, he felt excited for what waited. He imagined the different things he might be doing, recalling that Falgon mentioned his father using logs tied to trees once, and wondered if that would be one of his trials. He emerged into the crisp air of morning, the light pink of dawn on the horizon far off in the distance, and saw his friend already mounted and waiting on him.

"Am I late?" he asked hurrying down the steps to retrieve his own horse.

"No. I suppose I am early." Falgon answered, and Berin laughed.

"Good, I was afraid I slept in. I'll just be a moment longer." he said as he passed to the stables, making his way down to the stall with his dun mare where he brushed out the pelt and saddled his steed before leading her out and mounting. He took a place next to his friend, who handed a leather saddle bag to him stocked with hard cheese, salted pork and fresh fruit.

"Your rations for the day." he told, and Berin reached back to place the bags behind the saddle.

"Are you ready?" his friend asked, taking up the leather reins in his hands and he took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

"Yes. We can go." Berin agreed, and then followed through under the gatehouse over the bridge, passing to an easy canter down the road past the village of Garde's Post, tailing the path for nearly a league and a half before turning west for another two into a wooded area, slowing to a steady walk through the trees. Berin decided to claim an apple from the saddle bag, taking several bites as he shadowed Falgon through the brush; and then finally stopped on the border of a vast clearing and he stared in amazement, the sweet sourness in his mouth forgotten. He watched as his friend dismounted, and left his horse to graze on the lush green grass between the trees. After another moment, forcing the mash of apple down his throat, he dismounted and trudged after the tall mass not being able to draw his attention away from the field.

"What is this?" he asked, taking in all the different objects and Falgon turned to face him.

"Your training grounds." he told with a gentle smile, and Berin thought he might have asked for more than he could imagine.

"This?" it was as amazing as it was frightening, and heard Falgon laugh.

"You said you wanted to learn the way I did." he reminded, and then Berin's eyes went to his.

"I did, but I didn't imagine anything like this." he confessed, again examining the grounds. Several logs hung at angles from high branches, tied with thick ropes. A gauntlet with angled shafts created a maze that would require complicated movements, and yet another several logs hung from the branches above it. A series of long posts stretched out to their right, and several other daunting obstacles he would need to face at some time or another, and heard his friend laugh again.

"I might confess I'm being merciful. I didn't sharpen the shafts like my father used to." he said, and Berin felt the singe of remorse.

"He was that hard on you..." he breathed, and saw the powerful shoulders rise slightly in a shrug.

"He wanted the best for us." he said as Berin's eyes went over the grounds once more.

"By the way, you never told me what lady Claira asked that night before we left." he recalled, followed by a short pause.

"It's not really important, Berin. You and lord Raeghun are both safely home." he said, trying to cast it off but the head of their order scoffed.

"Not important? You expect me to believe that something irrelevant would have had her crying?" he asked, almost challenging him for an answer, and then Falgon sighed.

"She asked me to exchange positions with you, that's all. To enter battle with the liege while you temporarily assumed the role of her sentinel." he revealed, seeing Berin stare at him.

"And you told her, no?" he asked, finding it unusual that he would turn down a request from their lady.

"I told her, that I didn't have the freedom to choose at whose side I stood. Had the liege assigned me to his company, that was where I would be. But he assigned me to her, and did so for a reason. A reason I will not question or challenge again." he explained, bringing back to mind the day that he was summoned to the Hollow; and Berin laughed.

"Fuck, you're solid. Are you even human?" he teased, and Falgon smiled.

"I am as human as you are, Berin. But perhaps not as negotiable." he replied, turning and moving forward towards the grounds.

"Are you ready to begin?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder and the green eyes glinted above a broad smile.

"I'll give it my best." he promised, and then moved forward to start his training.

By late noon, Milla accompanied Claira to maester Adlyn's tower for another of her promised visits to him. He examined her by once again taking her pulse, her temperature, and gently feeling the curve of her stomach while asking his questions on any pain or sudden changes, apart from the growth and if she still applied the oil he gave each day, or if she required more. Milla had decided to try and help in proposing a name for the heir to Mount Ardor, as Claira hadn't decided on one yet. And perhaps, in suggesting names it might prompt her choice in something; but it would be preferable to have names that coincided with the Taugere line, and suffice it to say that Milla was not too familiar with the house history going further back than Raeghun's father whom she had heard of. She watched as their maester laughed, bringing his hands away from Claira.

"He's growing fast, and already very strong." he mentioned as his attention went to the table next to him, and folded his leather sphere to store it away.

"It is very good to hear that." Claira said, resting her hands lovingly against her stomach.

"Are you still experiencing uneasiness in the mornings, my lady?" the maester asked as he stood, and held his hand to help her up.

"Not at the moment, thank you maester." she eased, taking his hand and carefully coming to her feet as the maester nodded.

"Good. You may experience swelling to your hands and feet as well. I'd like to suggest milder waters during your baths, and if his lordship has the time for it, to gently massage any uncomfortable areas." he told, and she nodded making a mental note.

"Thank you, maester. I will see you again in a few days, as promised." she said, and turned to Milla.

"Is there anything you need?" she asked, and Milla smiled.

"No, I'm fine. We can go back to the common room, if you want. There are some more things to discuss." she allowed, and Claira smiled.

"Very well." then she turned back to the maester at her side.

"Good day to you, maester." she greeted him, and he returned a small bow.

"And to you, my dear lady." he said smiling, and they started back to the arch leading back down the tower.

"Be careful down the steps." Milla cautioned as her friend slowly started moving down, her hand against the wall for support.

"I will." her voice came back as Milla watched her, and then turned back to the maester with a fascinated smile.

"Maester Adlyn, does the Taugere family have a ledger?" she asked, and he glanced at a very thick tome held on the top shelf of one of his bookcases.

"Of course, my lady." she turned towards him slightly, with her request.

"If you have the time for it, won't you see if you might find some interesting names for us, please?" she asked, and he smiled with yet another small bow.

"Yes my lady, of course." he agreed, meeting her beautiful smile.

"Thank you, maester." she thanked him excitedly, and then flitted down the steps to rejoin their company in Claira's common room where they would further discuss their thoughts and plans for the following days or weeks. Maester Adlyn looked around his tower, all his chores already having been taken care of. Then moved to the bookcase and brought the great leather-bound tome down from the top shelf, blowing on the surface to release a thin layer of dust from it. Apart from being slightly dirty, the tome was in fine condition of strong black leather with the house sigil worked in gold on the surface. He carefully brought it to his table and lay it down, opening the book to the last page that was written, the final inscription that he had made over four years ago, reaching back over the centuries of their line.

Raeghun Taugere, married to Claira of house Tormont; brother to Maryne - deceased, Babieca married to Jarron Stowren, Mae married to Cladus Hightower; and the only son and heir of Rychard Taugere.

Rychard Taugere married to Madryde of house Redwyne; brother to Vicon – deceased, and Raeda married to Thoras Baratheon; and is the eldest son and heir of Varin Taugere.

Varin Taugere married to Madelyne of house Karstark; brother to Babyra married to Tyrone Lannister, and is the only son and heir of Vaeghun Taugere.

Vaeghun Taugere married to Daella of house Targaryen; brother to Varion – stillborn, Malianne married to Eidemar Tully, and is the son and heir of Rhemard Taugere.

Rhemard Taugere married to Estme of house Bolton...

The King and the Princess

It was a lovely, clear morning when princess Dowsabel Taugere stood in her room, regarding herself in the mirror as her handmaiden Jada smoothed down the soft purple silk hugging her body. The princess smiled, adoring the young woman next to her who was also her close friend. Jada was a well spoken girl of nineteen, that grew up in this castle as the daughter of her mother's court maiden. And this was the day they would start a four week journey in the company of her father, the Ardent King and their Sentinels to the lush green of Highgarden along with her two older sisters to be presented as potential matches to the heir of the Reach. At sixteen, it was exciting that she would have the chance to see more of this world; she never went beyond the woodlands visible from the sun tower of Mount Ardor, but did not think it likely that she would be chosen as a bride. She was the youngest, separated by several years from her sisters Necasia of twenty one and Jessamine of twenty two; and of course oldest brother Rhedan of twenty four whom not long ago married to lady Arlena from her father's first bannerman, house Foch. She loved her siblings, but was seen by her sisters as the odd one, not sharing a love for dancing or embroidery like they did, but rather spent the time she could in the fields on horseback with her brother, and his wife when she could.

"You look so beautiful, your elegance." Jada said, fastening a close fitting string of pearls around her neck as Dowsabel smiled.

"Thank you, Jada. I wonder what it would be like." she said excitedly, glancing out the window.

"Oh, much the same as it is here, I'm sure." the handmaiden said, styling her long black hair over her shoulders and down her back.

"You don't think they will choose me, do you?" she asked, bringing her bright blue eyes to the handmaiden next to her.

"Why shouldn't they? You're just as beautiful and smart and talented as your sisters." Jada asked, fixing a lock of hair over Dowsabel's shoulder.

"They say I lack refinement." she joked, and then heard Jada laugh as her hands rested on her arms.

"Well, your elegance. You might not float like they do, but there is something you have that I've not seen in them." she mentioned softly, and Dowsabel brought her attention back curiously.

"And what is that?" she asked, seeing her friend smile.

"A spirit for freedom." she whispered, and they shared a soft laugh. Then a shadow darkened the doorway, and the face of her father appeared immediately drawing their attention.

"Are you ready to go, Bel?" he asked, and she smiled as she regarded him. He was a tall powerful man whom had seen just over fifty years of this world, with dark grey hair which once rivalled the deepest black touching his shoulders and a full grey beard over the features of a strong regal face, and bright burning blue eyes.

"Yes, Father." she turned, ensuring that all was in place and he smiled.

"Good." then he looked at Jada next to her.

"Jada, make sure that my daughter's gold dress is packed for the presentation." he instructed, and she issued a formal curtsy.

"I have packed it this morning, majesty. Everything is in order." she assured, and he nodded.

"And your effects?" he asked, and she glanced at Dowsabel.

"Already on the back of the cart with the others, majesty." she advised.

"Very well. Then hurry down, it's time to leave." he told as he turned, the last glimpse of him the glint of the black feathered cloak hanging from his shoulders and trailing behind him, the famed artefact that gave him the alias "Blackwing". She remembered, that not too long ago he and their brother rode to battle with king Theon Stark, who was known through the lands as 'The Hungry Wolf'; months later they returned having left the heads of their invaders along the shoreline as a warning. But they came home, and that was all she cared about. Dowsabel looked at Jada, her smile brightening in excitement.

"Well, shall we go?" she asked, trying to resist the drawing urge to rush down to the waiting party.

"Certainly." the handmaiden agreed, and they started forward, exiting the chamber and heading down the steps through the lord's hall. They departed the lord's wing, finding Dowsabel's sentinel awaiting them at the doorway.

"Good morning, my princess. And dame Jada." he greeted with a graceful bow as Jada closed the door behind them.

"Good morning, Aeron." Dowsabel returned, and he smiled.

"You look lovely this morning." he complimented, and she blushed.

"Thank you. You tell me that every morning." she reminded. He too, was one of the members of their hold whom she adored the most. Fair haired, clear grey eyes, and handsome even in his thirties with a square jaw and high, characterized cheekbones, Aeron Flare was the bastard son of her father's bannerman lord Ermadus Rames, whom chose to live his life here in service of the king and his family.

"It's true of course, my princess." He held his arm to escort her down to the waiting company, and her fingers slipped comfortably around his elbow.

"You tell me that every day, as well." she teased.

"Good. Then you will never forget it." they took the hallways down and descended the eastern stairway before moving past the great hearth and further down the grand staircase and through the Hall of Fire towards the doors. They emerged into the light of the morning, where a four horse drawn wheelhouse stood waiting at the base of the stairs surrounded by their company of sentinels, hands and a few additional guards, and another cart harnessed to a brown gelding waited nearby; and her mother queen Dynamene Taugere who was a beautiful lean woman with full lips, long gold hair, emerald green eyes, and a soft heart shaped face, along with her brother the prince and his wife was seeing off her sisters as they prepared to enter the cabin. She breathed in the cool air of morning before continuing down the steps, and joined her family. Queen Dynamene embraced her daughters each in turn, with soft words of encouragement before Rhedan did the same and they entered the shadow of the wheelhouse; and then it was her. Her mother's arms went around her and held her for a moment.

"Be sincere, and be proud." she said and then drew away.

"You are a Taugere, Dowsabel. Always show it." she told, and the princess nodded. The queen was a proud woman, who taught her daughters to be equally proud, as it was their duty to represent their noble line. Nothing less was acceptable. Then she turned to her brother, and he embraced her as well.

"We'll see you when you return in two moons." he said softly, his arms gently tightening around her. He had the same stern face, black hair and burning blue eyes as their father.

"Don't go riding without me." she teased and he laughed.

"I wouldn't dare." he released her, and she greeted Arlena who was great with child in the same way.

"And when you come home, a new little prince or princess will welcome you." she said excitedly, and Dowsabel laughed. Arlena was a comely woman with long ash blonde hair, and soft blue eyes.

"I can't wait." she said, gently stroking her hand over the curve of the young mother's stomach, and then her brother helped her inside the wheelhouse where she took a seat next to Necasia between the seat pillows. It was spacious, and soft cushions kept them comfortable on the wood seats, five small windows allowed light and air to enter, small shelves held some items they might need and a small basket with embroidery and knitting to busy their hands during the days' travel stood in the corner in front of the seat. A moment later Jada and another handmaiden joined them in the wheelhouse, and took their places on the seats as Dowsabel glanced through the little door, seeing their father come up beside the wheelhouse, mounted on his enormous dapple grey warhorse before the door was closed and secured shut and her heart started to race.

"Don't look so scared, Bel." her attention came back to Necasia next to her, dressed in elegant green and her black hair done up in a swirl against her head.

"I'm not scared, I'm excited." she said with a soft smile.

"You should feel honoured." it came from Jessamine across from them, and the blue eyes met. The eldest and most poised of the sisters, she was dressed in ocean blue, and her hair done attractively against the nape of her neck.

"We will be presented to the heir of Highgarden, whomever they choose will be the next queen of the Reach." she told, and Dowsabel still believed that her sister would be most preferred.

"I'm sure they will choose you, Jessamine." she said, and saw her sister smile.

"Thank you for being so positive, Bel. But I've heard that men often prefer younger brides." her heart sank like a stone into a pit of water, and she looked out the window.

"Whatever happens, we will face it." she breathed, and the wheelhouse started to move, slowly rocking as it ambled forward and left the outer bailey under the gatehouse, across the bridge and down the road towards the south, passing by a small farm with a well, a forge and stable that tended to the guard's post on their long journey. And so the days and weeks passed between camps and hosts that took them across wide green fields, over hills, between farms, over rivers, past forests, and the far off peaks of mountains; all with the liveliness of smiling faces and waving children as the celebrated phoenix banner passed the many different people, and every now and again they imagined that they glimpsed the whimsy of the children of the forest until one warm spring morning the high walls, lush green and sweet flower smells of the great Garden met them on the horizon. The Ardent King and his daughters were welcomed warmly in excitement where the princesses were presented proudly to the rulers before King of the Reach, Gwayne IV. In their great hall, King Baderon "Blackwing" Taugere stepped forward, raising his hand to indicate his daughters.

"I present my daughters, graceful, proud and noble." He looked back, naming each of his three daughters. Jessamine, dressed in bright ruby red velvet with snow white silk ribbons adorning the seams, neckline, sleeves, hemlines and delicate embroidery on the bodice, smiling as she stepped forward and curtsied perfectly. Necasia stepped forward, dressed in fiery orange organza that glimmered in the light of the sun, wide ivory sleeves and gold details, also issuing a graceful curtsy. Then, Dowsabel stepped forward, dressed in glinting gold silk with black lacing over the sleeves and back of the dress into a flowing train. She curtsied, slow and carefully, feeling awkward as the men stared at her. King Gwayne and his son stood grinning, and then came forward regarding each of the princesses, showing a definite interest in Necasia, and in her; and the kings took a moment to speak while the prince shared words with them, complimenting their beautiful appearance and his excitement for the proposed wedding. He was a pleasant man of twenty three with rich mahogany hair, deep blue eyes, and a soft lengthened face. They shared tales of their homes, their lands and their people, what they filled their days with, their favoured stories and places; and finally she saw their fathers, the kings, shaking hands and a moment of dread stung at her chest. They spent another two weeks in the company of the rulers of the Reach in Highgarden, lavished with the best they had to offer and the days were filled with good fellowship and finery as they waited for the decision to be made. While the heir kept his preference secret, there were many in the castle whom speculated that the youngest princess would be chosen as the bride, while others were certain his heart was set on the eldest. And finally one day the hold was summoned to the great hall where the prince was to announce his bride. Dowsabel stood beside her father, feeling the flush of heat to her skin as they waited anxiously, and king Gwayne stepped forward.

"We thank you for taking this long journey, king Baderon; and for sharing these warm days with us. While it is true that all of your daughters are both beautiful and favourable, only one may be chosen. And I am happy to announce that my son has made his decision." he said, glancing at the prince.

"I have. If it please you, father." he said approaching the Ardent King.

"It will be my great honour, majesty. To beg the hand of princess Necasia, as my bride." he asked, bowing formally to the visiting king. A moment of silence followed, and then the king smiled.

"I give my consent to this union." he agreed, to the happiness of the castle which soon spread to the lands around them while preparations were made and discussions were shared for a wedding to soon follow within the next year; and days later when most of the excitement settled it was time to head home. The wheelhouse was prepared as it was before, and the princesses entered along with their handmaidens for the journey home, and by noon the wheelhouse was rolling over the hillsides with their company on their way back to the burning mountain. King Baderon led the way as they took the same road for days before they would be crossing a wide bridge over the rushing water of a river. The king stopped, watching the bridge. They crossed this way before, but it seemed different now; whether it be because of the morning light or a different angle, he couldn't be sure; but it was quiet with only the furious clashing of the white water racing over the stones.

"Is something wrong, majesty?" Aeron asked as he came up next to the king.

"I'm not sure, Aeron. But this is the only way across the river, and I'm afraid my girls are a bit homesick; I don't want to delay the journey any longer than is needed." Baderon said, watching the other side of the river.

"Shall I take someone and check the far side of the bridge, majesty?" Aeron asked, and Baderon glanced at him, still having to look down from his massive steed.

"Yes, that might be best. Do a quick but thorough search before we move forward." the king instructed, and Aeron urged his horse forward with two more sentinels following while the others remained around the wheelhouse as they waited. A few moments later, the door of the wheelhouse opened and Jessamine peeked out.

"Is everything al right, father?" she called forward, and Baderon looked back.

"Yes, my sweet. We'll continue on in a moment, just stay inside." he instructed, and she disappeared into the shadows of the cabin again, closing the door. A short while later the sentinels returned to the company.

"There's no obvious sign of interference, but it might be best to cross quickly." Aeron reported, and Baderon nodded.

"Very well, let us then not tempt mischance." he proposed, and the sentinel motioned to the wheelhouse driver to move forward as they started to slowly make their way across the stone of the bridge; but reaching the centre Baderon's senses stung as he looked up to see several men on the opposite shore, one man standing on the edge of the bridge grinning at them, an iron short sword held in his hand and he stopped bringing the company behind him to a halt.

"G'day, majesty." the man called, and Baderon looked at Eilert, a middle aged man with ginger hair, a full beard and light grey-blue eyes, whom was the head of the sentinels at his side.

"Can we get the wheelhouse turned around?" he asked, and the sentinel examined the area around them calculating the width of the bridge.

"Not sure, majesty. It might be a bit narrow for a turn." he said, and then looked up at the other side.

"But that might not be the best notion, either." he said, indicating to at least twelve more men on the bridge behind them; and Baderon sighed as his mind ran. If it had only been him and his warriors, they would not hesitate to battle their way out. But he could not risk his daughters.

"Travellin' for pleasure, majesty?" the man asked, and Baderon's attention went back to him.

"For trade. What can I do for you?" he returned, attempting to be polite in the hope that the outlaws may decide to let them go.

"The roads is a dangerous place, and I couldn't help wonderin' what you're transportin' in the wagon?" he said, and Baderon cast a glance at Aeron by his other side.

"Seeds and grains from Highgarden to be planted on the farms. Not worth all that much, I'm afraid." Eilert told, and the man's grin widened.

"Seeds 'n grains? Never seen 'em hauled around in somethin' like that. Let's have a look there, shall we?" he proposed, and they watched as several of the bandits started to make their way over the bridge from both sides.

"We'd prefer to be on our way, we still have a long journey ahead of us." the king urged, but the man remained grinning.

"Just a quick look to make sure all's in order. Won't take up too much of your time." he promised, and there was a stretch of silence. There was not much of a choice, and the king looked back with a sullen nod; and Aeron dismounted going to the wheelhouse and opened the door. He was met with the frightened faces of the princesses and their handmaidens, wishing there was a different way.

"What is happening?" Jada asked softly, the quiver of her voice clear in the small space.

"I'm sorry, my princesses and ladies. Please join me outside, but stay close to me." he instructed, and they passed scared glances around. Dowsabel stood first, followed by Jada, Jessamine, Necasia and the last handmaiden, holding hands as they departed the wheelhouse and remaining behind the sentinel as they came into view of those outside.

"Well now, ain't those some beautiful bags of grain!" one of the men howled.

"Wouldn't mind 'em being planted on my farm, if I had one." another added as they laughed.

"Al right, don't make a spectacle of yourself. We said it's just a quick look." the first man said, examining the group.

"That all that's in there?" he asked.

"You want us to get the clothing out as well?" one of the guards returned, clearly irritated; and the bandit smiled again as he watched each of them for a time.

"Seems all's in order, majesty. For a fee, we'll let you go." he proposed, wanting it to sound like a positive trade of an apple for a pear.

"You honestly believe I would give you anything?" Baderon demanded, but it did not deter the man grinning at them.

"Don't see you havin' much of a choice. You're outnumbered." he pointed out, the obvious truth. He continued to examine the girls, and then pointed at the young princess dressed in sky blue.

"Give the coin to the girl, and send her over." the bandit instructed, sending a singe over the Ardent King's shoulders.

"I will not." he refused, and then heard the gentle voice of his youngest daughter.

"It's al right. I'll go." she agreed, and Aeron's hand tightened around hers.

"No." she looked up at him.

"He just wants the coin. I would rather sacrifice a few steps, than to see any of you hurt." she said softly, and he stared at her. The eyes sparked with fear and apprehension, and then they heard the man laugh.

"Smart girl." he said, and Aeron turned towards her.

"Don't do this, Bel." he pleaded, and she forced a smile trying to be brave.

"It will be al right." she whispered. Reluctantly, Eilert dismounted and proceeded to count out a selection of two hundred and seventy three gold coins from a leather pouch before sliding them back, and closing the small bag and gently handing it to the princess. She gripped it against her chest tightly, trying to stifle the race of her heart; then she took a deep breath and started to move forward towards the bandit, and then stopped in front of him. He smiled at her, displaying gaps between crooked teeth and his cloudy grey eyes sparkling with greed under the shadow of shagged brown hair. He held out his hand, and she carefully reached out dropping the leather pouch into his soiled hand.

"Thank you, lovely princess." he said with a small, ungraceful bow. It's over. We can go home now... She started to turn to rejoin her family, when his arm suddenly wrapped around her and pulled her back against him, holding her firmly. He smelt like straw, and it seemed her heart would burst from her chest.

"Let her go!" she heard Aeron call from the group amidst the screams of her sisters.

"I will, but not here. Just to make sure you don't follow and slit our throats, she'll be comin' with me for a little while. Once we're out of sight, I'll leave her to find you." the bandit told, and Dowsabel wanted to cry.

"If you harm her in any way-" her father started, and the bandit laughed behind her.

"You'll have her back alive, old man." the bandit promised; and Dowsabel's mind shot in different directions. Alive... He started to move back towards a dark brown horse, shadowed beneath the trees, and the last words from her sentinel sounded from the bridge.

"I will hunt you! I will hunt you and kill you slowly, do you hear me?" he yelled, but the man paid it little mind as he hauled her up onto the pommel of the saddle and mounted behind her. As he spurred the horse forward to a paced canter, she started thinking of the things she could do; she could always jump and start to run, but on horseback he would catch her quickly. She could try to fight, but his physical strength would overpower her with little effort. She could try throwing him from the horse and ride on, but this part of the world was unfamiliar and without knowing where to go, either he or his men would find her again in time, and her heart sank away. They rode for hours over fields and past rocky hills, passing woodlands and far off castles until the landscape changed once more and the sun passed its highest point in the sky. Still not having found a solution, she started to pray to anyone that would listen for help. Even just a little bit... Then she felt the pace of the horse slow, and finally they stopped just off the road bordering a forest. She looked around, rocks and stones and boulders dotting the landscape.

"Well, it'll be a while before my men catch up. I'll take a rest here." the man said and dismounted. In the instant she thought of taking up the reins and just spurring the horse into a full gallop to anywhere, any place away from here his hands took hold of her arms and pulled her down, throwing her on the ground. She hauled herself back against a stone, flanked on both sides by berry shrubs. She took another deep breath, huddling up as best she could as she watched him, staring at her. And then his expression changed, the grin still set on his withered face but the eyes darkened to something malevolent.

"Pretty dress you've got on. But it looks kind of uncomfortable in this heat." he mentioned, and moved forward as her heart stabbed at her throat. He dropped to his knees as he reached for the seam of her dress.

"Don't touch me!" she called, and his grip went to the skirt pulling her closer.

"Come now, it's warm out here." he urged, his other hand catching hold of the threads holding the bodice snugly to her figure.

"Get away from me!" she screamed, frustrating the man as he yanked her closer.

"Stop fussing!" he ordered, and her nerves broke as she started to cry.

"No!" she didn't care what he did, or how hard she had to struggle against him. She was a Taugere, she would not simply submit. She screamed again as she heard a series of small ticks as the stitching over her side that held the bodice and the skirt together snapped under the strain. Someone, please help me! Anyone... The earth started to shudder and shake beneath her, and her breath caught in her throat. She saw the man looming over her rise on his knees and look up, the expression on his face instantly changing from menace to fear, a fear she had never seen in anyone. Quick as a hare he stood and started to run, only having gone a stone's throw away before something big and brown flashed past her; and she thought she'd been struck into a different world. A monstrous horse with legs as big as her waist and white feathering around its hard hooves, a black mane and tail fluttering like banners in the wind of its speed charged forward, directed at the running bandit by its rider; a great muscled man with long dark hair hanging to his shoulders, holding a large double bladed war axe almost as big as she was easily in his hand. The black steel whistled through the wind as he cut the bandit down with a single strike, then he scanned the horizon before replacing the axe on his back, then turning and noticing her. She took him in, he was dressed in black leather boots reaching to his knees, dark leather breeches, and the glint of mail armour was visible under the waistline of a sleeveless studded leather jerkin with grey fur linings as he urged his horse forward, the heavy hooves sounding with the heartbeat in her ears; then he dismounted and it felt her heart would explode from her body. He was enormous, much, much bigger than any man she'd ever seen in her life and her thoughts went to the tales their nurse used to tell them as small children. It's a giant! He stopped, towering over her and then moved slowly down. Overwhelming emotions of fear took hold of her as she covered her face and screamed, believing the worst... But then nothing happened. There was silence around her, and she breathed freely. Focusing on the air expanding her chest several times before she brought her hands away, but then the a strange tingling raced up and down her spine. He was kneeling in front of her, just a few feet away, staring at her; and she found herself surprised. He was young, and his skin was a rich bronze from days in the sun and his arms covered in the scars of nicks and cuts; but he had a clean square face with highly defined features, and the most enchanting eyes she'd ever seen... darker than gold, but lighter than amber that pierced into her. For another moment they stared at each other, and then he gently smiled.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice deep and calming, but she couldn't bring her stare away from his; and through the lingering effects of shock and fright she shook her head not being able to find her voice, but not knowing if he perceived it as either a positive or negative response.

"What's your name?" he asked, and she forced her voice to react. Giants can't talk... She reminded herself, from the stories.

"D... Dow... Dow..." she tried, but it was little more than strained whispers; and his smile widened.

"Well, little Doe. This is the wrong part of the woods to get lost in." he teased, and she felt the heat in her fingers; willing herself to find her voice.

"I... I'm not lost... I was taken... from my family..." she corrected him, and he nodded taking in the voice he could now hear more clearly.

"Oh. Do you know where they are?" he asked, and she breathed in again shaking her head. He looked up, scanning the horizon.

"Where were they when you last saw them?" he asked, her eyes still fixed on him.

"On the bridge... somewhere near the border of the Reach." she recalled, and he held a hand to help her up.

"I'll send some of my men to try and find them. How will we know them?" he asked and more tingling fluttered over the skin of her back realizing he was not alone, and her expression clearly told him something.

"No harm will come to you, I promise." he said, and she stared at him.

"How do I know that?" she asked, and he smiled again.

"Because a man's worth, is as good as his word." and after a moment's hesitation she reached out and he gently took her hand. His hold was kind and warm as he pulled her to her feet as he stood, she looked back and gasped at the sight behind the stone that concealed her. A group of at least twenty great men, on equally massive horses waited only feet away. She had no idea that they were there. It took her an instant to realize that some of the stark features, belonged to the faces of women. They were smiling, jesting and laughing amongst one another once she came into their sight.

"Doe?" she looked back at the man that found her, rummaging for new words.

"Oh... My father is king Baderon Taugere. He wears a cloak of black feathers." she explained, and the man at her side's attention went to the group.

"Bryden!" he called, the suddenness of his voice echoing off the field around them and she had to smother an instinctive urge to cover her ears. One of the men moved forward, she calculated him to be between his thirtieth and fortieth years, black haired with a full beard, almost as tall as the man next to her and bright brown eyes.

"Take five men and head south. Find the Blackwing, and tell him that his daughter is with us and she is safe. He may come find her." he instructed, and Bryden nodded.

"You think he'd believe me?" he asked, making the tall warrior sigh.

"No, I suppose not." he looked down at the princess again.

"How would he know that you're safe?" he asked, and she thought. My hairpin? My shoulder cloth? No, any of those things could have easily fallen... Then she looked down at her hand, a silver ring with their house sigil on her finger. She took it off and presented it to him, he held his hand and she dropped the fine silver circle into his palm and he examined it for a moment before closing his hand.

"Anything we should tell him?" he asked, and she glanced at the other great man, still waiting on his steed.

"Only that I want it back." she said softly, and he nodded as the warrior walked forward and gave the ring to him.

"Hurry. Daylight won't wait." he urged, and Bryden nodded again.

"As you bid." he turned his horse around, and started moving off while five others followed, and soon the small group was cantering down the path heading south; Dowsabel felt calmness come over her. These people were not here to harm her, someone had heard her prayer. She would be able to rejoin her family, and go home soon. He returned his attention to her, with a gentle bow.

"For the time being, you will be our honoured guest, your elegance." he proposed, and started guiding her to his horse where he gently picked her up and seated her on the pommel of his saddle before mounting; and the sudden realization came back that he called her father by his alias.

"You know my father?" she asked, even more hopeful as his warmth closed around her, and he urged his horse onward.

"I've heard of him." he said, the motion slid her weight slightly, and her body rested against his, where his smell of earth enveloped her. She felt comfort, all the fear and anxiety vanished and she battled with an urge to laugh. She looked up at him, with a grateful smile.

"Who are you?" she asked, and his eyes met hers returning the smile.

"My apologies. My name is Aecaeus, and my kin, the people of the earth, are The Stone Holders." he told as they walked forward, passing to an easy canter and the remaining people in the group followed over the field. She looked towards the horizon, again feeling strange. She had only heard about these people once in her life; they were known as the finest warriors alive. Some time later, they broke away from the forest border and a massive hill came into view, like a horn that rose from the earth. They approached it down the winding dirt path, surrounded by herds of cattle, goats and sheep; huts dotted the fields around it. Finally they entered into a wide stone pebbled courtyard enclosed by a waist high stone wall and gated with a massive stone arch, where more tall, dark skinned people with baskets and wood shafts and other manner of materials, foods and tools in their hands welcomed their warriors home, some paused to stare as they passed; most of the eyes all shades between gold and deep brown were set on her. Even the women were taller than she was. Trying to ignore the stares, Dowsabel looked up at the mound, so high it almost touched the grey clouds overhead. Granite slabs created stairs to what she perceived as a door into this marvellous natural creation, and other small openings could have been windows. She had never imagined anything as magnificent as this. Aecaeus dismounted, his company doing the same and two younger men came from a thatch roofed structure to stable the horses. Then he gently took her and brought her down to the ground softly; some of the people assembling around the returned party. Aecaeus looked up at the cliff, the object of her seeming enchantment.

"Welcome to Sanctum, your elegance. The stronghold of the Stone Holders." he welcomed, and then his attention went to another man approaching them from inside the hold. The same dark hair, but shorter only covering his neck and ears; the same stern features but clear amber eyes. He smiled as he waved.

"Aecaeus!" he called out to him, and then reached them.

"Where have you been?" he asked, melding the tones of concern and curiosity.

"Patrolling the border, where you should have been." Aecaeus told, throwing a hand at the man's shoulder and shoving him back. It wasn't a playful notion, but not entirely violent either.

"Well, I'll leave a few days early the next time." he said rubbing his shoulder, and then his attention went to the girl.

"Who's this?" he asked with a friendly smile, and Aecaeus glanced down at her.

"Princess Taugere, she will be our guest. I've sent Bryden to find her father." he informed, and then the other man bowed formally.

"Welcome, your elegance." he said with a smile, and Aecaeus looked back at her.

"Princess Doe, this is my brother Deinias." he introduced, and she sniggered.

"Pleased to meet you, ser. But my name is Dowsabel, not Doe." she corrected, and he laughed.

"I like 'Doe'. It suits you." he teased, and his brother stared at him.

"Be respectful, Deinias." he told, the tone telling more than the words could; and the younger man glanced down.

"Of course, Aecaeus." then turned as Aecaeus moved forward leading her inside.

"I'll show you a room where you can rest. This must have been a tiring day for you; and I'll ask one of our women to tend to your dress for you." he said indicating the tear over her hip as she followed, entering the hold into a wide, high cavern with stone pillars reaching to the cap, where more jagged stones protruded from the surface. Flaming stone braziers lined a centre pathway to a granite dais where a throne carved out of stone loomed over the stone hall, and a white marble circlet with three spines on the brow formed a crown which rested on the seat. The king..? She wondered who he was, picturing a man much like her father, with bright golden eyes. Aecaeus turned right, following a passage with wide stairs further up into the mountain hold and she shadowed him. Every few hundred feet an opening allowed air and light to enter, and they passed several high doors as they walked and climbed, further and further. He stopped in front of a door, and opened it so she may pass through, and she examined the space. A small window opened to the south, overlooking the stone courtyard far below. A wood frame bed stood against the wall, where a chair and table waited at its feet; and a stone brazier burned next to a large chest against the inside wall, and a wolf pelt rug covered the floor.

"May I have something brought up for you?" he asked from behind her, and she turned suddenly realizing that she hadn't eaten anything today.

"That would be very nice." she said, and he nodded. She stared at him for a moment, at the entrancing eyes.

"Very well. Try to get some rest, I'll see you again in a while." he said and then turned to leave, but she stepped forward.

"Aecaeus." he paused and looked back, for a moment she wondered what to say as he waited patiently. Then she smiled again.

"Thank you. For everything." she said, truly grateful and he returned her smile with a gentle bow.

"It is my great pleasure, little Doe." he said, and then moved off as she watched him. She didn't mind the name, and found it rather sweet. She looked on, the way he moved, as if he glided over the stone floor while his footsteps echoed in the space. Then she retreated back into the room, closing the door behind her. She scanned the room, and decided to lay down for just a little while. So she settled on the large bed, which was very comfortable for something so simple. Thick furs covered a leather sheet that was spanned between the frame, and secured to the wood, a black bear pelt provided a soft place to rest her head. She eased herself into the furs, relishing the softness of it; the pleasantness that took her so and she started to drift away into soundless sleep. At some point she thought she heard the door open, and then close again; but was too tired to pay any true attention to it as whatever time of the day was left disappeared into darkness. She woke to a knock on the wood of the door, and flexed on the furs to make her limbs respond.

"Enter..." she called softly as she started to raise herself on the bed, and the door opened. A tall elderly woman entered, with greying brown hair and warm hazel eyes, garbed in a dress of leather and goat pelt. She smiled at the princess.

"Good day, my name is Alna. I've been asked to tend to your dress for you." she announced as she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, and Dowsabel stood from the bed.

"Oh. Thank you." she came forward, as the woman examined her. Then she leaned forward slightly.

"I cannot sow it together while you're still wearing it, I'm afraid." she mentioned, and Dowsabel blushed feeling silly. She scanned the room for something to change into, then heard Alna laugh softly.

"I have three daughters of my own, and I helped them bring all of their children into this world. There's no reason for you to be afraid, dear girl." she eased, making the princess blush again.

"Thank you..." the uneasiness faded, and she started stripping off the dress to be mended. She found it strange, how easily she connected to these people, how much comfort she found in their presence... then she handed the dress to Alna and headed back to the bed, noticing that a serving of soup waited for her on the small table next to the bed. Alna stepped away and sat down on the chair on the opposite side of the table, bringing out a thick needle and thread; preparing her hands for work. Dowsabel sat down on the bed, throwing the fur over her legs.

"That was brought up for you this afternoon, but you were asleep. You should eat something." Alna said as she positioned the tear between her fingers.

"Did you bring it?" Dowsabel asked, reaching for the wooden bowl. It was still warm, and the stone block it rested upon even warmer. A fresh heel of bread lay alongside it, with a wood goblet filled with berry press.

"I did. I hope you like it, it might be a bit... stronger than what you're used to." she mentioned, and Dowsabel brought the bowl closer, taking up the wooden spoon for a taste. The soup was thick, and salty with pieces of dried meat. But hearty and filling all the same.

"It's good. Thank you, Alna." she continued to satiate her hunger on the soup and bread while Alna mended her dress.

"Have the others returned?" she asked hopefully, and the woman glanced up at her, pulling the thread through the fabric of the dress.

"Not yet. But don't worry, they won't rest until they're back here. Someone would have been sent for you if they were." Alna mentioned, watching her and then softly sighed.

"I'm sorry, but there's nothing here that would fit you." she said, and Dowsabel laughed.

"That's al right. I don't mind to wait." she watched as the woman's eyes came back to her, with a gentle smile.

"He likes you." she suddenly said, and Dowsabel stared at her in a moment of confusion.

"Aecaeus." Alna finally clarified, and she blushed again under a soft flout.

"Oh. He's... He's been very kind to me." she said softly, finding herself thinking of him.

"Yes, he is that." Alna agreed, and Dowsabel scooted slightly closer.

"You know him well?" she couldn't stop the question, wanting to know more about him.

"Yes. I watched him grow up." she told, and Dowsabel watched her face become soft and nostalgic as memories came back to her.

"Nearly five and twenty years past, Aecaeus came into this world early. Very early. He used to be this tiny little thing, so small that no one believed he would see his first day. But he fought. And he lived..." she looked up, her hands resting from their motion for a moment as she smiled brightly at a shadow dancing in the corner.

"And he grew, oh my stones he did." her attention went back to the work in her hands.

"He became the greatest man the Stone Holders ever knew, taking up obligations when his parents passed from this world. But despite his massive strength he has a very soft heart." she told, the pride in her voice slowly melting into something else.

"Only, I believe he is lonely. His responsibilities take up a lot of his time, and he has little thought for else-wise." she further added.

"He is young, but all the warriors fall under his command?" Dowsabel asked, attempting to place his role.

"That he is, and many others. There is no trust or respect, greater than what our people have for him." she agreed, breaking off the thread and holding the dress up in front of her to examine her work. Then stood and presented the dress to the princess.

"Well, I hope this will do." she said, and Dowsabel looked at the area the tear used to be. There was an obvious difference in the stitching, and of course the size of the thread now holding the fabric together. But she was thankful that there would no longer be a hole in her garments displaying her skin, and she looked up.

"Thank you." Alna bowed her head with a pleased smile, and left the room for the princess to redress. There was not much to do, except wait. If not for her fear of getting lost in these stone halls, she might have explored the hold; but she lay down on the bed again and watched the stars drag themselves by as she waited for sleep to come to her again. But once more, she found herself thinking of him. Of his smell, his warmth, his gentle smile, of his deep and calming voice... and of his eyes. Those enthralling eyes that captured her so deeply, and she wished to see them again. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine them. The way they stared at her earlier this day, and how they seemed to draw the fear out from her. A soft knock on the door drew her attention, so subtle she thought it might have been her imagination. But not leaving it to chance, she stood and went to the door to open it. Her heart skipped a beat, and a swirl of fluttering butterflies moved through her stomach when she saw Aecaeus in the hallway.

"I apologise for waking you." he said softly, and she blushed.

"You didn't..." she whispered, wondering at his reason for coming as she glanced down a silent passage.

"Have they returned?" she watched his shoulders rise and fall in a deep breath.

"Not yet. But they will, soon. Bryden is not the kind to keep others waiting." he assured, and for a strange moment she felt relieved.

"I'd like to show you something, if that's al right?" she smiled, happy for his invitation.

"Of course." she stepped out, closing the door behind her and he led her down to the great stone hall where a single brazier still burnt close to the throne, where the crown still awaited its master as it did before.

"Wait here." he left her standing in the centre of the cavern and went to the brazier, where he gently doused the flames until the chamber was left in a deep flawless darkness. Fear gnawed at her senses, but then the shadows dissolved and she looked up at the cap of the chamber and gasped in utter wonder. Thousands of stars sparkled against the stones in all their colours of blue, red, purple, green, yellow and orange.

"This is beautiful..." she breathed, and then felt his presence next to her.

"The Sanctum Spheres." he named them, and she noticed him marvelling at this sky with her.

"Crystals absorb warmth from the sun through the earth, and then give us this light. But they only come alive in complete darkness... It reminds us of the promise, that even in our direst times hope will remain." he told, and she looked at him. At how grand he was... and an insane moment that she wondered how it might feel like if he kissed her.

"Aecaeus..." he looked down, his eyes clear even in this soft light.

"I will never forget this." she promised, and he smiled.

"That is good." he said, and then his attention went to a man entering from outside, carrying a torch.

"Perfect time to display the spheres." he jested, and then joined them. It was Deinias.

"Bryden is back." he announced, and Dowsabel's heart jumped.

"Took him long enough." Aecaeus moved forward as the princess followed them outside, torches and fires lit the courtyard and she could make out the shapes of men on horses entering the stone circle, followed by the wheelhouse. Between the foremost warriors with Eilert at his side, her father was scanning the faces of those around him; much less than there were this afternoon when she arrived. And then he saw her, his bright blue eyes glittering with relief.

"Bel?" she rushed forward as he dismounted, and moved away from his horse to meet her. She threw her weight against him as her arms circled his waist, and his enveloped her closing her beneath the feathered cloak and he held her tightly.

"Thank the four winds... and the sun, and the moon and the sea, and everything in between..." he breathed against her, then drew back to examine her.

"Have you been injured? Has anyone touched you?" his questions started as his left hand went to her face and his eyes moved over her, but she smiled pressing her hand to his.

"No. I'm completely fine." she promised, and he drew her into another solid embrace.

"I feared the worst..." he whispered, his arms tightening around her. She returned the pressure, imagining how afraid he must have felt, of how scared her sisters must have been, and how desperate their sentinels would have seemed. But then she drew away from him.

"It's al right." she looked back at the brothers calmly approaching, and then turned.

"Father, this is Aecaeus and Deinias. Aecaeus is the man who saved me." she explained, and Baderon looked up at the tallest of them, looking down from another two feet at least, but with a grateful smile.

"Thank you so much, for what you've done. This service to me will never be forgotten." he said, and Aecaeus bowed his head.

"Your sincere gratitude is more than enough, majesty." he said, and Baderon released his daughter to reunite with her sisters who had come from the wheelhouse, and he turned to face him fully.

"Your actions merit a greater reward than simply my gratitude. Please travel with us to my hold." he requested, seeming to bring uneasiness to the warrior.

"Am I in a position to decline?" he asked, and Baderon smiled.

"You are, but it is ill mannered to decline an invitation from a king." he advised, and Aecaeus laughed, accepting the small defeat.

"Very well. But may I suggest that you spend the remainder of the night here, and resume your journey by morning? It is late, and I assume you've had an exhausting day." he proposed, and the king accepted gratefully. All members of the company were presented a place to rest; and some time later in the silence of the night Eilert moved down a hallway to the chamber he'd been given, hearing voices nearby.

"Aecaeus, you cannot go alone. Take Bryden with you, at the least." He remained in the shadows, glancing carefully around the corner and identified the brothers in the passage.

"Bryden is needed here." the tallest said, clearly bringing concern from the other.

"We don't know those lands. Anything could happen." he said, but Aecaeus smiled.

"Nothing will happen. And by the odd chance that something does, you are still here. So until I return, or otherwise; you will have command." he told, and Eilert moved away towards his chamber, also finding himself wondering about these people. Great people... Powerful men... Splendid warriors... Barely more than a Hilltribe, but nothing better than rogues... By sunrise, and after allowing Dowsabel to bid farewell to both Deinias and Alna they resumed the road north, with Aecaeus on his massive steed even greater than the king's on the right side of the wheelhouse; where Dowsabel could see him through one of the small windows. In the safety of the cabin, she shared with her sisters and their handmaidens her experience, slowly diminishing their initial fear of the great man; and kindling an easier esteem for him. Throughout the journey, he remained aloof, resting beneath the stars on the edge of their encampment and fully tending to his own needs. Not only a brilliant warrior, but also an adept hunter and he was happy to share from the prey he brought down. Most in the party enjoyed him, apart from a couple of those whom chose to reserve judgement. But when presented, the young princess would take up the opportunity to share words with him; but most conversations would rest primarily between him and her father. The roads were peaceful, and rather vacant; but in all likelihood others would rather not dare approach at the sight of the tall man with an axe at his hand. One warm noon, Dowsabel glanced out the little window and smiled at the sight of Mount Ardor looming on the hill of the horizon; and some hours later they passed over the bridge and under the gate into the outer bailey of the burning mountain where castle hands approached to greet their rulers home and tend to returning their belongings. The bailey was held in a strange silence, as their members regarded the outlandish newcomer, and finally one of the braver stable boys approached cautiously.

"My I tend to your horse?" he asked softly, and Aecaeus nodded.

"Thank you." and the boy took the reins, leading the massive steed with the others to be groomed, fed and watered. The princesses and handmaidens left the wheelhouse, and after removing the items from the back it was rolled away to be stored; then new faces came from the hold to welcome them home. Queen Dynamene and prince Rhedan descended the steps while princess Arlena waited in front of the doors with a newborn child in her arms, wrapped in a soft white blanket. Fondness was shared as they reunited, and finally the king approached the warrior once again.

"If you'll please follow me." he requested, and Aecaeus approached the massive hold at his side. Making their way up the stairs, Rhedan smiled at him.

"Welcome to the burning mountain." he greeted, glancing at Dowsabel who stood in the doorway; and then blushed before vanishing.

"And thank you, for what you've done for my sister." he said, and Aecaeus bowed his head.

"You are welcome, sire." he said, and Rhedan joined them towards the hall.

"I hope you will accept a seat of honour with our family this evening." he urged, and the warrior chuckled.

"You are most gracious." he returned, and then his eyes went to the grand woman waiting at the top of the stairs, staring at him with no kindness in her green eyes. Then she turned, and disappeared into the darkness of the hall.

"Please do not take offence, my wife is... distrustful of strangers." Baderon eased, but Aecaeus smiled again.

"I am not offended easily, majesty. It might require a blade through my chest." he jested, and they shared his humour as they moved forward. Going through the Hall of Fire, Baderon turned to Rhedan.

"My son, won't you ask your dear wife to see to this evening's selection with cook Jervis?" he asked, and the prince smiled.

"Of course, father." he agreed, and moved away as the king looked at their visitor again.

"This way, please." he led him to a large vault in the centre of a great tower at the heart of the hold, gold and gems and jewelled artefacts filling the space in abundance, and Baderon smiled raising his hand to the inside of the chamber.

"Choose any item from my treasury, and it is yours." he allowed, watching the man at his side step forward into the glint of gold and silver and diamonds and rubies and sapphires. He seemed to take some time to examine the items, finally taking up a beautiful goblet of white gold, with yellow and rose gold rings, adorned with sapphires and rubies; which Baderon thought was a fine choice. But then Aecaeus smiled, and replaced the goblet before turning back to him.

"I'm afraid that what I desire, cannot be granted by you." he confessed, to the king's confusion.

"I am the king, it falls within my discretion to grant or deny anything within my domain." he reminded, but there was no change in the striking eyes looking back at him.

"Forgive me, majesty. I don't care for titles. Having such, would not make me a greater or lesser man, than who I am. And there are some things that not even you have the power to give." he told, and then moved forward pausing in front of the king.

"With all respect, majesty. I will take no item from your treasury." he declined, and Baderon nodded, understanding his words.

"Very well." he stepped aside, allowing Aecaeus to exit the treasury, and having the vault door closed behind him.

"Should you so wish, you may have any chamber of your choosing in the west wing of my hold, until you choose to return to your people." he offered, to the warrior's grateful acceptance; and they returned to the Hall of Fire, finding the daughters of the king in front of the great hearth, cooing over the new baby.

"You will have freedom of Mount Ardor and its grounds, apart from the lord's wing to the north. I will speak with you again later." the king said, and then left to tend to his awaiting duties. Dowsabel looked up, smiling brightly as she called him over, and he joined them to meet the tiny princess who stared at him in wonder.

"She's beautiful, your elegance." he complimented, and Arlena smiled happily.

"Thank you so much. I look forward to this evening, when we may share more discussions. But it is time for her feeding. Will you kindly excuse me?" she said, looking down at the little one still staring at him.

"Certainly." he allowed,

"We will accompany you." Jessamine suggested, raising her arms to take the little one and Necasia smiled at him.

"We will meet again tonight." she said excitedly, and then glanced at Dowsabel.

"I will join you in a moment." she promised, and they left up the stairways before she looked back at Aecaeus.

"May I ask what you chose as your reward?" she asked curiously, and he laughed.

"I chose nothing." he told, and she stared at him.

"Oh..." she seemed confused, and he took a step closer to her.

"We have little use for treasures, there was nothing in that space that I desired." he told, and she glanced away from him. From the striking eyes staring at her.

"Is there anything that you do?" she asked softly, bringing her eyes back to the gentle smile.

"Not gold, or jewels..." he whispered, and she blushed feeling her heart flutter.

"I trust you found something suitable." a woman's voice caught their attention, and she looked up to see her mother standing on the third level watching them, her hands resting on the stone railing; and his eyes met hers.

"You might find it preferable, that your vault will remain as it is, highness." he returned, and she nodded.

"Well, then. If there is nothing here that meets your interest, you might wish to return to your... home." she suggested, sending a sour sting into Dowsabel's stomach; realizing her mother's intent.

"Mother, Aecaeus has been invited to share our table this evening." she informed, but the queen scoffed.

"Unfortunately, our kitchens may not meet the taste of the austere." she said, making it burn in Dowsabel's chest. She couldn't believe this, she was trying to make him leave. But, had he been a noble, she would have done anything she could to have the honour of his presence at their table.

"Mother!" she cried out, but then felt a gentle hand on her shoulder and she looked at him, smiling softly at her side.

"It's al right, Doe." he eased, and then looked up again at the woman leering at him, while Dowsabel watched him. Strong, and proud even in the foreign he was resolute.

"You're different from us." Queen Dynamene directed at him, but he faced her evenly.

"Yes, we are different. We look different, we sound different, we even see different. But we are not worlds apart. The same sun that rises on your horizon sets on ours, the same rain that falls on your fields flow down our streams; the same elk that grazes on our hillsides run over yours. But because we soil our hands you look down on us, because your customs are not ours, you name us savage; because your gods are not ours you brand us enemies." he retaliated, making the princess smile secretly. She had never heard of anyone, who had ever spoken to the queen like that; but saw the soft face harden and the green eyes glint angrily.

"You are dismissed from my hold." she said sharply, and he issued a polite bow.

"As you wish, highness." he turned, and started his way out of the hall; and Dowsabel's heart stopped. No... No! He's leaving... She turned, her eyes meeting her mother's; and for the smallest moment she hated her. How could you? She turned and rushed after him, finally taking hold of his wrist before he exited through the doors.

"Aecaeus, please..." he looked back, his eyes entrancing her once again.

"Please don't go." she pleaded desperately in a soft whisper, but he smiled and took her hand, releasing her grip on his wrist and softly brought it to his lips.

"I will see you again." he promised, and then vanished. Like a great shadow he disappeared from her, and she was left standing there, her heart shattering as she stood frozen, watching as his great figure grew smaller and smaller down the steps, across the bailey to the stables where he reclaimed his horse, and a moment later departed the grounds of the burning mountain. But then the blaze in her chest melted the frost, and she spun around heading back to the stairs, and stopped in front of her mother, fighting the flames.

"Mother, you could you?" she demanded, but the queen simply stared at her.

"You need no explanation from me, Bel. Whether by your will or not, I will protect my family by any means." she told, and Dowsabel scoffed in unbelievable resentment.

"He was our guest! Aecaeus is a great man, he commands the warriors-" she started to tell before her mother silenced her.

"Eilert told me everything. That man is nothing more than a rogue. Did you think I would let my line be seen with someone like him?" Like him? Like him... Dowsabel stared at her mother.

"He told you hare tales. You have no idea what he's like." she told, and then sombrely made her way back to the lord's wing. She heard her mother calling after her, but did not turn to head back and rather headed to her room where she spent the remainder of the day, trying not to submit to the tears ravaging her nerves. She felt alone, as Jada was helping prepare the southern hall for the evening, but it would feel empty and she did not look forward to the night any longer. A soft knock at the door drew her attention.

"Enter." she allowed softly, hoping that it was not their mother. The door opened, and Arlena looked inside.

"Are you al right, Bel?" she asked, moving inside and closing the door.

"I will be, I think. Where is little Avelyn?" she mentioned, and Arlena joined her on the bed.

"Jessamine is tending to her. But I'm worried about you, and I haven't seen your friend since noon." Dowsabel looked away from her, at the dark sky outside.

"He left." she couldn't conceal the bitterness in her voice, and wiped at a tear stinging her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I rather liked him." she mentioned.

"My mother didn't. She has this mental representation of a wall between high-born and commoners. She told him, that he shouldn't be seen with us..." Dowsabel told, her voice breaking.

"And he was offended?" Arlena asked, and Dowsabel thought back. He didn't seem offended, Aecaeus handled the situation better than she did. He even smiled at her.

"I don't know. I don't think so." she still stared out the window. He promised he would see her again...

"Bel?" she looked back, and saw her sister by law examining her, her blue eyes taking in every detail with great concern.

"Arlena, am I being silly? Please tell me I am mad." Arlena took her hand gently in hers.

"Do I have reason to do that, sweet sister?" she asked, and Dowsabel forced a smile.

"I... I can't stop thinking of him. I just..." she looked away again, and heard Arlena sigh gently.

"Well, we cannot choose who we fall in love with, Bel. But perhaps, things will be better." she said, and stood.

"Come. Supper will be served soon." she urged, and they headed down to the southern hall. The banquet passed mostly in soft conversation before they retired back to their rooms for the evening, and after the handmaidens were dismissed from the wing, in the quiet of night Dowsabel lay on her bed listening to the voices from the lord's hall. Despite having their differences, her parents made arguments sound like ordinary discussions; and she closed her eyes trying to listen to the words coming from her father whom sat on the divan in front of the hearth.

"I liked this man, Dynamene." he told, staring at the flames and wondering at her reason for dismissing him from their hall so suddenly, finding it unlikely that he would have disrespected his wife.

"I understand that. But think of the consequences if he remained. I saw the way she looked at him, the preservation of our noble line, that is our legacy." she said, standing near the bookcase.

"He saved my daughter's life, and he further protected her until I found her. I owed him." he said as he looked her way.

"You offered him a reward, which he refused. You owe him nothing more. And I would not tarnish our house to allow my youngest to run off with some rogue-" she started, but then his eyes went away from her again.

"He's not a rogue." he silenced her, perhaps a bit more harshly than he intended, and a short pause followed.

"But he's not a noble." she reminded, and his eyes wandered from the flames to the sky above the private garden, for a moment wondering if he had returned to his own people.

"I don't know what he is. Yes, he lacks the finery of nobles, but is too refined to be a simple peasant." he debated, and then stood going to his wife.

"We did not marry for love, Rhedan did not marry for love, Necasia will not marry for love, and in all likelihood, Jessamine will not marry for love. If there is a possibility that one of my daughters may do so, should her happiness not be more important?" he asked, placing his hands gently on her shoulders.

"No, we did not. But we learned to love, as many others do. Would a match with one of lord Violet's sons not be preferable? Or should you desire another alliance, give her to Theon Stark's son." she proposed, and he sighed. She would not relent, her deep rooted belief that high bloodlines must be kept within the nobility.

"Let us see what the future holds. Go take your bath, I will wait for you." he suggested, and leaned forward gently kissing her cheek, and her arms went around his neck.

"I want our family safe, Baderon. Safe and provided for. Please don't hate me." she whispered, and he drew back.

"I couldn't hate you, Dyna." then he turned.

"Go on, now. We've had a long journey, and I'm tired." he urged, and she nodded then left to the bath chamber to cleanse before rejoining her husband and they retired to bed for the night; deep and dark and silent and peaceful until the princess woke again with the dawn. Her morning followed its normal routine as always, with Jada helping her dress and tending to their morning duties. After breaking their fast, she met Aeron asking that he have their horses prepared for some time in the fields. She hadn't spoken to her mother beyond the formal greeting, and didn't feel like spending her time in the castle and that some time away from the walls may clear her mind. After promising her father that she would not wander far, and with Aeron and two additional guards in attendance she left the castle grounds for the nearby woodland, relishing the sweet sounds of birds in the trees, the glimpses of wildlife in the distance, and the bubbling of a stream somewhere in the brush; and she imagined his voice again. As calming as the world around her was now.

"Is everything al right, your elegance?" Aeron asked from her side.

"Yes, Aeron. It is good to be back home, I've missed this. But it is a shame that my brother could not join us." she dismissed it, and then halted her grey mare as a familiar brown mass moved between the trees. She drowned a smile as she again urged her horse forward, coming into view of a small clearing she saw him lying on his back on a pelt on the grass, four freshly caught hares suspended over a cook-fire, and the massive black war axe leaning against a tree.

"Aecaeus?" he looked at them, and smiled as he stood.

"I told you, I will see you again." he said as he came closer, and she laughed.

"I thought you left." her guards passed glances between each other.

"I was dismissed from the hold, but not the lands." he indicated, and then glanced at the fire behind him.

"Won't you join me? I'm afraid my snare was a bit too effective, this morning." he invited, and they agreed happily, and so dismounted leaving their horses to graze as they shared his meal and passing stories between them. Soon after, fully satiated he stood and turned to her.

"May I ask you to join me for a walk?" he asked, and she smiled. Aeron looked at her.

"Don't go far." he cautioned, and she nodded.

"I won't." she promised, and headed off at his side through the trees. One of the guards stared at Aeron.

"Is that safe?" he asked, and Aeron breathed in deeply.

"She trusts him. And so do I." he eased, and they continued to share the comfort of the fire while the couple enjoyed the nature around them.

"I'm sorry for the way you were treated." she apologised, and heard him laugh.

"It's al right, Doe. Your mother wishes to protect her family, I could imagine myself acting much the same way in her position." he said, and she glanced at him.

"I feel safe with you." she eased, and he turned her way.

"I am happy to hear that." he said, and he shared his life and those of his people with her. He told her of their customs and traditions, the right of The Mehrune where adolescents will earn their swords and shields, and their community.

"Ours may not be as formal as yours, but we have a monarchic structure just like you. We have kings and queens, princes and princesses but no formal lords or bannermen. Each fighting man is the king's sword hand, and each fighting woman is his shield arm. And we have a maester just like you, whom is known as a 'savant'. But he is not restricted to the hold, his aid is to all within our country." he told, and she smiled.

"It sounds wonderful. The contentment of a simple life..." she reflected, wanting to hear more about them.

"We don't just live off the land, we live with it. We are connected to it, since the age that giants and the children of the forest still walked these lands freely. We still keep the ways that your people have forgotten long ago." he further added, and she looked up at him.

"Does your people share giant's blood?" she suddenly asked, connecting the very tall people to that but he laughed.

"No. We've just always been that way. But the story goes, that back when the first men settled on these lands, there was a small fishing village on the west shore. Of course, there were struggles over land, and in time the village was destroyed by a warlord from the south. It tells of a young woman whom escaped its devastation, and somehow found her way into the safety of a stone cave. She was a simple woman, not the daughter of a great leader, or the wife of a fierce warrior. But in the cave, she had a dream where the stone god came to her. He promised, that if she found a way to release his light from that cave, he would give back the lands that were stolen from them; and that her sons would grow into powerful warriors, and their reign would remain solid as stone. And she agreed." he looked up at the horizon.

"She made the cave her home, and brought two sons into this world. She protected them, cared for them and raised them with that promise; and so it happened that they went out as men and reclaimed their home; and so started the line of the Stone Holders. On their mother's advice, the brothers built a shrine to the stone god, and its hope is celebrated each year." he told, and she took it in; adoring the idea of sharing this story with her own family. But dreading the reaction of her mother, she decided to keep it to herself for the time being. She noticed that he was not carrying his weapon.

"Your axe?" she asked, and they continued their walk.

"It is named 'Edge', forged of core steel from deep within the earth. It is one of our greatest weapons." he told, and she thought.

"I've never heard of core steel." she mentioned, and he laughed.

"You wouldn't have. It is extremely rare, and not favoured as implements of war. Harder and heavier than any other steel, its sharpness only rivalled by one other." her thoughts went to her father's blade.

"Valyrian steel." he nodded.

"Yes." he confirmed, and they walked on. She loved this, the stories he told and the time she could spend with him, and somehow they found themselves back with the party of guards and she realized that it was well past noon.

"We should start heading back, your elegance." Aeron suggested, and she nodded.

"Of course." then she turned to him.

"Will I see you again?" she asked hopefully, and he smiled.

"If you so wish." he agreed, and she laughed as her heart fluttered once again. He helped her onto her horse, and bowed as he watched them head back to the hold for the remainder of the day, and enjoyed a fine evening. At the very least, Jada and Arlena noticed a change in her demeanour, but she attempted to appear placid in the presence of her mother; not wanting to bring forth another unwelcome conflict. A serene week passed that the lives of the hold continued as normal, and the princess spent her days away from the hold in the woods. Dynamene walked through the hold, finding her husband in the Hollow, in counsel with his sentinels.

"Leave us." she dismissed them, and they quickly made their way from the chamber to her husband's sudden surprise.

"Is something wrong, my queen?" he asked, and she rounded the table towards him.

"I'm concerned about Bel. She's been spending a lot of time in the woods, and I suspect there's a reason for this odd behaviour." she hinted, and he laughed.

"I know she's been meeting with him, Dyna." he said, and she stared at him in shock.

"And you said nothing?" she demanded, bringing the burning eyes to her again.

"What do you want me to say? You want me to forbid her from leaving the hold?" he asked, and she scoffed.

"If that is what is necessary." she said and he stood.

"On what grounds? She has done nothing that deserves punishment, and that man has not wronged me in any way." he told, and she glared in silence for a moment.

"He's not like us." she reminded, and he looked away.

"Is that your only reason? For goodness sakes, Dyna. Let her enjoy this. He won't stay here, it will pass soon enough." he said.

"But what if-" she started.

"He won't touch her. He's had multiple opportunities if he wanted it so, but our daughter is still as pure as the day she was born. Now I suggest that you discard your prejudices, lest you insist on further uneasiness in our home." he said, and then passed her leaving the space for clearer air and she stood there, hoping that the stranger would leave their lands sooner rather than later. She went to the window, scanning the lands trying to determine where the small party might be while out there, somewhere under the shade of the trees Dowsabel and Aecaeus spent another day together, seated on a fallen tree where they shared in the sweetness of two honeycombs presented by a passing farmer in a kind gesture. She laughed as she watched him.

"You really enjoy this." she mentioned, and he laughed, holding the comb in his hand.

"It's wonderful. Our sweetness comes from berries or maple blossoms." he explained, and she giggled bringing the comb to her mouth again.

"You might consider a honey farm?" she proposed.

"My people wouldn't know the first thing about bee farming." he joked, and continued to relish the sweetness before discarding the wax and washing the stickiness from their hands and mouths in a nearby creek. Then he turned towards her, his beautiful eyes soft but morose.

"Thank you so much for this, Doe. But I have to return to Sanctum tomorrow. I'll be expected to be there for the silver eclipse." he informed, and her heart sank away.

"Will I see you again?" she asked desperately, watching him and waiting longer than she expected for his answer.

"I don't know." he said softly, and her eyes burnt with tears as the air around her grew suddenly cold, and it seemed all sound drowned away. As if in a dream, she watched him gently lean forward, and felt the soft touch of his lips against hers, sending a tepid tingling down her back that warmed her completely in the tender kiss he stole from her. Her hands went to his face, gently drawing him closer as his kiss deepened, and more enticing prickles spread over her body. His mouth was still sweet, and his smell closed over her. It reminded her of a freshly tilled field, then he drew back and gently wiped a stray strand of hair from her cheek.

"I will remember you." he promised, and the sting to her eyes flowed down her cheeks. No... No, this can't be...

"Aecaeus... Take me with you." she suddenly pleaded, and he stared at her.

"I can't." he said, and she felt her heart sink deeper into darkness.

"Why?" she wanted to cry, but fought against the urge.

"Because wars are started that way." he told, and she threw herself against him, her arms circling his waist. She didn't care if he saw her cry.

"It's not the same... It's not the same! I want to be with you." she felt the gentle pressure of his hands on her shoulders.

"Doe-" it broke in her, and her arms grew tighter around him.

"No!" then his arms went around her, warm and soothing as he held her.

"I can't bear it... The thought of never seeing you again... I can't... It's too hard..." she breathed against him, hearing the gentle pulse of his powerful heart against her cheek and feeling him breathe deeply. He must have thought she was being foolish, the whims of a girl; and could hear her mother's voice reprimanding her for such an outburst.

"The silver eclipse is a celebration. Ask your father, perhaps he will allow you to attend." he suggested, and looked up at him. At his smiling face, severely grateful that he did not find her laughable.

"Thank you, I will." she said, finding it to smile. Giving her time to calm from the sudden emotions, they walked slowly returning to the guard's party before returning to the hold, and she sought out the opportunity to meet with her father alone, slipping inside the Hollow the instant the sentinels left and closed the door behind her. He looked up from the table.

"Father, may I speak with you?" she asked nervously, but he smiled.

"Don't have much of a choice now, do I? Come closer, we wouldn't want your mother hearing about your... adventures." he joked, and she eased coming over and sitting down next to him.

"You're not angry?" she asked, and he laughed softly.

"No, I'm not angry that you've been meeting with Aecaeus. But, if not for the circumstances, I would have preferred it to be here." he said, and then turned towards her.

"Now, what is this business you have with me, my sweet?" he asked, and she leaned forward.

"He has told me so many fascinating things about his people. I would like your permission, to attend the silver eclipse. It is a celebration that they hold each year, and I'd love to see it." she asked, and his expression changed.

"Bel, we've only just returned from a long journey. And now you want to go off again? Would it not be better to attend this 'celebration' next year?" he asked, watching her eyes change from excitement to desperation.

"Please, father..." she begged, and he noticed the glint of tears in her eyes. He looked away from her, cursing himself.

"Bel..." he started, and her hand closed over his where he could feel the tremor in her fingers.

"Please..." she tried again, and he took a deep breath. What was another three weeks on the road, compared to the tears of his beloved child? Unlike her sisters, she barely asked for anything. She was content in her days spent in the hold, only occasionally venturing out under guard; and never passing beyond sight of the burning mountain.

"I will allow you to attend, on one condition." he proposed, and her other hand came up enclosing his.

"Yes, anything." she immediately agreed, not pausing to consider the outcome.

"Only if you are accompanied by Rhedan, and myself." he decided, and she smiled throwing her arms around him and holding him tightly.

"Thank you, father. Thank you, so much." she breathed against him, almost sobbing and he soothed her.

"Al right. When does this journey start?" he asked, and she pulled back with a gasp.

"Tomorrow..." she suddenly realized that they had very little time; but her father smiled.

"Well then, we'd better start our preparations." he said as he stood, already setting everything out in his mind.

"Have Jada assist you, and it might be better that you inform dear Arlena of the endeavour. I'll see to your mother, and have the hands prepare the wheelhouse and the cart before sunrise." he said, and she smiled.

"Leave the wheelhouse, it's slow and draws too much attention. We'll only take the horses this time." she suggested, and her father seemed to agree to that notion.

"Very well. Go on then." he urged and she started heading for the door, but then paused as if she'd forgotten something then turned back and came to him, again closing her arms around him in a loving embrace.

"Thank you." she whispered again, and then swiftly left to attend to her duties, explaining the situation to Arlena and persuading Jada to help her pack for the new journey ahead. After enduring a restless night of nerves and excitement, she rose with the purple shade of dawn and pulled a dress of deep green from her drawers, wondering how to dress herself before Jada finally entered her room in silence and softly came over to help her into her garment. Fully dressed, they exited her room and she turned to Jada.

"Head on down, I'll just be a moment." she instructed, and her handmaiden started down the stairs and she instead made her way up, entering each room to bid her sisters whom were still asleep farewell with a soft kiss to their cheek. In the second bedroom, she found Arlena awake with baby Avelyn at her breast. She looked up with a tired smile.

"You're off early." she mentioned, and Dowsabel approached.

"It's a long road." and then she knelt next to her.

"Thank you, Arlena." she said, stroking a finger gently over the soft hair.

"Rhedan deserves to go out for a bit; he's been a great help." she looked at the little princess.

"We'll manage." she smiled, and Dowsabel stood to gently plant a kiss on each of their cheeks.

"Good bye, sister." she greeted, and Arlena smiled at her again.

"Fair winds and warm days to you, princess Taugere." she returned, and then Dowsabel departed their chamber, slowly and carefully making her way to the highest chamber where her mother also still lay sleeping. She approached silently, and leaned down to gently kiss her cheek.

"Good bye, mother. I... I love you." she whispered, and then started to head for the door before stopping as her heart pulled in different directions, only one stronger than the other. Then she turned back, pausing a moment in front of the small table before turning and leaving the chamber. She paused again at the door and glanced back, sparing a final glimpse at the silver ring she left on the table before closing the door, and with Aeron awaiting her at the doorway, together they took the halls down through the Hall of Fire and emerging into the morning air. She breathed in deeply, watching the company in the bailey. Her father, her brother, her friend, and their sentinels, and the same cart harnessed to a piebald filly, ready for the sojourn back to the Stone Holds. She smiled, and was escorted further down as one of the sentinels helped Jada onto a dark mare. Joining the party, Baderon looked at his daughter.

"Is everything in order?" he asked, and she suppressed the pace of her heart.

"Yes, father." she agreed, and his great dapple grey warhorse was led to them along with her grey mare.

"And our host?" he asked, and she blushed.

"He might meet us on the way." she assured, and Baderon nodded.

"Then, it is time to leave." he decided, and Aeron helped her onto her horse while the king mounted his, and with the party on horseback they once again left the castle grounds. They travelled down the road under the changing sky, and the golden light of morning spilled over the fields as they passed the woodland and they scanned the surroundings.

"I don't see him." Aeron mentioned, and Dowsabel continued to watch the woods. They'd passed his camp site already, but she wanted to believe he would not simply leave.

"He might be waiting further along the road..." she wanted to believe.

"Let's head on then." Rhedan proposed, and they continued on, crossing the hill she stared at the space in front of them, feeling all of her senses ignite. He was waiting for them, just down the road on the next hill, mounted on his great horse and his war axe ready on his back, the shine of the morning sun from behind him. He seemed so celestial, the only thing brighter than the light of dawn the glow of his eyes; and he smiled warmly, bowing his head to greet them.

"Good morning." his deep voice met them all, and the welcome was returned fondly before his attention went to the king.

"Whenever you're ready, majesty." he allowed, and Baderon glanced back at the party.

"Lead on, Aecaeus." he smiled, and the warrior directed his horse down the road, proceeding to lead the company on a paced trot back to his homeland until finally the peak of Sanctum loomed in the distance, which oddly seemed shorter than before despite three weeks on the road. By late noon, they entered the stone courtyard welcomed by the Stone Holders; but the area was strangely vacant. They dismounted, allowing the boys to stable the horses and Aecaues faced the group.

"We will have you settled." he decided, and then a figure approached from inside the hold.

"Welcome home." he called, and Aecaeus smiled at Deinias, who was garbed in traditional leathers, smears of mud created patterns on his skin, and a fascinating head-dress of vines and twigs.

"It is good to be back, brother. And good to see that the hold is still intact." he said, and they shared a laugh.

"I gave it my best, but suffice it to say that your position does not suit me." he said, shoving a gentle fist into his brother's arm, and then looked at the others.

"You made it just in time. Everything has been prepared." he informed, and then smiled at the visitors with a bow.

"We welcome you, to the silver eclipse." he said, and the visitors thanked him.

"Go on, we'll join you once all has been accommodated." Aecaeus urged, and Deinias moved off excitedly.

"That was interesting." Aeron muttered watching the tall man move away.

"His role will be the ritual master for the extent of the eclipse. It is one of our great honours, and he is most suited for it." he told, and Dowsabel stared at him.

"It starts tonight?" she asked, and he smiled.

"Yes. As said, we arrived just in time." she was amazed that he was able to calculate their arrival so precisely. Then he proceeded to lead them inside Sanctum, having the remaining members present their visitors with chambers suited to their requirements, before gathering in the stone hall before their departure to meet with the rest of the citizens for this special celebration. But before leaving the great chamber, Dowsabel glanced back at the throne; the stone crown she had glimpsed the first time still rested on the seat just as it was months ago, and she wondered if they might meet the king and his family this evening. Then she followed the progression to a field not too far from the great hold, and again stared in astonishment. The field was lined with wide tables, great baskets of fruits and dried meats, hundreds of bowls holding nuts and berries rested on the tables, great fires burned all around them illuminating the field in brilliant light, and in the centre on a small hill, loomed a stone shrine surrounded with thousands of pebbles, with a massive stone carving in the likeness of a dragon, with a horse skull head displaying long jagged teeth, a thick mane, great curled horns and lion-like feet. At the centre of its chest, a wondrous stone glinted, clear like a shimmering diamond. They looked around at the gathering people, hundreds of tall powerful men and women, and Dowsabel looked up at Aecaeus.

"I hope you will enjoy this with us." he said softly, and she smiled.

"I already am." so the days passed that they shared in the joy and energy of the people of the earth, each day in the company of the foreign, and nights filled with feasts and wild wine and dancing to the beat of drums, lutes and flutes. They shared their lives, their histories and traditions, and other manner of stories; but not once could she distinguish the high from the common among these people. They were all connected, all equal in the gaze of the massive creature that represented their deity. Upon one of the nights, while sharing in discussion with the Ardent King, a small pebble struck the chest of the warrior beside him, and Aecaeus looked up at a man grinning from the other side of the table. He smiled at Bryden, taking up the pebble and threw it back before standing and taking his axe in his hand. Dowsabel watched as they stepped into the centre of the clearing, staring as an incredible clash ensued. Feeling her anxiety, Alna who sat next to her tonight leaned closer.

"Don't be afraid, they won't be injured." then she looked at her as she explained. This was another of their customs; casting a stone at the chest of a man was a challenge. Casting the stone back was acceptance, and casting it away was rejection which was rarely done. Most of these, were simple tests of skill, and would only end in bloodshed had the initial stone struck the face of the challenged. Moments later, she breathed out relived as the hook of Edge rested against the neck of the challenger. They eased, and exchanged a firm grip on one another's wrists before he returned to the table. The evening that the shadow passed over the full silver moon, the fires were put out one by one as Deinias told the story of their beginning,

"We are of the earth. Once of water and sand, now of stone. Strong, proud, eternal..." he started, mesmerizing those around him as Dowsabel and her family listened. He made it sound so different, so dramatic, so epic; and she loved it. In the darkness that settled over them as the moon was devoured by the shadow, they stared in awe as the stone in the centre of the shrine started to glow and finally shine like a tiny little sun and the world was drenched in white light. It took her completely, and again she felt like crying. She wanted to stay here, be a part of these people... But too soon they would have to go home and it tore at her. She looked up at the face of the creature towering over them with deep leering eyes. Would it be unfair to ask anything of you, even if you don't know me? Even if I'm not one of your people? As the light slowly faded, and the fires were brought back to life she wiped away the remnants of tears down her face, and suddenly realized she was staring at the piercing eyes. He smiled, and she blushed looking away. Then he stood, holding his hand towards her and she couldn't resist the urge to look to her father for guidance, whom simply smiled and nodded in approval. Then she looked back and took his hand as she stood, and he guided her towards the shrine. Will this be the last moment we share? He led her around the shrine, and brought her to its front, leaving her under the stare of the creature as he once again circled. She watched him, feeling slightly confused at his behaviour. Then he stopped in front of her again, smiling down at her, and she felt the flutter of her heart once more, the sensation he created so easily in her. Then he slowly lowered to his knees, now looking up at her with his wondrous eyes shimmering in the light of the fires. Her breath caught in her throat, wondering at the situation and he finally presented a small white stone to her, which she took in her hand and stared at it. His face disappeared into shadow as he glanced down, and waited patiently for something she did not understand, and her mind reached for what to do. The field was gripped in a deep silence, but then she relented to the mysterious pricks to her skin, and her hands gently took his face, guiding his eyes back to hers; then she smiled and leaned forward placing her lips to his in a tender kiss; and in a dazed moment she heard the voice of the ritual master.

"The king has chosen! And the chosen has accepted!" her heart stopped in the moment his arms slid around her thighs, and he raised her away from the ground, now soaring over everyone else to the fervent beat of drums and screaming voices of excitement as they circled the shrine once more. But her mind stopped as she floated above everyone and everything, not hearing much of anything as only one thing echoed in her mind. The king... The king... The king... She couldn't decide whether to laugh, or cry, or scream. The king... He gently brought her down to the ground, setting her softly on the ground in front of the table, still staring at him with the others behind her equally bewildered.

"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked softly, but he smiled.

"I didn't need to." he said, but she couldn't add the pieces together.

"Why?" she asked again, her voice nearly void of emotion.

"Would you have treated me differently if you knew?" he asked, and she looked away. I might have... My mother would have... He glanced at the people behind him, clearly having intensified in the celebration.

"All my people know who I am, but I don't want the constant courtesy of being named 'king Aecaeus' whenever I am addressed, or spending my days on a throne and issuing orders. I go out, I protect my people, I hunt, I build and I plough if needed; I am human, just as they are. They do not respect me for my title. I have earned their respect simply for my deeds." he told, and finally she understood. Then she looked back at her father behind her, staring at them in shock.

"Father?" his bright eyes glowed in the light of the fires, and then went to the man behind her.

"You asked my daughter... for her hand?" he tried to make sense of it, and Aecaeus nodded gently with a soft smile.

"I did." he confirmed, not the slightest regret or defensive tone to his deep voice. Then the blue eyes came back at her in silence, before he brought his gaze to the small group around him, evidently all stunned to the state of silence, and they only looked on. Then his attention returned to Dowsabel.

"Is... Is this what you want, Bel?" he finally asked, and with another tear trailing down her cheek she nodded. Baderon's eyes went to Jada at his side, watching him for his reaction and then he looked to Rhedan. For the first time since succession, he was at a loss. What would happen? What would his wife do? What would her sisters think? Would they ever see, or even hear of their beloved Bel again? Then the world came back to him, and he saw his son smiling and he too, nodded in definite approval. He sighed, and looked back at his daughter, his youngest standing in front of them in silence.

"This won't be easy to explain to your mother..." he started, a moment of regret passing through his mind before he looked at the stone king.

"But I give you my blessing." he agreed, and Dowsabel's hands covered her mouth as she started to laugh through tears. Jada rounded the table to hold her, and in her comfort she released the suppressed emotions while Baderon came forward to address Aecaeus.

"I never thought, that my youngest will be the first of my daughters that I lose." he said morosely.

"You will not lose her. Not completely. She will take my name, and my home, and name my people her own. But her line will always be yours, majesty." Aecaeus told, and it left him feeling relieved, as well as grateful.

"I have learnt a great deal from you, king Aecaeus. And I will take this with me, for the betterment of my own people." he said, extending his hand.

"And betterment you will have, king Baderon. So much, so that others name your fields gold." he predicted, and took the hand of the Ardent king fondly, and they laughed happily as they looked at the princess.

"When will the ceremony take place?" Baderon asked,

"When she is ready. In a week, with the next full moon, in a year; it makes no difference to me. I will wait an aeon if I must." he eased with a subtle shrug.

"Before the eclipse ends, if it pleases you." it came from Dowsabel, once again calmed from the whirl of emotions.

"That is in two days time." Aecaeus mentioned, looking at Baderon.

"Very well..." he agreed, and returned to the festivities sharing within their company the prospect of the coming union. With sunrise on the second day, Dowsabel stood in the room she'd been given while Jada rummaged through her belongings. The tiding of the king's marriage was spread fervently, causing immeasurable excitement along with the occasional debate on his union with an outsider. But, his decision was resolute and set in stone, for an instant she laughed at the irony.

"I knew this one caught my attention for a reason." she heard Jada mutter behind her and then looked back as she pulled a dress of white and ivory silk from a chest to display it while Dowsabel stared. Gold lace adorned the square neckline, elbows and the wide sleeves; lovely delicate gold blossoms adorned the ivory centre piece and several gold ribbons were threaded through the eyelets of the corset bodice with great care. Her hands went to her mouth as the sensation of weeping came to her again, but Jada smiled and spread the dress on the bed before coming to her and placing her arms around her.

"Don't cry, Bel. This is a happy day." she soothed, and she exchanged the cries for laughter.

"Thank you so much, Jada. I... I don't know what to say." she whispered, and then her handmaiden drew back.

"You don't need to say anything. You deserve to be happy." Jada said, and the princess nodded.

"Well then, let's get you dressed. I'd like to enjoy this time with you, until we leave this afternoon." she mentioned, turning to go back to the bed when Dowsabel suddenly took her hand.

"Jada. Will you stay with me?" she asked, bringing the handmaiden's attention back to her in surprise.

"If you want to, of course." Dowsabel corrected quickly, then after a moment of silence Jada smiled.

"I'd love to, if your father has no objections." she agreed, seeing her friend's eyes brighten.

"Hurry now, the others will be waiting." she urged again, and proceeded to help the young bride into her garments for the morning celebration. A string of gold with a pearl pendant was fit around her throat, and her hair left hanging freely down her back and over her shoulders. With all set they headed down to the stone hall, where they were met by her father and brother before continuing on to the shrine where all the Stone Holders had assembled. On the arm of her father, the Ardent King, they moved down a pathway between the tall people, towards the great sculpture where he waited, looking the same as he always had apart from that he accepted his brother's vigorous proposals to wear the crown, and the reality of her position burnt even clearer. Then her father stopped, turning towards her and brought her hands to his mouth before he released her and allowed her to continue the short few steps to her betrothed alone where she finally stood in front of him, his marvellous eyes looking at her clear as topaz with his smile. Then he held his hands towards her, and she smiled placing hers in his fingers, feeling his gentle hold.

"Under his sight I, king Aecaeus Rhinemar of the Stone Holds stand with you. I give you our riches, all that we hold dear and valuable, to hold dear and valuable to yourself. I give you our lands, to live and thrive and name your home. I give you a title that will be worthy of you, to lead and rule by my side as my queen. And I give myself completely as I am, my eyes to see the beauty of you each day, my shoulders to support you in your need, my arms to hold you in the cold and my hands to help you. I give you my strength to shield and carry you, and my voice to guide you in times of concern. And I give you my heart that will love you always, to be only yours until I am reclaimed by the earth. In return, I beg only for yours." he promised, and she blushed feeling the heat stretch through her.

"It is yours. Always, until I am reclaimed by the earth..." she returned, and he leaned forward placing his lips against hers in a tenter kiss to the jovial sounds of those looking on, and deep calls sounding To the king! To the queen! The ritual was followed by a day of feasting and dancing, once again to the beat of drums within Sanctum's courtyard until noon when the Ardent King and his party prepared to leave for home. The horses were brought out and the cart equipped for the journey north, and permission given for Jada to remain behind. Dowsabel approached Aeron, busy examining his horse.

"Aeron?" his attention went to her.

"How may I serve, my princess?" he cast a quick glance at Aecaeus, bidding his farewell to Rhedan.

"Or, I suppose it is my queen, now." he corrected, and she laughed.

"Could I persuade you to stay, as well?" she asked, but he stared at her in silence for a time.

"Bel, I love you. But I can't. I've enjoyed this time, and you've never been as beautiful as you were today." he looked away from her, taking in their surroundings and she felt the sting to her heart.

"My place is at Mount Ardor. I could never conform to these people." she looked on, cursing the bite to her chest.

"Don't say such things..." she whispered, then he looked back with a smile.

"Besides, you have found a man that will better protect you, than I ever could." he took her hand and brought it softly to his mouth.

"I wish you every blessing, and a thousand years of happiness. Good bye, my sweet Bel." he said, and she nodded.

"Good bye, dear Aeron..." she turned to join her father and her husband, leaving him to finish his inspection before mounting his horse.

"Bryden and his warriors will accompany you as far as our border. From there, we wish you a safe and peaceful travel home." Aecaeus said as she stood next to him.

"Thank you. For everything." Baderon said as they took hands in a firm gesture, then he looked at his daughter.

"We will miss you, Bel. But, you'll be al right." he smiled, and then held her closely.

"Farewell, my sweet. We love you." her arms tightened around his waist.

"And I love you, father..." he held her, in his secrecy trying to force back the tears before releasing her and looking at the man at her side again.

"I have a gift for you. But, if you would not deem it as disrespectful, I would require you to kneel." he said, and Aecaeus lowered himself. Dowsabel stared in awe as her father removed the feathered cloak from his shoulders, and wrapped it around those of her husband. Then he stood, regarding the glint of black feathers over his shoulders of the cloak that hung to his calves.

"You honour me, majesty." he breathed, and Baderon smiled.

"You are my son, Aecaeus. There is no greater honour." he said, and then mounted his horse.

"Fair winds, and warm days to you, Stone King. If you are ever in need, call upon the strength of the Corridor." he advised, and Dowsabel felt his hand rest on the small of her back.

"And to you, Ardent King. May your walls remain forever unbroken." they left the stone courtyard in the company of the stone warriors, disappearing over the horizon. The remainder of the day was spent in the sound of music and communion with their people until deep in the night when the king swept his queen from her feet and carried her to a bed chamber high within Sanctum's safety. Hearing the door close behind them she scanned the surroundings, where a wide wood frame bed with soft furs centred the chamber. A window opened to the east, several chests lined the walls, a table and chairs waited in the corner, a thick bear skin covered the floor, and a warm hearth burnt in the west wall. Above it, hung the shimmering blade of a great sword, the cross guard and upper part of the steel displaying the same face of the shrine.

"One day, that blade will belong to our son so he too, may protect our people, and our family." she heard from behind her, and then looked back to see him approach her completely bare, the same scars covering his body; then she looked up into the mesmerizing eyes. He smiled,

"Making things difficult for me?" he teased, and she blushed.

"I... I'd like you to do it..." she whispered, and he leaned forward to kiss her again, deeply and passionately. Her hands ran up his powerful arms, over his shoulders and over the skin of his chest as it flamed in her. She felt his fingers over her cheek, softly down the curve of her throat, the trail of his touch warm and tingly as it spread over her chest and to her shoulders before the dress suddenly dropped from her. She broke the kiss in a small laugh; he was so gentle she didn't notice the ribbons being released to free her body from the silk.

"Are you afraid?" he asked suddenly, and she stared at him.

"No, I just..." she started, but he smiled.

"It does not have to be tonight." he said, but she lowered her hands allowing the sleeves to slide off her skin and the dress to fall to her ankles before bringing her arms around his neck, feeling the tremor to his muscles.

"Is something wrong?" he laughed softly.

"I'm afraid of hurting you." he brought his hand to her face.

"You're so small... so frail..." he whispered, and kissed her again. He moved past her and sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling her forward onto his knees in the lingering touch of their lips before pulling away from her, and just staring at her.

"What was it about me, that you noticed?" she asked to break the silence.

"It was impossible not to notice you." he joked, and she laughed.

"You know what I mean, Aecaeus." his hands went up, just playing with her hair as he continued to look at her.

"Your eyes. You have the most beautiful eyes. Flawless as the skies, and deep as the oceans; so much that each time you look at me I drown." he confessed, bringing a flush to her cheeks. All this time, he felt the same.

"I have forever with you, my little Doe." he promised, and she pressed herself closer against him feeling the surge of heat passing between their unprotected skin.

"I love you, Aecaeus." she breathed against him as her body grew slowly warmer and the ensnaring sensation of tingling spread from her scalp to her ankles, and his arms constricted around her.

"And I love you." he whispered into her glinting black hair as she looked up, and placed her lips to his neck, softly in the curve between his jaw and throat feeling him shudder to her touch, and his muscles harden against her. He turned, laying her on the soft furs where he kissed her again, moving slowly down to her throat and her chest; and they surrendered, releasing themselves entirely to the bliss of years to come.

Maester Adlyn looked up through the window, noticing the almost purple of dawn on the far off horizon. Has it really been that long? He closed the ledger, replacing it on the top of his bookcase and heading up to his private chamber to steal whatever sleep he could before dawn arrived. He'd gone through the great book all the way back to one of the greatest of the Ardent Kings, and several names caught his attention. But one seemed to stand out, despite not being from the Taugere lineage; perhaps from being only mentioned once throughout the long history. He decided, if he could, he would go through some of the other tomes on histories as this name surely had his interest, but with little to go on it might be a time before he found anything. He carefully slipped into bed, and fell asleep easily before waking again to the shine of the morning sun, and then stood to start his day as any other, redressing in a clean grey robe and adjusting his chain. As he had done each day for the past sixty years of his life, he headed down the little winding steps, holding one of the silver links in his hand with a silent prayer. Grant me wisdom, skill, and the hand to save a life today... Then he entered his lower chamber, finding his apprentice already waiting for him.

"Good morning, maester." he greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, my boy." he returned with a smile, and proceeded to instruct the young one in his chores of cleaning out the cabinets, and used vials before going over his stores and listing items that needed replenishing and further mixing balms and poultices while attending to those who sought him out for their qualms. After being brought their morning serving, he returned to his bookcase, pulling scrolls and books on histories of the west and finally locating a small piece in a book on western tribes. The information was not as detailed as he'd hoped for, and considerably incomplete, only providing a fraction of a glimpse into that world. Then he looked up and smiled at the lovely face emerging from the doorway, and the tall mass shadowing her.

"Good morning, my lady." he stood to meet her as she returned his fond greeting.

"Good morning, maester." Claira looked at the works left open on his table.

"You've been busy." she mentioned, and he glanced back.

"Going through the ledger, as lady Milla has asked; and some additional browsing. But I did find an interesting piece." he told, and she came forward curiously.

"Really? What about?" she asked, and he turned allowing her to have a better look at the writings.

"Tell me, have you ever heard of the Stone holders?" he asked, and she shook her head before glancing at her sentinel.

"Inhabitants of the west, your grace." he informed, and she looked back at the maester.

"They were great, strong people; and frequently sought out as both allies and enemies, yet a small group; I don't believe they totalled a thousand. But I am afraid my reading has ended quite… abruptly." he continued to tell, glancing at Falgon waiting a few feet away.

"They were wiped out, long ago." he explained, seeming to know a bit more about them; but the maester's eyes couldn't discard the sensation of a darkness forming in the chamber.

"So the story says. You don't suppose that a smaller group escaped, and somehow survived-" he started, but to his surprise was silenced by the deep voice.

"They were all killed." the words were solid, and the dark eyes hard; but then he glanced away and the darkness that filled the air suddenly vanished before he returned his attention to them, softer than before.

"If it please you, your grace. I will wait in the hallway." he said, and she nodded allowing him to leave again in silence. After a moment, listening to his heavy footsteps disappearing down the stairway she sighed.

"Well now, that was interesting..." she breathed, wondering at his sudden change, and how the mention of these people seemed to vex him, but decided that she would not rather spare him. Then returned to the maester at her side.

"You were saying, maester?" she asked, and his brown eyes met hers, for a moment seeming lost.

"About what, my lady?" he asked, and she sniggered softly.

"You mentioned the stone holders." she recalled, and he seemed to lighten at the notion of having the opportunity to continue his findings to someone who was interested.

"Oh yes, that. You recall some of the histories of our house? Long, long ago in the times of kings, king Baderon Taugere, you may also know as "Blackwing" had a single son, and three daughters. It turns out, that the youngest daughter, a princess Dowsabel was wed to a king Aecaeus Rhinemar of the Stone Holds. The detailing isn't complete, compiled of different people's accounts of memories, but the piece describes that a great and powerful man saved the girl's life, and they fell in love." he told, adding the pieces of depictions together as best he could and saw her smile warmly as her hand went to the round of her stomach, evidently feeling a soft nudge.

"That sounds like a wonderful story." she reflected, and he smiled with her sharing the sentiment.

"I'm sure it was. Enchanting moments don't come to all." he agreed, bringing to mind another's tale that was not too dissimilar from that. Then he put his hands together.

"What may I do for you, my lady?" he asked, and she blushed.

"I'm sorry maester, one of my handmaidens knocked the vial of oil you gave me from my table this morning. The poor girl was mortified." she presented the blue bottle to him, and he examined it. Only a handful of the oil still clung to the inner surface, but he smiled.

"Not to worry, my lady." he turned to one of his cabinets, and retrieved another green bottle to present to her.

"Any other changes?" he asked as he handed the glass to her, and she shook her head.

"Since yesterday, no. But I will visit you again soon." she promised, and he walked with her to the doorway.

"Thank you, maester." she greeted, and then carefully made her way back down the steps with her hand held against the wall as he watched her slowly descend and disappear from his view, finally again meeting her sentinel waiting at the archway into the tower.

"I trust everything is in order, your grace?" he asked with a gentle bow.

"Everything is fine, ser Falgon." she examined him, his dark eyes were soft... but nagging on the edge of sadness.

"I'm sorry, if we upset you." she suddenly said, and he smiled.

"You shouldn't apologise, you've done nothing. But I regret my prior outburst, it was unmannerly. I ask your forgiveness, and will ask the same of maester Adlyn." he promised, but she still stared at him. He wasn't like this, and she reached for him.

"Falgon..." the instant her fingertips touched his arm, he jerked back again staring at his elbow; it was rather unsettling.

"Are you al right?" she asked, but he laughed.

"I'm fine." then he turned and raised his hand for her to pass.

"Shall we resume your day, your grace?" he asked, and she nodded as she moved forward passing through the long hallways with him following. A man so different from the others, and she couldn't shake the thoughts from her head, still wondering in her silence...