"Gentle release. Don't pluck. It's a bowstring, not a harp."

"You don't actually pluck a harp string either." Oriana pointed out.

"Gentle release. Don't pluck. It's not a chicken." Cathiel amended, resulting in an amused laugh from Oriana.

Oren let go of the string. The arrow flew wobbly, and hit the center of the target just deep enough to stick. "I hit it! I hit it!'

"Well shot, my lord." Ser Gilmore said. The guards gave the boy a bit of applause as he held up his bow triumphantly.

Oren grabbed for another quiver of arrows and continued practice. Cathiel moved away, letting the boy get comfortable shooting on his own, and joined Oriana in the shade. "He's getting big."

"He'll be as tall as Fergus soon."

"He's a better archer than Fergus already." Cathiel said with a wry grin.

Oriana handed Cathiel a bit of cloth. "Well, you've given my son a lesson in archery, the least I could do is give you a lesson in needlepoint."

"I thought Antivans used poison for assassination, not boredom."

Oriana laughed. "It wouldn't hurt you to indulge in some lady-like activities."

"That's what you said about me learning to play the harp, and now look. We've got a Blight." Cathiel gave Oriana a teasing smile. "Who knows what will happen if I learn needlepoint?"

Oriana pretended to ponder a moment, then reached over and firmly took the cloth away from Cathiel. "You make an excellent argument."

Cathiel looked back over at Oren. "His aim is getting steadier. See how the arrows are all starting to cluster together. Perhaps when Fergus gets back, we can start taking Oren hunting."

"He would enjoy that, I'm certain." Oriana glanced over at the watching guards. "I was surprised to see young Ser Gilmore sneaking out of your quarters this morning." Oriana shook her head. "Shameful of you to get your mother's hopes up like that."

"Mother noticed?" Cathiel buried her face in her hands at Oriana's nod. "She's designing my wedding dress again, isn't she?"

"She may have mentioned the latest fashions from Antiva."

"Well, at least it's not the fashions from Orlais." She sighed. "When Fergus gets back, I'm going to need more nieces and nephews to distract mother." She caught Oriana's slight blush and her eyes widened. "Oooooh... does mother know yet?"

Oriana shook her head. "I haven't told anyone yet. I'm only just beginning to be sure. I don't want to call down bad luck... if something were to happen to Fergus..."

"Fergus will be fine, sister." Cathiel put a reassuring hand on Oriana's shoulder. "Arl Howe's men will be here by morning, and then Father will be on his way to help keep an eye on things."

Oriana nodded. "I worry."

"As do I." She sighed. "You needn't worry about Rory. He'll be off to the Grey Wardens. I'm just... giving him a proper send off, if you know what I mean."

Oriana laughed. "I do indeed. But it's going to be far better to welcome them home." They put their heads together and giggled for a moment.

Cathiel watched as Oren finished emptying the quiver. "Four bulls-eyes out of twelve arrows. Not bad. Maybe tomorrow I'll teach him how to pick locks."

"If you teach my son to pick locks I'm going to teach you how to do an Orlesian waltz."

"You fight dirty, sister."

#

Duncan glanced back over his shoulder at the others. Highever was visible just over the next rise. He considered for a moment. Highever would likely be filled with soldiers, and the castle servants were likely already under strain. He glanced back again, his eyes lingering on Brehan. Saitada caught his gaze. "Duncan, perhaps we should simply make camp and let you go on ahead. I'd rather not get tripped over by a bunch of raw recruits."

He met her eyes and smiled. "Good idea. The clearing is just over there. We will need to get back underway by dawn."

Brehan folded his arms and lifted his chin. "So why are we stopping here then?"

"Ser Gilmore was assisting in getting the soldiers ready to march. I told him we'd pick him up on the way back."

"One last recruit, eh?" Brosca said. Duncan nodded, and Brosca clicked his tongue at the donkey, leading it off the path in the direction Duncan had indicated.

"Ser Gilmore and I will meet you here at first light." He gave her a small bow, then continued walking as she marshaled the others towards the clearing. He breathed a small sigh of relief. The last thing he needed was Brehan antagonizing a Teryn. Hopefully, the young man would settle down soon.

#

Cathiel smiled, and slowed her walk a bit as she saw Ser Gilmore waiting for her. "You'll be off with the Grey Wardens in the morning then, won't you?"

"Are you going to miss me?" he asked, giving her a teasing smile.

She laid a hand over her heart. "You'll be off playing the hero, and I'll be here, playing the princess."

"I promise, you get yourself locked in a tower and I'll be there first thing to rescue you." He caught her hand, and kissed the back of it gallantly.

She cocked her head to one side. "You know, the last time rescuing was involved..."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Need I point out who got me in that bit of trouble in the first place?"

"I am going to miss you," she admitted.

"It's not like I'll never be back to visit." He started to raise a hand to brush her hair back from her face, then stopped when a servant passed by.

Cathiel lowered her voice and leaned towards him conspiratorially. "I heard stories of Grey Warden..." She met his eyes, and then lowered hers pointedly. "Endurance..."

He blushed then moved in to kiss her. "I'll definitely be back to visit."

"I've got some time now..."

He sighed regretfully. "Except I fear your hound has the kitchens in an uproar once again. Nan is threatening to leave."

She laid a hand on his chest. "Nan is just blowing off steam. She's always been like that."

"Your mother disagrees. She insists you collect the dog, and quickly." He kissed her nose. "You know these mabari hounds. He'll listen to his mistress, but anyone else risks having an arm bitten off."

She leaned her head against him for a moment, then sighed. "Then I guess I should go collect him."

"That would be wise. Before Nan tears down the walls." He held her a moment. "You're quite lucky to have your own mabari war hound, you know. Smart enough not to talk, my father used to say. Of course, that means he's easily bored. Nan swears he confounds her just to amuse himself." His voice became more businesslike. "At any rate, your mother would have me accompany you until the matter is settled. Shall we?"

"To the kitchen then," Cathiel held her hand up as though leading a charge.

Ser Gilmore laughed, and rolled his eyes. "Just follow the yelling. When Nan's unhappy, she makes sure everyone knows it."

#

Lenore began mixing a potion. Brosca came over to watch. "Don't suppose you could add something to it? Maybe some gut rot?"

"I don't have the ingredients," she said. She considered a moment. "And that would be wrong."

"What's that one there?"

"Blood lotus. I'll need to gather more soon."

"And that one?"

"Elfroot. It's used for a lot of healing potions. Actually, in a pinch you can just make a tea or poultice out of it and get some benefit."

"Good to know," Brosca said. He gave her a conspiratorial look. "Does it at least taste like crap?"

"It should," she said. She held it towards him. "Smell it."

Brosca sniffed, and stepped back. "Well, that's satisfying, at least."

"You know I can hear you," Brehan said.

Brosca smirked at him. "Really? I thought the ears were just for show."

"Enough," Saitada said before Brehan could respond. "Any more out of either of you, and you'll being doing footwork drills until you drop."

Brehan sneered, but subsided.

#

"Giant rats? It's like the start of every bad adventure tale my grandfather used to tell."

"Well, see, there you go," Cathiel told him. "And when the bards are singing your story, I'll be able to say, 'ha, I was there for his first adventure'."

Ser Gilmore shook his head at her fondly. "Your hound must have chased them in through their holes. Looks like he wasn't raiding the larder after all."

Griffon barked excitedly.

"It certainly looks that way," Cathiel said. She rubbed Griffon behind the ears. "Did you chase in the rats just so Rory could get a proper start to his legend?"

"Those were rats from the Korcari Wilds. Best not to tell Nan. She's upset enough as it is." He sighed. "But seeing as you've got your mabari well in hand, I'll be on my way. I'm to prepare for the arrival of more of the arl's men."

Cathiel caught his arm, and pulled him to her for another kiss. "I know, you'll be up all night. But find me at breakfast, and I'll make sure you get a proper send off."

He returned the kiss, and then smiled at her before leaving.

#

Eleanor Cousland was talking to her friend as Cathiel walked up the stairs. "And my dear Bryce brought this back from Orlais last year. The marquis who gave it to him was drunk, I understand, and mistook Bryce for the king." Cathiel shook her head. If she wasn't mistaken, her mother was also a little drunk. Eleanor smiled when she caught sight of Cathiel. "And here is my lovely daughter. I take it by the presence of that troublesome hound of yours that the situation in the kitchen is handled?"

Cathiel nodded. "Nan's head exploded, and my hound at the kitchen staff."

"Well, at least one of us will have had a decent dinner," Eleanor replied. Griffon barked at her. "Perhaps your hound left something I can feed my guests. Darling, you remember Lady Landra? Bann Loren's wife?"

Lady Landra gave Cathiel a friendly smile. "I think we last met at your mother's spring salon."

"Of course," Cathiel said, giving her a smile in return. "It is good to see you again, my lady."

Landra's smile became mischievous. "You're too kind, dear girl. Didn't I spend half the salon trying to convince you to marry my son?"

Behind her Dairren rolled his eyes. "And made a very poor case for it, I might add."

"You remember my son, Dairren?" Landra elbowed her lightly. "He's not married yet, either."

Dairren sighed. "Don't listen to her. It's good to see you again, my lady. You're looking as beautiful as ever."

"You're looking handsome, yourself." She smiled. He blushed almost as sweetly as Rory.

"And this is my lady-in-waiting, Iona." Landra gestured to an elven woman. "Do say something, dear."

Iona smiled demurely. "It is a great pleasure, my lady. You are as pretty as your mother describes."

"You would think that would make it easier to make a match for her, not more difficult," Eleanor said teasingly.

"Perhaps your daughter simply has a mind of her own, your Ladyship. You should be proud," Dairren said. Cathiel found herself giving him another look.

Eleanor shook her head. "Proud doesn't get me any more grandchildren."

Cathiel started to laugh. "Perhaps we can speak alone sometime, Dairren?"

Dairren gave the two older women a look, then smiled affectionately as they giggled. "I would like that, my lady."

Landra started to say something, but stumbled slightly. "I think perhaps I shall rest now, my dear. Dairren, I will see you and Iona at supper."

Dairren nodded, and then flicked his eyes at Cathiel. "Perhaps we'll retire to the study for now."

"Good evening, your ladyship," Landra said. She walked off, arm in arm with Eleanor.

#

After settling Griffon down, Cathiel returned to the study. She spoke a few moments with Aldous, letting him draw her into a discussion of family history. She managed to elicit one proud smile from him before he wandered off muttering to himself about young people.

She entered the small study off the main library. Dairren was looking through a pile of books. He smiled up at her. "Hello, again. Your castle's study is wonderful. Might I ask whose collection this is?"

"It was my grandfather's, but I come here often to read." She left out that she occasionally came here to do other things.

"So would I," Dairren said, gazing about enthusiastically. "Do you have a favorite book?"

Cathiel smiled coyly. "The Art of Passionate Love, by Brother Capria."

"Oh..." He turned a little bit red. "That was banned by the Chantry, wasn't it?" Quite..." He glanced down at the books uncertainly. "Provocative, I understand. I've, ah, never read it, myself."

"I could show you what I learned."

"Oh. That sounds... interesting." A slow smile spread across his face. "Um... here?"

"You're going to be riding with my father tomorrow?" She waited for him to nod, then smiled. "Why don't you come to my room later tonight?"

"I..." He laid his hand on hers. "Suppose I could see you after everyone is asleep, for something of a more..." He blushed a little. "Intimate nature. If that's what you mean?" he asked, a little uncertainly.

"Is that what you want?" she said, trailing a hand down his arm.

"I think I do," he said.

"Then I will see you tonight," she said. She moved away.

"I look forward to it," he said. "I shall see you then."

She smiled to herself as she left the room.

#

Duncan found Ser Gilmore overseeing soldiers. "Duncan," Ser Gilmore nodded. "I thought I heard someone say you had arrived."

"Are you ready?" Duncan asked him.

"It is going to be a long night, but yes, I should be ready to leave in the morning." He furrowed his brow, and then nodded. "Ah, the supplies you wanted. Arl Howe's men were delayed longer than anticipated, so Cathiel planned to simply send the wagon with them. Teryn Cousland is still here, if you wished to speak with him."

"I will do that. Thank you," Duncan said, and left the young man to his work.