Hello again! This chapter is my shortest one yet, sorry! Read and review if you have the time!

The clanging sound of metal against metal filled the courtyard. I watched carefully as Father and Fergus sparred; taking in every movement, every parry, every blow. The ride back to Highever had seemed to take forever. I had waited eagerly and impatiently for this moment. My parents had promised I could begin training as soon as we returned home. Father and Fergus were showing me a practice bout and I was drinking it all in.

After we returned to Highever, Father had given me a beginner's sword. It was made of wood but sturdy. After I had been training for a few years I would be allowed a real sword with a dull edge. My hands shook with nervousness and excitement as I held the blade for the first time. It felt like butterflies had landed in my stomach and were fluttering around.

I watched as Fergus brought his shield up to block a blow Father had made with his sword. While I was watching I began putting on my training armor with the help of one of our squires. The practice armor was heavy, thick leather with more straps and buckles than some of Mother's fancy dresses.

It was finally time for my first training session. I tried to mimic the stance Father had taken during the sparring session I had watched. My long, dark hair was tied back in a tight braid so it wouldn't get in the way.

My instructor was an older man with long dark gray hair tied back in a ponytail. He had dark green eyes the color of pine tree needles. He was very scruffy and smelled of wood oils.

Soon the clash of metal echoed as my instructor taught me how to parry blows and practice defense. I wanted to use a shield, like all the great heroes in Nan's tales did, but Father said that would come with practice.

As the next blow came down I lost my balance and fell. Cursing to myself I stood up and squared my shoulders: I would not give up. We practiced for hours; the sweat rolling of my skin and drenching my tunic and leggings. Soon I was out of breath and my muscles were sore.

"All right, Lady Eilonwy," my instructor said, wiping the sweat from his own brow. "That will be all for today."

I nodded; I was too out of breath to respond. I slowly trudged up the stairs to my room after Father congratulated me. Every muscle in my body screamed with pain and my arms and legs felt as heavy as stones. I felt exhausted and wanted nothing more than a bath and some sleep before the evening meal.

I slowly stripped myself of my clothes as an Elven maid filled my bath with water. I breathed a sigh of relief as I stepped in; letting the water ease my aching body. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes before dismissing the lady in waiting.

It wasn't long before I drifted off to sleep. I awoke to my mother lightly shaking my shoulder.

I opened my eyes and looked up at my mother's face. Her light blue eyes were filled with concern as she grabbed a towel and brought it over.

"Eilonwy, darling, I know you are tired, but please do try and not fall asleep in the bath," Mother said with worry.

I nodded my head as I gingerly stepped out of the bath. The stone floor felt cold on my bare feet. I let my mother wrap the warm towel around me and stumbled over to my bed. I yawned loudly as mother ran a brush through my gnarled hair; patiently taming the tangles.

I put on the new tunic and leggings Father had bought for me. I still had plenty of dresses but now I also had boy clothes to wear. It was so much easier to run and play now! I could tell Mother wasn't happy but she never said a word.

My stomach let out a large grumble as I walked down the castle stairs ahead of Mother. The workout must have made me hungrier than I thought.

I took my place at the table and waited for my mother to take her place. Once she was seated we said our thanks to The Maker and Andraste for our food and began to eat. Today we were having my favorite: Lamb and pea stew. Nan made the best stew in all of Ferelden.

My father cleared his throat and I looked over at him. "I have an announcement to make. We will be having a guest arrive in a month. A young boy will be coming to train with us for a few years at the castle," my father said in between bites. It was normal in Ferelden for young boys of lesser noble families to squire away from home. The Couslands and the Mac Tirs were high enough nobility that we didn't need to, we could afford the highest training and tutors already. I didn't really care who it was, we already had a squire, Darrien. Our mothers were dear friends but I hadn't really noticed Dairren except when he and Fergus sparred. He had orange-brown hair and brown eyes and wasn't very good on the field; Fergus nearly always bested him.

I continued eating, barley even glancing up when Father spoke again. "Well, Pup, aren't you going to inquire as to who this boy is?"

I motioned towards my very full mouth to indicate I'd rather continue eating than ask any questions. I was hungry, tired, and sore. Father just chuckled and shook his head. I glanced over and could see Mother smiling broadly. Oh Maker. I hoped she wasn't going to urge me to marry this one, too. When Darrien had first arrived she had been constantly dropping hints that he would make a good match for me. I had to stop this before she embarrassed me in front of the new squire. I just had to be calm and rational.

I slammed my fork down on the table and cleared my throat. "I'm not getting married! Not ever and you can't make me!" Oh for the love of Andraste, that was not calm or rationale. Maker's breath but wasn't I just the epitome of tact and diplomacy?

Mother stared at me for a full minute before responding. "For the love of Andraste, Eilonwy, where in the world did that come from? No one said anything about marriage; though you may want to wait until you are older before deciding such things. You never know what dashing young rogue might catch your eye."

I rolled my eyes and shoveled more food into my mouth before responding. "I don't care. Marriage is boring. What would I do with a husband? I will fight my own battles."

Mother chuckled lightly and I could see Father's eyes gleaming with suppressed laughter. I didn't know what they found so amusing but it didn't really matter. My thoughts eventually drifted to Nathaniel and the dance. I couldn't figure out why my heart felt so strange. Maybe I had eaten something that had spoiled? Whatever it was, I didn't like it. Not one bit. It made me feel awkward and clumsy. Nathaniel was my best friend; whatever illness this was better go away fast. I didn't want to ruin our friendship because of some weird disease.

"Mother, what kind of sickness makes your heart race and your tummy all flip-floppy?" I asked. Maybe if I told Mother, she could find a healer for me.

Mother crinkled her brow in concern. "Are you not feeling well, darling?"

"I feel fine now but I felt sick at the Festival when I was dancing," I replied.

The side of Mother's mouth twitched. "You mean, while dancing with Nathaniel?"

I nodded my head in reply. I could tell my mother was struggling to hide a smile but I had no idea what was so funny.

"Well Darling, I wouldn't worry about it too much right now. You're still young."

I'm still… young? What does that have to with being sick? Maybe she meant I'll grow out of it? Maybe all eight year old little girls get sick around this time. That was probably it. Mother would tell me, if it was serious. The rest of dinner happened in silence. Not the strained sort of silence that happens at formal dinners; more the comfortable silence of a close family enjoying their food.

I went to bed early that night; I was worn out from practice. Father had gifted me with another sword; one that had been in the family for generations. I wasn't to use it yet but someday I hoped to carry this sword into battle. I looked at my new sword lovingly though, caressing the hilt and watching my reflection shine on the blade, before crawling between my sheets and falling fast asleep.