The next morning Kailyn found herself alone in her bed. Aiden must have slipped out shortly after she fell asleep. It was probably smart of him to not be caught in her room. Her mind began to float to the night she just had and a huge smile played across her face. It really had happened and she was sure that it was the right thing.

She sat up and rubbed her face as she heard a gentle knock on the door. Arianne called out through the door letter Kailyn know it was her. "Come in!" she said cheerily.

All the elf had to do was look at her lady's face. She was positively glowing and smiling ear to ear. "You didn't!" Arianne asked teasingly.

"Didn't what? I have no idea what you're talking about," she said still smiling like a fool.

"Ah. Well then. That's my answer. I hope you weren't rushed into it," Arianne was obviously happy for Kailyn, but also concerned.

"Absolutely not. He was a perfect gentleman. Unless...do gentlemen do those things?" she asked as her memories suddenly flooded her vision. She shuddered at how alive she felt when his hands were on her. It was pure ecstasy.

"That depends on what he did," Arianne answered with a chuckle. "But truthfully, I don't want to know specifically what he did."

"I wanted to make sure that I came here early enough to wake you before Aiden left. I'm sure you wouldn't let him leave without saying goodbye."

Kailyn frowned. In the intensity of last night she had completely forgotten that he had to leave by mid morning. She only had an hour or so with him before he would have to go.

"I'm glad that you thought to do that. Luckily though, I was beginning to wake up when you knocked."

Arianne walked over to the lady's wardrobe and pulled out her dress she would be wearing for the day.

"Actually, I'm going to be sparring as soon as Aiden leaves. I would rather just go ahead and put on my armor. Could you go and retrieve it from the armory for me?" Kailyn had missed training yesterday and did not want to make a habit of missing two days in a row.

Her maid walked over to the vanity, opened the bottom drawer and pulled out her leather armor. She knew that Kailyn would want to spar today, she had just hoped she would dress like a lady first.

"Oh. I see you were prepared for me to ignore my duties as dressing like a lady," Kailyn said with a smile.

"Of course. I knew you missed yesterday and would want to make up for it."

She walked over to her maid and took the armor from her. "Thank you. I know that you don't exactly approve of my training, but I appreciate you supporting me anyway."

"I would never dream of telling you what to do," Arianne said smiling.

XxxXxXxXxXxXx

Once she was dressed in her armor, Kailyn ran out into the courtyard hoping to catch Aiden. She saw him of course, standing under the pear tree eating one of the succulent fruits. As she walked over to him she couldn't help but laugh as she saw the juice pouring down his face and dripping off his handsome and manly chin. He still looked so gorgeous to her.

"They're good, huh?"

All he could do was nod his head in reply. He was fully enjoying the fruit.

Kailyn reached up and picked one of her own turning it nervously in her hands. Aiden had finished his pear and looked at the woman he loved. He had realized that last night may have been a little overwhelming for her and he was upset that he wouldn't be able to stay long to comfort her. He took in her face. Her brow was furrowed, her eyebrows scrunched together and her mouth was contorted as if she were in thought. Even in this state she was breath-taking. A few loose strands of brilliant, red hair had escaped her tight bun (again with the bun...) and blew in the wind. They danced across her face playing on her beauty even more. Her arms crossed over chest and Aiden thought that he should say something to ease her mind. He reached over and touched her elbow gently. "Are you okay? You don't regret last night, do you?"

She sighed, "No. Absolutely not. Last night was perfect. Its just that...I really wish you didn't have to leave. I'm having a hard time letting you go knowing how I feel about you." Kailyn was suddenly shaking; overcome with emotion. He quickly grabbed her and held her tight against his chest squeezing his arms around her waist. He nuzzled the top of her head, the flowery smell of her hair overpowering his senses. It broke his heart seeing her this upset. If only he didn't have to leave...But he did. His parents tried to talk him into delaying his trip until this mess was solved but he couldn't bare not seeing her another day. He knew he couldn't put it off any longer. There was no way he could stay.

"I know. I know. I wish I could stay with you too. My heart aches at the thought of not knowing when I'll see you again." Suddenly that revelation washed over Aiden. He truly didn't know when he would see her again. This woman was now his world and his reason for living. His heart lurched at the thought. "Kailyn?" he asked trying to build up the nerve to ask a life changing question.

She smiled. "You only call me by that name when you want to be taken seriously. What's on your mind this time?" She looked up at him and stared into his face. His arms were still wrapped around her waist and, if it at all were possible, he seemed to be pulling her closer. She could hear his heart pounding in his chest. He seemed nervous. His ice blue eyes were blinking rapidly and his brow was furrowed. "What is it? You look nervous and a little worried."

Holding both her hands in his he looked down into her eyes and began explaining. "Kailyn, I—I think I've loved you ever since you threw me into that lake. I was overwhelmed by your selflessness to chase the bees off me. I'm sure you were stung several times yourself but you never complained. I was just so grateful to have a friend like you. You are a strong, beautiful woman who isn't afraid of what people think about you. Always you have followed your heart even if it was a little unconventional," tears began to well up in Aiden's eyes, blurring his vision of her. His love's half smile that was on her lips before he began was suddenly slipping away. Her eyes were still the bright, emerald green but her face was molding into one of a determined and serious woman; but she still seemed confused. As if she didn't know what he was going to ask her. "The moment I saw you yesterday at the picnic I have wanted to ask you. Maker knows you are my heart and my soul. You have been since that afternoon so many years ago. Kailyn Marie Cousland, will you marry me?"

Again she turned into stone. Her expression virtually unreadable. Tears began streaming down her face but her eyes were still bright. These were tears of happiness. "Of course Aiden! I love you! I would have it no other way!"

She hugged him with all her might. Both of them had tears streaming down their faces. Her face buried in his chest and his chin rested on the top of her head. Now it didn't matter when they were to next see each other. Soon they would be husband and wife and living under the same roof. Their souls were swelled with happiness to the point of bursting.

XxxXxXxXxXxXx

All too soon Aiden Gourn had left and was on his way back to his home West of the Circle Tower. Kailyn was already in the sparring ring with her father. Bryce had turned back into his caring self and teaching his daughter everything he knew. Halley busied herself away from the ring not wanting to see her daughter "defile" herself with such things. Kailyn could not have been happier. The King's ball was in two days but she didn't think about that. Right now she was focused on training and tonight, while she slept she would meet Aiden in the fade.

XxxXxXxXxXx

The next two days went by uneventfully. They had traveled to the capital city the day after Aiden left. Kailyn missed him dearly but every night, they met in the fade. However, last night, Aiden seemed...different. He stilled looked the same. Handsome and masculine as ever; but something had changed. He felt more real than she thought anyone could in the fade. His body language was all wrong too. He seemed twitchy, anxious, nervous even. There was that word again. The way he had seemed when anyone asked him about what was going on at home. Even in her dreams he couldn't look her in the eye. Not last night. She was worried about him.

Kailyn again woke up with a knock on the door from Arianne. She quickly sat up and told the maid to come in. "Good morning Arianne," she answered.

"Dreaming of Aiden again?" the elf cooed.

She was trying to not show the worry on her face or in her voice. Praying that her talent to do so did not fail her. "Indeed. Oh, did you hear the good news?" she asked her maid referring to her engagement.

"Of course. It is the talk of the palace and I'm sure the town as well. Everyone is just buzzing about the joining of Cousland and Gourn." She had walked over to her lady and laid out her armor again. "You have to train early today because King Alistair is hosting his ball this evening. I didn't think you'd want to miss sparring today so I had everything arrange for an early morning meet."

"How perceptive of you Arianne," Kailyn said in a teasing manner. "Sometimes it's frightening how well you know me."

After she had slid on her leather armor she headed down to the kitchen for breakfast, trying to push last night's dream to the back of her mind. She noticed that her parents weren't there. "It must still be a little early for them," she noted. The cook had brought out her favorite. Three pieces of sausage, cheese eggs, and two biscuits with orange juice. "You have always had a large appetite deary," Nilda the cook said with a smile in her voice. "The day you don't eat at least two servings of everything is the day the Maker will surely return to us," she added wittily.

"Thank you so much for your comment Nilda," Kailyn replied teasing the cook as she scarfed down her meal.

"You know I care for you a great deal and I don't care how much you eat. I just want you healthy," she said with a wink.

Nilda had barely left the room by the time she had finished her meal. One of the maids nearby noticed her lady was finished and took her plate, fork, glass, and napkin for her.

"Thank you Serah." Kailyn had always tried to be nice to her servants. They were, after all, cleaning up her mess.

With a bounce in her step she rushed down to the sparring ring not surprised that her father wasn't there either. "I'm sure he'll be down before too long." she thought to herself. She grabbed her family longsword and a dagger gifted to her from her brother. It had quickly become her favorite. The dagger had a curvy, red blade and was sharper than anything she had ever wielded before. The gold-colored grip was beginning to show age due to its usage but that just made Kailyn appreciate it even more. It fit in her hand so perfectly now. She walked over to a practice dummy and began her drills to warm up. Suddenly she heard the sound of feet shuffling and instinct took over. She spun around and placed her dagger at the throat of her intruder.

"It's just me sister!" Fergus gasped. "I know, I have got to stop sneaking up on you. You are getting better than me!"

Kailyn quickly removed the dagger and placed it in its sheath. "Oh, sorry Fergus. You know. Instincts and what-not," she replied laughing. "Besides, what do you mean 'getting better than me' I have always been better than you!" At this, she was very unladylike and stuck out her tongue at her brother.

"Care to prove it in the ring?"

Her eyes narrowed, "Of course. I will have to put you in your place dear brother."

The young Couslands stepped into the ring after Fergus had grabbed his longsword (made of better material than Kailyn's because he is her older brother) and his wooden Highever shield.

"Ahh, sister. I have heard the good news!" he was hoping to distract her.

They were circling around the ring deciding which moves to would make.

"Yes. It seems everyone in the castle has. Arianne said the news was spreading like wild fire."

They circled in a different direction.

"It's good to know that I don't have to tell everyone," and with that she lunged towards her brother. Fergus was quick enough and dodged her attack. He ran at his sister attempted to hit her with his shield but she was too quick for him. She leaped to her right and spun around behind her brother, hitting him hard in the back with the pommel of her sword.

"Hey! I'm not wearing armor!" He whined playfully, "that really hurt!"

Kailyn laughed an evil laugh, "You should have thought about that when you challenged me brother."

Now is his turn to spin around and face his sister head on. Before she had time to move he knocked her back a few paces with his shield and thrust his sword at her again. He caught the outside of her upper arm, knicking her slightly. A huge grin spread across his face.

"I merely gave you that one. So you wouldn't feel so bad when I do this!" she jumped at her brother elbowing him hard in chest. He fell back but managed to keep on his feet. With one swift motion she spun her whole body using her momentum to speed her sword-hand. She stopped just short of his throat.

"Gotcha."

"Andraste's flaming sword! When did you learn to move that quickly?" he asked her truly amazed. "I know it has been awhile since I last sparred with you; but you have made short work of our match, dear sister."

The younger Cousland looked up at her brother grinning from ear to ear and sheathed her weapons.

"I told you. I – am – better – than – you," she said spacing out each word to help prove her point.

"Yes, well, surely we need more than one sparring match to determine that don't we."

"Care to go again, dear brother?"

"Most certainly."

And with that the two spent the rest of the morning sparring together. Out of about 10 matches, Fergus only won two. Around lunchtime Rayne had come up to the battling siblings and chuckled.

"Are you two going to spar all day or are you going to stop some time and each lunch? I know it is not as important to you Fergus, but it is imperative that your sister be at the ball this evening."

"Never! I cannot let it end here. I have been letting her win all morning and I have to make my 'come back' streak!" Fergus said with a sweaty, red face.

"Dear husband, if you have been sparring all morning and not won more than your share of matches, I don't think you will," Rayne added laughing.

"Thank you. I tried to tell him that he couldn't possibly win; but he just won't listen to me," Kailyn added teasing her brother.

"Yes. Well. I'm sure this won't be our last meeting in the ring, sister. Consider this another challenge dated for the future!" Fergus said a little defeated.

"Yes, brother. Whatever you say. I will be more than glad to face you again."

The two siblings stepped out of the ring, put their weapons back on the rack and walked together with Rayne to the kitchen where Riley was waiting for them.

After another hearty meal, Kailyn went back to her room where a warm bath was waiting for her. Her leather armor was sticking to her due to the sweat and she was anxious to peel it off. Once she did, she stepped into the soothing tub with her oils. Arianne was picking up her armor in hopes of washing it for her lady.

"Thank you, Arianne."

The elf curtsied and hurriedly left the room.

Her bath was utterly relaxing and she was thankful that her maid had made her one before she thought to ask. Arianne knew she would be tired and sore from sparring and was attempting to get Kailyn to relax before the ball.

The ball. Oh yeah. Aiden and his family are sure to be there as well. After all, all the noble families were invited. She began grinning wildly at the thought of seeing her love again. As much as she hated the politics and court life, she was rather good at it. She has always known the right thing to say. Although, because her father was still the Teryn of Highever, she has never really had to do much of the talking herself, but she has helped to guide her father in preparing his speeches and arguments. This was one of their things they did alone. She wasn't even really sure anyone else knew about it.

Kailyn laid her head back and soaked up all the warmth and relaxation her warm bath had to offer. Her muscles were sore but they were slowly beginning to loosen.

After she felt she had relaxed enough, she quickly bathed herself, washed her hair and stepped out of the tub and dried off. Then she grabbed her robe that Arianne had so thoughtfully laid out for her in arm's reach. She sat down at her vanity and pulled her hair out from under the collar of her robe.

"What am I going to do with you?" she asked herself, referring to her hair. It was so curly but she loved to have it long. As much as she liked to wear it up, having long hair made her feel feminine. "Every woman wants to feel that way sometimes right?" Kailyn pulled out her brush and began to run it through her hair. She parted it every which way trying to come up with ideas regarding how to wear it for the ball. "I should really do something other than my plain, old, bun. It is the King's Ball after all. I should at least pretend to look like I'm trying," she thought out loud.

"Talking to yourself again, I see." Arianne had walked through her room and appeared behind her.

"Aren't you supposed to knock?" She asked playfully.

"I did, but after about the fifth time I thought I should just come in and check to make sure you didn't pass out or anything," the elf chuckled.

"Oh. I apologize. I was just thinking about how to wear my hair. I need to do something different; but definitely not 'over the top.'"

"I absolutely agree, m'lady. I have a couple ideas in mind, if you don't mind me trying."

"Of course not. You have always been better with my hair that I, Arianne. Do what you wish."

"Good to hear. But first, you have to put on your gown."

The gown that Arianne had picked out was lovely. It was a golden color and flowed gracefully down the full length of Kailyn's body. The bodice around the dress was a deep red resembling the color of her hair. The top of the dress was simple; maybe even plain; but the gown part of the dress was exquisite. It flared out at her hips and ruffled all the way to her toes. It had lengths of the same red material her bodice was made out of and thus it made the dress look three were small white beads placed sporadically throughout the billowing gown complimenting it even more so. She wore a pearl necklace and earring to match the beads. Her hair was up, lifted away from her shoulders to show the thick straps of the dress, but again in an extravagantly beaded braid. Kailyn's shoes were of the same gold color and material of the dress and gave her a good two inches of extra height. She wore, over her yellow gloved hands, a pearl ring her mother had given her for her last birthday. She was most definitely beautiful.

Arianne stepped back to admire her work. "You look exquisite m'lady," she smiled as she said this.

"Thank you Arianne; but don't you think this is a little over the top? I thought we agreed not to do anything this...crazy." Kailyn laughed.

"I just agreed so that we wouldn't have to argue and I could do whatever I wanted. I simply manipulated you," the elf responded still smiling.

Her lady sighed. Clearly she had been outsmarted. She should've known her maid would do something like this. She was more excited than herself about this ball.

XxxXxXxXxXxXx

The sun was just beginning to set in the summer sky when they arrived at the palace in Denerim. All the nobles had gathered in the ball room and Kailyn could hear the hum of their conversations. Her father and her brother had escorted her inside. Bryce quickly left to speak to Arl Rendon Howe. He and his family have been a close friend of the Couslands since the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden.

Kailyn's eyes quickly scanned the room for any sign of Aiden and his family. She saw many of the other Ferelden nobles and nodded when their eyes met. She saw some young women who were obviously foreign fanning themselves and batting their eyelashes. She rolled her eyes when she saw this; but there was no sign of the Gourns.

"I'm sure he'll be here soon," Fergus said in his sister's ear, seeming to read her mind. "He knew you were coming so I don't think he'd miss this for the world."

Kailyn smiled at that thought and squeezed her brother's arm in thanks.

"Well, I guess I should go mingle with the other nobles. I know Father is with Howe so maybe I will go join them. Try to at least have fun Kailyn." Fergus looked back at his sister, grinned and went to go join their father.

Kailyn walked around, smiling at those she made eye contact with, but quickly felt smothered by all the people in the room. She found a balcony just outside the main door to the ball room and stood with her hands on the railing watching the twilight sky.

She quickly became lost in her thoughts. Thinking of Aiden, of how soon they will be together as husband and wife. She forced herself to not think he wasn't here. He had to be.

"I was hoping that you'd be here tonight."