The two warriors, stood panting, they'd been deadlocked for hours but neither was willing to give up. As they each fought to catch their breath a servant came running over "Milady?"

Lorelai straightened herself up and turned to face the young elf, "Beg your pardon milady but your father has requested your presence in the main hall."

"Did he say why?"

"No milady, but may I suggest you change out of your armour into something more ladylike?"

Lorelai groaned inwardly, no doubt this was her mother's doing. "Thank you Elsie but I don't want to my father waiting any longer than necessary. Besides he's seen me like this a million times"

"True and I suspect if you walked in there wearing a gown, your father may just have a heart attack." Rory interhjected

Lorelai playfully punched Rory in the arm "Owwww! That hurt."

"Serves you right Rory."

"But you didn't let me finish saying how lovely you would look."

"Creep."

"My Lady." Ser Gilmore bowed dramatically

"You're so annoying." Lorelai muttered under her breath and began walking towards the main hall.

She entered the main hall, her eyes scanning the room, there were soldiers here that she didn't recognise, which made her uneasy. Her father was stood with another man, whom Lorelai recognised as Arl Howe, he was explaining that his men had been delayed, grovelling and apologising to the Teryn.

"I'm sorry pup . I didn't see you there." Her father greeted her before turning towards his guest "Howe you remember my daughter?"

"I see she's become a lovely young woman. Pleased to see you again my dear." He said examining her from head to toe like a predator examining it's prey. "You know my son Thomas has been asking after you. Perhaps I should bring him with me next time I visit."

"To what end?" Lorelai asked feigning ignorance, her father chuckling in the background.

"Why marriage, of course. You are after all a young lady who has yet to be caught."

"Don't hold your breath." The very thought of Thomas Howe made Lorelai's skin crawl.

"Your father's permissiveness has made you wilful, indeed it may not always serve you so well." Howe's voice sounded sinister to Lorelai's ears, she'd never liked the snivelling man but he was her father's ally and she would show him the respect protocol demanded

"You see what I have to contend with Howe?" Bryce's eyes were full of mirth "My fierce girl has her own mind these days. Maker bless her heart."

"No doubt because you you've trained her as a warrior. How unique." Howe's voice dripped with disdain, Lorelai knew that few nobles approved of her training but she didn't care. Just because she was a woman didn't mean she had to hide away in the shadows, learning pointless tasks such as needlework.

"At any rate, pup I summoned you for a reason." Bryce's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, "While your brother ad I are both away I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."

"Why can't I go with you and Fergus?" The words sounded less petulant in her head, her father sighed heavily and rubbed his temples "Pup, we've been through this. Your mother would kill me if I let you go to war. She's already twisted in knots about your brother and I going. It is a great responsibility I'm entrusting you with. Only a token force is remaining here and you must keep peace in the region."

"Very well, Father." Lorelai felt defeated, she didn't want to stay in the castle, she wanted to be out there fighting but her father had made it clear the discussion was closed.

"One more thing pup. I've received word from a Grey Warden, Duncan who is seeking recruits to fight against the darkspawn and end the blight and may be visiting Highever in the days to come."

"Are the Grey Wardens sure this is a Blight and not simply some large darkspawn raid?" Howe chimed in, clearly annoyed about the suggestion of it being a true blight.

"The rumour is that no arch demon has been sighted and the battles in the South have gone well. However, the King is taking the Warden's at their word." Bryce stated matter of factly.

"Indeed, I've heard that King Calian is a bit enraptured with the Grey Warden legend and that is why he is catering to them."

"Howe! That is unworthy of you."

Lorelai's curiosity had been peaked, it was rare for someone to condemn the King's actions so openly, indeed Lorelai grew up with Calian and could not imagine anyone disliking him. He was well loved by the people, or so she thought. "You don't think much of King Calian?"

"I think of him as much he thinks at all, he's not even half the man his father was."

"That's enough Howe!" Bryce snapped "You speak ill of our King."

"The girl did ask your Lordship, as per the latitude you allow."

The atmosphere seemed to thicken, Bryce and Howe appeared to staring each other down, in an attempt to calm the storm that she seemed to have inadvertently created, "Arl Howe, please accept my best wishes and I hope everything goes well." Lorelai's words seemed to unnerve Howe, he coughed nervously and looked at her "I...I thank you. That is quite unnecessary."

"Father if you have no other need of me, I will take my leave and find Fergus before he leaves."

"Very well Pup."