Reyn smirked as another opponent fell before her blade. Twirling the hefty blade in one hand, the red-haired woman basked in her skill, honed over the years she had spent on the training grounds. Though her mother disapproved, her father thought it good in case something went awry. The young Cousland did not care for political bureaucracy or "being a woman." She liked swords and used hers very effectively, if Ser Desmond had any say in her favor.

"By the Maker miss, your sword arm keeps getting stronger and harder to push. You hit any harder and my arm will be knocked clean off. Look, my arm is already covered in bruises! So is my ribs. Keep getting better and you will have to find a new sparring partner, Lady Cousland."

"Ah come off it Desmond. Lady Cousland is my mother; proper titles have no place here, at least not starting with 'Lady.' Besides, could a lady do what I just did to you?"

Desmond chuckled, rubbing at his arm. They might not be using the sharpened end for sparring, but the flat of a blade could still sting too. The handsome knight scratched at the beginnings of a fine beard, at least in his own mind. Curling black hair clung to his temples, wet from the sweat on his brow. Reyn however looked perfect, not a hair in place or drop of sweat rolling down a chiseled jawline.

"Perhaps no ordinary lady could, but you are not a common girl. The soul of a warrior resides inside of you, and the arm of one too. I can see why Ser Gilmore fancies you. Half of Highever does, and not just the males."

Reyn laughed prettily, a blush dusting fair cheeks. No amount of time spent outside seemed to tan her, although she had noticed a slight color lately. Ivory no longer adequately fit, more like a light beige or fair bronze. She ran a hand through her short fiery locks, flustered at the comment. "Ser Gilmore does not fancy me! We…he is just kind to me because of my status. And he is a gentleman, like any knight is to be. There is nothing going on here!"

The young knight shook his head, shrugging broad shoulders. "If that is what you say, ma'am. But I know what I see, and he is a man. He likes you and if he was not so worried about getting your parent's consent he would be courting you by now. A simple knight would not do for the pride of Highever."

Reyn scoffed, the blush leaving her cheeks. "Because he is a warrior? I would rather be wed to a simple man than one whose arrogance bleeds instead of sense. Besides, I am young; I am not ready to be tied down yet. I want the freedom to be my own woman, independent and able to train. According to my mother, what man wants a woman who knows how to use a sword?"

"Certainly not an intelligent man. Unless he does no wrong, and let's face it: that man does not exist. But joking aside…do not get with someone who does not accept you, Reyn. Your flaws, your dreams…the things you love doing that make you you. That kind of man does not deserve you, pardon me saying."

Reyn smiled, a warmth making her look radiant. Desmond barely stopped his mouth from dropping open. Sometimes he forgot just how beautiful his friend was but she always managed to remind him. Gilmore, you are one lucky bastard. He was not sure of Reyn's feelings towards the young knight in question, but Desmond was sure they would end up together. Reyn would not want with any of the guys her mother picked out for her, all stuffy and self-important. She would have to give up her blade and that was a deal-breaker. Gilmore would not stifle her; she would be free to be herself. Love did not need to be there from the beginning; it could be cultivated over time. Ser Gilmore could make Reyn love him, of that Desmond was certain.

"Hey, shouldn't you be with your father to greet Loghain Mac Tir? I heard that he is talking of the plans for Ostagar with your father and Fergus. His men are with him, including Ser Cauthrien."

Desmond grinned as Reyn blushed again and a dreamy look appeared in her stormy eyes. He had discovered Reyn's crush on the woman several months prior when the girl would not stop talking about how amazing she was and what a great warrior and "I wish I could train with her, she knows so much" spiel. He suspected the true reason for her not being interested in Gilmore more than friendship, but he also knew Lady Cousland would not allow it. She was a fine woman to be sure, but definitely still behind when it came to romance. Maybe if Reyn were a commoner it would be fine, but a Teyrn's daughter? Marrying a woman was just out of the question. Still, she could crush on Cauthrien all she liked. Everyone knew the warrior had the hots for Loghain, her commander.

He could see the attraction though. Ser Cauthrien came from a simple backstory, having fought tirelessly to get where she was today. Being a female knight was not just hard, it was nearly impossible. But she did, and was now the role model of many girls. Maybe Reyn would get a chance to talk to the woman. It would make her happy, and Desmond could see another smile.

Reyn's eyes lit up as she no doubt imagined an entirely different greeting than what would happen. "You are right, Desmond. Let's go say hi and perhaps get some questions answered."

Desmond shook his head, laughing at her enthusiasm. Oh yeah, Lady Cousland would be pissed. As soon as she heard Loghain would be visiting before they all departed for Ostagar, she had groaned. The woman was not daft; she knew Ser Cauthrien would be there to bolster Reyn's stubbornness for her sword training. Even though it would be several months before the Darkspawn would be upon them, King Cailan wanted the armies to assemble and make a camp to get ready. Apparently it was also to give the Grey Wardens time to recruit. Desmond wished he would be considered for a position; the Grey Wardens were famous throughout Ferelden and to be one was the ultimate testament of being a warrior. But if anyone in Highever was chosen, it would be Ser Gilmore or Reyn and, unless a Right of Conscription was chosen, Bryce Cousland would never allow his only daughter to join.

But, maybe Desmond could persuade Teyrn Cousland to let him go with Teyrn Loghain. The man was a legend and he had always wanted to feel what is what like to fight alongside him. No price was too high to pay for Ferelden, and Desmond wanted to get a head start before Highever forces joined at Ostagar. He wanted to make his family proud and, if he was honest, Reyn too. As much as he was sure Gilmore would end up with her, why not add his name to the list? He would never find a better woman, of that he was sure.