Fergus awoke the next morning as the rising sun hit his face. He squinted and sighed, wondering if there was anything important that he had to be up for, or if he could simply roll over and sleep longer. As he heard a rustle and a deep breath, it hit him. He was married. He looked over at the still sleeping Elinor and his heart started racing. Though the night before had had its higher points, he felt that it would be better if he weren't there when she woke up on the first morning. So he slipped out of the bed, grabbed a quick change of clothes and headed downstairs.

It was early enough the most of the castle was still waking up; he grabbed an apple as he ducked through the kitchen. The morning air was still cool, and the grass retained its dew as he set out towards the practice field. Though he initially wanted to be alone, Fergus found himself relieved when he saw Dirk by the archery range.

"Fergus?" Dirk asked, as Fergus approached and finished his apple. "I'd have thought that you'd sleep the day away." Fergus didn't answer, just looked away. "Unless…"

"Unless what?" Fergus snapped, glaring back.

"I take it, it didn't go well."

"It didn't go at all." He admitted, dropping down on one of the bales of hay nearby.

"Really?" Dirk picked up another arrow and nocked it.

"It just- it didn't feel right. We hardly know each other." Fergus shook his head as Dirk drew his bow.

"Didn't stop my parents. They had an arranged marriage and I was born nine months later to the day." Dirk released the arrow and it flew over the target, landing in the grass beyond.

"Maybe I'm just a coward." Fergus said quietly. Dirk put down the bow and sat beside Fergus.

"If you're a coward, then I'm the best archer in the land."

"Archery's never been your sport." Fergus avoided the subject and nodded to the other arrows littering the ground at various lengths.

"Aye, I'm better at tossing cabers."

"Or holding up bridges." Fergus chuckled. Dirk smiled.

"Eh, what was I saying? Ah, yes. You are not a coward, Fergus of DunBroch. If you didn't think that it would be right, then it wouldn't have. Love takes time, a lot of time. It happens so slowly that you think it won't happen at all, and then all of sudden it's just there. And the only way to get through it is to follow your heart. You have a good heart, it'll lead you true in the end."

Fergus was quiet for a minute then looked to his best friend. "That was lovely. Do you think you could embroider that for me on a cushion?" Dirk rolled his eyes and grabbed the bow again.

"I just might." Dirk threatened, grinning, as he picked up another arrow.

"I feel like I need to shoot something to feel like a man again." Fergus stood up and stretched.

"You could just knock around Ean Macintosh again." Dirk gestured with the arrow to the figure of Ean cutting across the grounds to the dueling ring. "Though that might make things a little uncomfortable with the wife."

Fergus watched him for a minute and then an idea came to his mind.

"Actually, it might help…" he said starting after Ean. Dirk put down the bow and followed.

"Ean!" Fergus called, jogging up to the ring where Ean was warming up.

"Come for another challenge? Haven't had enough yet?"

"If it's anyone, it's you who's had enough." Dirk laughed and leaned against the railing.

"Dirk, please." Fergus glanced between his friend and his new brother. "Actually, I have a request or a favor to ask of you."

"Oh?" Ean sounded disinterested as he continued to stretch.

"I want to know more about Elinor."

"What?" the two other men replied in unison.

"We barely know each other, and I haven't been able to make much progress with her. Maybe if I knew more about her, her likes, her dislikes…it might help a bit."

"What makes you think I'll know? I'm her brother, not her bloody lady's maid." Ean picked up a sword and swung it in an arc.

"Please, Ean." But he paid no mind and continued to practice. Fergus jumped into the ring, quickly picked up another and met Ean's swing with a loud clang. "I want to make your sister happy, but I can't do that if I don't even know what to talk to her about."

Ean met his eyes and stared at him for a minute then looked down and let out a breath.

"Fine. She likes reading, stories and plays mostly. She's good at dancing, embroidery, drawing, history and public speaking. She doesn't have much patience for any of this." Ean gestured to the set-ups for the sports around them, and smiled. "She almost left the competition for her own betrothal, would rather have gone riding on Angus."

"Angus?" Fergus asked, losing hope that there would be one thing they could share a passion for together.

"Her horse. She's a very good rider too. Would live on the horse if Mum would let her."

The sun crested through the tall trees and the rest of the castle finally woke up as Fergus smiled.

"Ean, I have another favor to ask you."