It had been ten months since you'd started working for the House Forrester guard. Two months ago, you had been granted the position of deputy commander by your superior, Ser Royland Degore, and the Lord of House Forrester, Rodrik Forrester. The gossiping of troops had died down almost completely over the months, and many of them respected you, recognising that you possessed incredible skill, and it was not just favouritism that had earned you your position. Those who were still bitter were dismissed by the other troops, and are now far too scared to mention any of their new rumours or schemes to get you demoted in your presence - or the presence of any Forrester, for that matter. You had become popular among the House, and had formed a friendship with Talia Forrester, who was now nearing sixteen years of age.
She wants to become a soldier of the guard one day, after being inspired by your courage, strength and endurance. Hesitant at first, her elder brother and Lord of the House, Rodrik, gave her permission to join the guard once she turns eighteen. For now, you spent your spare time training and sparring with her. She had improved greatly in just two months, which reminded you of yourself. Perhaps she would even surpass you someday, and become the knight commander of the guard. However, for now, you were fine with your current position and title.
It had just turned seven o'clock in the evening, and you were waiting for Talia in your usual spot in the woods. A few moments later, you heard a rustling, coming from some foliage, situated to your right. Unsheathing your greatsword - which had been a gift that was gratefully received from Royland - you held it out to the side, pointing directly at the bush. "Who goes there?" You asked, in a low and intimidating tone.

Hearing a ferocious roar, you tried your best to hide your internal panic, as something jumped out from the underbrush!

Feeling an impact on top of you, you fell to the ground. There was a delay until you noticed that your arm had been pushed aside, and you had nearly dropped your weapon.

"Surprise, (Y/N)!"

You groaned irritably, and covered your face with your free hand in disapproval. "You really need to stop scaring me like that, Talia. For your own safety." The fact that you were annoyed just made her giggle.
"Don't lie, (Y/N), you like it when I scare you. Besides, it helps you work on your reflexes." Refusing to argue with the young Forrester, you stood up and brushed yourself off.
"Now, for your training." Talia smiled.
"(Y/N), as much as I love your training, what about you?" You quirked an eyebrow at her cryptic question. "I mean, I've known you nearly three months, but I don't really know you. What do you like to do in your free time?"
"Train you." You replied emotionlessly.
"Other than that, silly. You must have hobbies." You shrugged awkwardly.
"I suppose I do, but my only hobbies really are training and scaring the new recruits." She laughed at that. "Very funny, (Y/N). But how about you add 'swooning over Ser Royland' to that list, hmm?" Feeling your face redden, you casually moved your hair, hiding your face with your hands. "What in all of Westeros do you mean, Talia?"
Smiling impishly, she grasps your free hand, and holds it up to her lips. "A kiss for my favourite deputy commander. I of course mean you, darling (Y/N)." You cringed and pulled your hand away at Talia's joking action and poor impression of a deep voice. "He does not sound like that!" You snapped.
"A-ha! But you didn't deny wanting your dear knight commander to do that to you!" Sighing, you sheathed your greatsword, then sat down on a fallen log, mopping your brow with a handkerchief you retrieved from your pocket. Sometimes, Talia was a handful; but not annoyingly so. At least, not always. You raised your head as you heard your companion squeal in delight.
"What is it now?" You asked.

"That handkerchief! It has the Forrester crest on it! It's one of a kind! Oh my gosh, (Y/N)! Where did you get it?" You paled slightly at that.
"A friend gave it to me." You replied, trying to change the subject.

"Don't lie, (Y/N). I know your beloved knight commander gave it to you."

Gulping as inaudibly as possible, you met Talia's celadon green eyes. "He won't get into trouble for this, will he?" Your uneasiness makes her chuckle. It was exceedingly hard to earn your trust, that much Talia knew; but she was not one to ever back down from a challenge. "No, of course not. It was given to him to do whatever he wished with it. Besides, it's not as if any of our enemy Houses would be able to do much with a Forrester handkerchief." Talia's casual mention of Royland being a traitor almost made your heart stop. He would never do such a thing! There had actually been a traitor in the House that year, so you were surprised that she would joke about it so lightly. Despite knowing she was joking, you still felt slightly riled up over it, but dismissed it as best you could.

Sitting down next to you, Talia looked up in thought, her hand cupping her chin. "When did he give it to you?" It was your turn to think. "Well, it was around eight months ago or so. I'd barely joined." She nodded.
"Has he asked for it back since?" You shook your head. "I've brought it up many times, but he insists that he doesn't want it back." Eyes sparkling, Talia jumped up, and clutched both of your hands.

"A dowry gift!" She cheered, forcing you to dance with her in energetic circles. What on earth was she spouting now? There was no way Royland intended the gesture to mean… that. "W - What are you blabbering about now, Talia?" Her only response is a smirk, before she pauses. "Perhaps there is hope for your unrequited love, after all." Pulling your hands away from her, you retake your seat on the fallen log. "You know it's true, (Y/N)! Giving someone a handkerchief is nothing short of a dowry gift. Although, it's usually the woman who bestows such a gift. He doesn't seem like the kind of man who'd risk looking effeminate, even for someone he loves."

"That's why I'm telling you, you're making things up! There is no way that Royland intended giving me his handkerchief to be seen in that way. It was a kind gesture, is all. He knows I don't have much money."

"Well, it's either that, or you're very lucky, and you mean a lot more to him than you first thought." You get up to leave. "Stop it, Talia. I understand that this is all fun and games to you, but giving me hope just makes things harder for me." With those parting words, you begin to leave, only stopping before you exit the clearance. "We can resume your training tomorrow. For now, I'm going home."
Without waiting for a reply, you start your trek home, leaving a guilty Talia in your wake.