Disclaimers: None.  If you’re still reading my stuff at this point, you pretty well know what you’re getting into.  If you don’t have an open mind or if you find something you think needs disclaiming, you are still more than welcome to let me know.  It won’t change anything, but it may make you feel better.   Ugliness will earn you a smack to the back of your head.

Author’s Notes: Just musing a little bit while Randi and Gwen decide how much sweet time they want to take to wrap up the final Valiant story.

Coming of Age

By D

My name is Margaret O’Leary, and years ago I was chatelaine in the castle you see there in the distance.  It was only after they ran away together that I left, though not strictly by my choice.  The king blamed me for not exposing the truth of them to him sooner, but his affection for me and for them permitted me to retire to this garden home outside the keep.  It isn’t banishment, exactly, but it wouldn’t have been my first choice had things turned out differently.

In fairness, I think he might have allowed them to stay if... But I am getting ahead of myself.  Let me take your cloak and fix some tea.  This tale will take some time to be telling and we might as well enjoy what comforts we can manage in the meantime.  Sit yourself up to the fire, and I’ll be right back.

Now then, where was I?  Oh yes, well nevermind that.  Let me start at the beginning....

Once Upon a Time –

************

I was brought in as chatelaine to my cousin Aileen soon after she married Edward and became Queen.  We had grown up together and it seemed a natural course of things between us.  I was glad to do it, and my Cedric was given a position in the stables as head groom.  Might not sound like much, but Edward took great pride in his horses and stables and Cedric ran the place like clockwork.  Not once was Edward ever disappointed in the quality of care the animals under Cedric’s hand received.  And never did the king complain about the state of the barns or stables themselves.

Sorry, got a bit off track there, but it’s important to me that you understand how well we were regarded by the king before this whole incident.  Yes, well, anyway... like I was saying....

Things went fairly well the first few years of Aileen’s marriage to Edward.  A little rocky at times, as happens when you put two independent strong-willed people together. But it was a good match and a good marriage, and when they finally found out Aileen was expecting another child, they were ecstatic.  She’d been with child once before, but lost it in the first term.  They’d both been devastated by the loss, especially when the midwife cautioned them that conception and pregnancy could continue to be a problem for them.  So this news was exceedingly embraced, and it wasn’t long before we were preparing the nursery to receive the new life we all hoped to be welcoming soon.

I had given birth to twins two years before I came to the castle, and may I say here that is an experience I never wish to repeat.  Saints preserve us that has to be the most work I’ve ever done in my life.  And so it came to be that Dylan and Edan were there to welcome Princess Wynne into the world – so named because even as a newborn, she was fair and beautiful to look upon.  The princess had forest green eyes and a hint of red fire in her honey-blonde hair.  I should have known by what happened then how things would turn out one day, but it is so easy to see things in hindsight....

************

"Come along, children," Margaret said as she moved quickly through the castle corridors.  "We want to be able to greet the princess before she is announced to the world."  Margaret had actually been with the Queen when she delivered, but it was important to her that her children meet the princess as well.

The twins looked at each other, less than impressed.  At almost seven years of age, babies didn't really fit into their world outlook... even baby princesses.  But Mama had spoken, so they trudged along behind their mother, careful not to muss their hair or get dirty for fear of having a repeat of the cleaning process they had just endured.  No amount of fun was worth that much scrubbing.  Their ears still glowed bright pink and were quite warm to the touch.  Edan reached up a hand.  Sore, too.

She looked at Dylan who was doing the same thing and they winced in tandem.  Then Margaret stopped in front of a door and turned to look at them with a slight scowl.  

"Hands down.  Let me look at you."  She licked her fingers and pushed the hair back from Dylan's face.  "You need a trim, my son."  She sighed.  "No help for it now.  Edan, quit fidgeting in the dress.  It will not kill you to wear it for another fifteen minutes."

Edan rolled her eyes and Dylan nudged her.  It was the ultimate humiliation that she was forced to put on such ridiculous clothing, and Dylan felt her frustration as his own.  She nudged him back with a grin, glad he at least was on her side.

“All right, you two... settle down,” Margaret said as she turned back towards the door.  “I won’t have you acting out in front of the princess.”

They rolled their eyes in tandem, blue meeting blue in a wry expression – like the hours old princess would notice either of them.  Then Margaret rapped on the door. The Queen bade them enter and Edan and Dylan straightened, not wanting the walloping that would follow a reprimand in the Queen’s presence.  Not that Margaret was usually so inclined, but she wasn’t fond of embarrassment.

Aileen reclined in bed, having been bathed and dressed by Margaret before the chatelaine had left to recover her own children for the introductions.  The midwife had made the Queen some soothing tea, and now she smiled gently as the two painfully scrubbed children followed behind their mother in wide-eyed silence.

Aileen reached a hand over towards the cradle at her side, and with the other she beckoned the twins closer.  Margaret took the initiative and urged them with a nudge to the back.

“Go ahead, children... Dylan, you first.”

For once Edan was glad to have been born three minutes behind her brother.  She wasn’t at all anxious to be introduced to this new bit of humanity.  She had the unpleasant suspicion that this baby was going to cause her all sorts of extra work, to say nothing of untold grief.

Dylan’s eyes grew big as he approached the cradle, and Aileen patted the bed as Margaret reached in and lifted Wynne from her crib.  The princess didn’t stir from her slumber at the movement, so it was a rather unhappy surprise when she started wailing the minute she was placed in Dylan’s arms.  He was startled and would have dropped the baby were it not for the swift actions of his sister.

Edan put her arms under Dylan’s and Wynne literally dropped into her embrace.  Edan stood there frozen and Wynne snuggled into her hold with a sigh.  She blinked green eyes at blue, then closed hers in sleep.  Edan looked up in horror and tried to hand Wynne to her mother.

Margaret wanted to chuckle at Edan’s evident mortification.  Instead she ignored Edan’s effort to pass the baby to her and turned her attention her nervously blushing son.

“Dylan?  Did you pinch the princess or...?”

“NO!” he stated loudly, startling Wynne and causing her to start screaming again.  Now Edan flinched, caught between glaring at her brother for waking the infant and a desire to drop Wynne somewhere... *anywhere*... and flee the room.  Instead she looked at the Queen plaintively, and Aileen took pity on the youngster, opening her arms and taking Wynne from Edan.

Edan sighed with relief and backed away from the bed as soon as the newborn was safely in her mother’s arms once more.  Dylan was mortified and kept his arms tightly crossed over his chest.  Edan clasped her hands behind her back, figuring she’d done enough baby holding to last her at least this lifetime.

Margaret and Aileen exchanged amused glances, then the Queen’s attention was drawn to the child at her breast that was now rooting around for her first meal.  Margaret took her cue from Wynne and firmly began to herd her brood towards the door.

“I’ll be back shortly, my Queen.”

Aileen nodded, her gaze riveted to the child suckling so contentedly at her breast.  “No rush, Maggie.  We are quite content for the moment.  I’d like a little time to get to know my daughter.”

Margaret took it for the command it was and ushered her family out the door.

“Go change out of your good clothes and get to your chores,” Margaret instructed.  “I have work of my own to do and I expect to see yours done as well when I return.”  She pushed them towards their room.  “Be quick, you two.”  Her eyes twinkled.  “I think your Da has a surprise for you both in the stables as soon as you are done here.  BUT,” she added sternly, seeing the excited twinkle in twin sets of blue eyes.  “Chores first... understand?”

“Yes, Mama,” they answered simultaneously, then scooted in their door.  Dylan pushed it closed as Edan crossed to her bed and plopped down on it.  Dylan walked slowly to his bed, unbuttoning his tunic and sliding it off before reaching for his rough work tunic.

“C’mon E... Mama said for us to do our chores.  ‘Sides, I thought you wanted outta that dress.”

Edan nodded and sighed hard, then rose and turned her back to him.  “Unbutton me?”  Dylan did so, patting her awkwardly on the back when he was done.  Edan let the dress fall to the floor and stepped out of it before retrieving her own tunic and donning it.  They both hung up their good clothes, knowing it was one of the things that Mama would look for when she checked to see if their chores were done.  Then she and Dylan straightened the room and headed out to take care of their work, curious to find out what surprise their father had in store for them.

They ran into the stable, knowing Cedric would hear them and call for them.  Sure enough, as soon as the door opened, Cedric’s voice rang out from where the foals were.  Edan and Dylan ran back to the back area and skidded to a stop when they reached their father.

“Chores done?” Cedric asked without turning from the foal he was curry combing.

“Yes, Da,” the twins replied together.

“Reading done?” he asked, hearing the sighs and knowing neither of his children cared too much for the schooling their mother insisted on.  He pointed to the hay bale just outside the stall and watched with a hidden smile as the two flopped down on it gracelessly.  Though he understood their reluctance since most of the children they knew never learned this skill, he agreed with Margaret about the need for them to give the twins every advantage.  It would make a difference in the outcome of their futures.

So they fell to the bale, Dylan sitting and crossing his legs while Edan lay on her belly.  Then silence fell as the two became engrossed in their reading.

************

“Reading did make quite a difference for them both, you know.  Just not the way Cedric and I expected it too.  It made some things easier, and others more difficult.  And ultimately, it brought us to this point in time, because if the twins had been unable to read, much of what happened later would have been moot.  But I digress....”

************

Cedric finished grooming the foals before he turned to release the children from their studies.  He spent a long moment watching his children read before calling them, watching with a bit of humor as two heads popped up and books were quickly dropped in anticipation of a new diversion.

He led them out to the corral where the new, unbroken horses milled around, restless.  He leaned on the railing and the children did the same, though it was normally something they weren't permitted to do.  The horses were considered too dangerous when there were so many in the corral; it was feared they would cause damage to themselves or to the people who approach them so closely.

Cedric stood perfectly still and his children emulated him as well as they could... even Edan, whose restless nature in fact reminded her father of the majestic beasts before him.  Eventually, the horses sensed their still presence and turned all eyes in their direction.  Then they parted, and the most incredible black stallion nudged his way through the crowd and wandered right up to Edan, butting her in the chest so hard he knocked her to the ground.  Dylan laughed, then looked at the fury on his sister's face and helped her up instead.  Cedric smiled and spoke softly.

"I think you may have made a new friend, daughter.  That is the closest that horse has been to anyone.  He just said hello."

Edan smiled and rubbed her chest.  "He doesn't need to be quite so nice to me.  Can't he say hello to Dylan instead?"

Cedric chuckled and tousled Edan's hair.  "I'm not sure Dylan has the same gift with horses you seem to.  However, the king has granted permission for you two to have a horse of your own.  You have done such a good job helping me care for his horses, it only seemed fair.  I think the horse has chosen you."

Edan blinked.  She'd helped her father with the horses from the time she could toddle along behind him, but she'd never dreamed of the possibility of having a horse of her own.  Horses were expensive animals; only the rich and the warriors were able to afford such a privilege.  She looked at Dylan who grinned widely at her, then at her father with undisguised hope in her eyes.

"Really?"

"Really," Cedric confirmed.  "He will be completely your responsibility.  I will break him, of course," he assured them when Edan's eyes grew impossibly wider, "but after that his care will be completely up to you... including his name."

Dylan and Edan exchanged grins again and Edan walked back into touching range of the massive beast.  He stood completely still, eyeing her and Edan reached forth a slow hand, gently scratching him behind the ears.  Dylan just watched and waited.  Though he was happy enough about the surprise, his father was completely correct – he didn't have the same affection for horses that his sister did.  But he enjoyed seeing her so happy, and that more than made him happy.

The stallion nipped at both of them, and Cedric offered each of them one of the apples that he tended to keep on his person while working in the barns.  The children gave them to the big black one at a time and he lipped them up with a satisfying crunch.  The sound brought the rest of the herd over to investigate and Cedric decided it was time for him and his children to go find Margaret for lunch.  Their horse business could wait until afterwards

With a last backwards glance,  Edan and Dylan followed their father back to the castle keep and into the noisy, crowded feasthall.

************

The children's day became even fuller with the addition of their horse to their daily regimen.  They had chosen the name Nightshade as they had grand dreams of becoming knights of the realm and following the king into grand and glorious battles; they figured the horse's name would inspire fear and loathing amongst their enemies.  Cedric shook his head at their explanation, but duly noted the big stallion's name.  The king was a little disappointed they had ended up with what he considered to be the finest horse in the herd, but he had given his word, so they were allowed to keep him.

It was comical though, especially at first, to see such small children on the back of such a large animal.  But Edward had heard the story of how the horse had chosen them, and seeing their interactions, he was inclined to believe it.

Edan had done a majority of the training and the stallion responded to her unspoken cue with startling ease.  Dylan taught him some tricks, but Edan was making him into a war horse.  Seeing how well Nightshade had been taught, Edward offered Cedric the opportunity to put his son into knight's training, but Dylan refused.  He was called before the king the following day to explain his refusal.

"Son," the king said kindly, "do you understand what I am offering you?"

"Yes, sire," the boy replied.  "I do."

"Then why would you say no, boy?"

Dylan wanted to fidget, but he had been warned by his mother what the consequences of such an action would be.  Margaret might not be there, but the queen was and Dylan knew his mother would hear if he showed any sign of disrespect.  Both parents would already be furious enough at his refusal of the king's generosity; he didn't want to make it worse by seeming disrespectful.

"Because, sire... you didn't offer the same to Edan," Dylan answered with his eyes down.

Edward's eyes widened.  He hadn't actually considered such a possibility.  "Why would I, Dylan?  I like Edan well enough, but she should be learning womanly crafts – sewing and cooking and babies and the like.  There is no call for a girl to be learning the arts of war."

The seven year old looked the king squarely in the eyes and Edward was surprised by the fierce burning in them.  "Edan is the one who taught Nightshade and she wants to train as a knight, sire.  She shouldn't not be allowed to just because she is a girl."

The vehemence in the child's tone brought Edward up short and he felt himself grow angry at the insolence Dylan was showing.  Then a touch on his back made him pause and swallow the biting retort he wanted to snap out.  A glance to his right reminded him that he now had a daughter and he turned wry eyes to his wife.  He looked at a nearby guard.  "Fetch the girl to me."

"Yes, sire."  The guard left at a double time step, headed to the stables.  Everyone in the castle knew where to find Edan as long as there was daylight.  Even when she was reading or doing the other schoolwork her mother had assigned, Edan preferred the warm comfort of the barn and horses over the cold stone of the castle.

She was dirty and smudged when she stepped in to the great hall.  The guard had found her mucking out stalls, but he hadn't given her a chance to clean up.  He had his orders.  Edan glared at him sullenly before dropping her eyes to the ground.  Aileen exchanged amused glances with Edward, then raised an eyebrow in question.  He nodded and gestured towards the girl; Aileen rose and crossed the parquet floor to stand beside Edan, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Edan, your brother tells us you wish to train as a knight.  Is that true?"  Edan's eyes flew up briefly to meet the queen's in startlement, then lowered again for propriety's sake.  Aileen squeezed the shoulder beneath her hand.  "It's all right, Edan.  You can speak freely here.  You will not get into trouble with your answer."

Edan nodded and cleared her throat to speak.  "Yes, my queen.  I would."  She tried wiping a bit of dirt from her cheek, but only succeeded in smearing it from one side of her face to the other.  Aileen smiled and nodded, gently removing the streak of dirt with her thumb.  She exchanged glances with Edward, and at his signal, turned back to Edan.

"I would like to make you an offer then, child."  Edan risked a peek at Aileen's face and saw she was smiling, so she nodded.

"All right," feeling completely off balance.

"You can train as a knight."  Edan's head jerked up and she met Aileen's eyes squarely.  The queen was impressed with the strength and sense of purpose reflected back at her.  "IF," Aileen continued, adding the stipulating codicil; Edan frowned.  "IF you are willing to assume personal responsibility for the protection of the princess; not immediately, of course, but as you get older and advance in your training that would be your primary duty.  You will have to maintain the lessons your mother has laid out for you and you will also be expected to learn the womanly arts as well."

"Why?"

Aileen blinked.  That hadn’t been the response she had expected.  "Why what?  Why are you being offered the opportunity?  Two reasons – Dylan asked that you be allowed... made quite a passionate argument for it in fact.  The other is because one day Wynne will be a young lady and will require a female companion to attend her.  We were planning to offer that position to you as a matter of course.  If you could protect her as well, then so much the better."

"If you are asking why you have to do your lessons and learn the female arts as well," Aileen grinned.  "Queen or not, I'm not going to be the one to explain to Margaret why you're not learning the things she and society have deemed necessary to your education."  She winked; Edan grinned.

"Can I really?  Can I really be a knight?"

"Depends – do you really want to be?"

"Oh yes, my queen.  And Dylan too, right?"

Aileen cast a glance at Dylan who nodded vigorously and smiled from ear to ear.  "And Dylan too.  You come see me tomorrow when your chores are done and we'll set up a schedule for you both.  And don't worry, the king and I will clear it with your parents."  Aileen cupped Edan's cheek.  "We're expecting good things from both of you."

Edan took Aileen's hand, mindless of the dirt that covered her.  "We'll be the best knights ever, my queen.  I promise."

Aileen nodded and dismissed them.  Dylan and Edan clasped hands together and walked sedately out of the throne room.  They were the picture of restraint, though they gave the impression of skipping out the door.  Aileen walked back to her throne and she and Edward chuckled together.

"Well, that was a bit unexpected," the king commented.

"Yes, but it is not an unwelcome development."

Edward laughed now, a full-throated laugh.  "Not at all, but I'm glad I won't be the one sharing that with Margaret."

Aileen made clucking noises then ran off squealing when Edward made as if to chase her.  The courtiers' expressions didn't change but their eyes twinkled in merriment.  It was obviously good to be the queen ... or king... today.

************

Oh my Lord... I cannot convey to you the rage I felt when Aileen came to me that afternoon to explain what had taken place in court that morning.  Though part of me was proud Dylan had stood up for his sister, another part of me was furious with his presumption... and Edan's.  It was a little easier to bear when Aileen explained the circumstances surrounding Edan's training and their desire for it.  But the thought of Edan taking up arms....

I did notice a distinct change in both my children once permission had been given for them to begin their training.  Schooling and chores were much easier to manage as they were essential to the remainder of their instruction.  For that I was grateful; it was nice not to have every little thing grumbled about before being completed.  If we had but known what we were starting....

************

Five years passed and Edan excelled in her training.  Dylan was exceptional as well, but it was expected of him as a matter of course.  Edan was a surprise to many; most had expected her to quit after the first few hard months.  But no one counted on the determination my daughter was born with and the harder they pushed her, the better she got.  Soon she was outperforming the boys, and didn't that just put their knickers in a twist??  I must tell you I was exceptionally, secretly proud of her, though I tried not to show it too obviously at the time.  If I had it to do over - if I had understood how much my approval meant to her, I might have been more forthcoming.  As it was, I thought restraint was better for her character.  Shows you what I really knew.

At the age of twelve, Edan was assigned as the primary companion to the young princess.  I shouldn't laugh, but watching Edan realize that part of her duties to the princess meant she had to sit through schooling with her was highly entertaining.  To her credit, she managed to hide her initial upset from almost everyone else, but as her mother, I could see through the facade very easily.  Thus began the most interesting transformation of Edan and her slowly developing friendship with Wynne.

************

There was always a math or science assignment Edan had to work on while Wynne was instructed in the basics of her royal duties and behavior.  When it was time to read, however, Wynne refused to allow anyone other than Edan to teach her.  Edan sighed silently, but took on the added task of instructing the young princess how to read and write.

Unbeknownst to her, Edan had an audience watching every morning as she and Wynne sat side by side going over letters and words, learning the basic tools of literacy.  Aileen was very pleased with Edan's unfailing patience with her offspring, and Margaret was gratified to see Edan begin to mature as a young woman.  She hoped the introduction to the other side of things might make Edan rethink her desire to become a knight.  She had no way of knowing it only strengthened Edan's resolve.

"Edan?"

"Yes, princess?"

"Can't you call me Wynne, Edan?  I don't like the name princess, but I do like Wynne."

Edan tousled Wynne hair until the younger girl glared at her before breaking into giggles.  "I wish I could, princess.  But protocol says I have to call you princess."

Wynne scowled.  "I don't like it.  I'm gonna to tell Mama to tell protocol you can call me Wynne," said with a grown-up, regal air.  Before Edan could compose herself to comment, Wynne went right back to being the five year old little girl she was.  "Can we read the pea story again, Edan?  I like that one."

Edan bit her lip.  She actually hated that story, but it was Wynne's favorite, so she held out her hand and they settled in to the special reading nest of pillows they had made.  Edan sat behind Wynne on the pillows and Wynne was wrapped in Edan's embrace, leaning back into the still developing body.  It seemed like the most natural thing in the world, and made reading together easy and comfortable.  And invariably, after Wynne was done with her reading, she would fall asleep in Edan's arms and would stay there until Edan tucked her into bed so she could go downstairs for her knight's training. 

Edan had mastered sewing and cooking as quickly as she could manage just to get it over with.  She didn't excel at either, but she did accomplish enough to make her mother happy and that was the important part.  Margaret kept hoping if she didn't push, Edan would show an interest in the more feminine arts, but Edan was much too proficient in the arts of war to give needlepoint and the accompanying gossip even a cursory glance.

The king had long since blessed the day Dylan had stood up for his sister and demanded she be allowed to train as a knight as well.  Individually, the twins were a formidable force; together, they were unstoppable.  And watching Edan with Wynne was gratifying.  She was thoughtful and patient without allowing Wynne to take too much advantage of her.

************

Time passed slowly... or quickly... depending on who you were and what was going on at any given point in time.  For myself and Cedric, time seemed to rush by as our children grew up into responsible adults.  For Aileen and Edward, it was much the same as Wynne reached the cusp of puberty.  But to Dylan, Edan and Wynne, it seemed as though time crawled.  But it was hardest on Wynne who remained a child while the others passed into adulthood and it made her do something she would regret for years.

************

"You can't go, Edan!  I forbid it!!"  Wynne stomped her foot and glared at the girl who had become a woman while Wynne had remained a child.  "I'm going to tell my father and that will put an end to this ridiculous charade of yours, pretending to be a knight!!"

The look she got from Edan frightened Wynne, but not nearly as much as the thought of being without her while she went out to do whatever it was that knights did when they were not guarding princesses.  Edan had been gone for short stretches before but this was going to take several months, according to the gossip the ladies shared in the sewing circle.  Several of them were losing men to the coming crusade.  Wynne had thought she and Edan were friends and now Edan was just leaving to go on some damned fool quest, as far as Wynne was concerned.

Edan marched right up into Wynne's personal space, forcing her to take a step back – only to realize she was backed into a wall.  Edan glared blue fire at her and spoke in a whisper through clenched teeth.  "I *AM* a knight, princess; I *earned* my place.  And I serve at the pleasure of the king."

It burned Wynne whenever Edan chose to address her by title instead of by name and she flinched in response.  They had settled that years ago when Edward had granted Edan special dispensation to call Wynne by name, so on the rare occasion Edan used her title, Wynne knew Edan was furious.  She bit back at Edan as hard as she could, hoping to hurt.  "Then I will tell him to leave you here with me where you belong.  A woman shouldn't be out fighting battles anyway.  That isn't her place."

For the first time, Edan placed a restraining hand on Wynne's arm.  The surprise of the touch stopped Wynne's progress and she looked into Edan's face, seeing both fury and hurt in her expression.  Edan tried to school her features when she realized she was scaring Wynne and she reminded herself silently that the princess was only a fourteen year old child.  Edan removed her hand and walked back over to pick up her small kit and her gear.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, princess.  I will ask your father to find someone more suitable to be your companion.  I'm sure there are any number of older women who will be more than happy to take my place and I won't need to offend your sensibilities with my presence any longer."

Edan walked out without saying goodbye, and she never saw the tears that fell silently from Wynne's eyes.

************

Saints preserve us... Edan never said a word to me about what had happened between them.  She simply kissed me goodbye and rode out with her brother at her side and the rest of the regiment following behind them.  It promised to be a long, bloody war and the likelihood of both children returning home to me unscathed was nil.  

But I should have known by the fury in Wynne's eyes when a new lady-in-waiting was assigned to her that something had gone terribly wrong between them.  And then when Edan didn't return after the war was over....

************

"Get.  Out."

"But, my princess...."

"Get. OUT!!" 

Margaret heard the roar from down the hall and exchanged looks with the queen who was strolling along beside her.  The years had been kind to Aileen; her hair was liberally sprinkled with gray, but her face was mostly unlined – except when it came time to deal with her wayward daughter.  Wynne had found fault with every companion that had been assigned to her since Edan's abrupt departure years before.  And she had managed to drive most of them off in tears.  The few that hadn't reacted with tears had finally given Wynne up as a lost cause as she refused to associate with them or follow any suggestions or orders. 

Instead, Wynne spent a majority of her time alone, dressed in the trousers and tunics Edan had always been so fond of.  She had tried to sneak into knight's training, only to discover immediately that swords were much heavier and harder to handle than she had ever imagined them to be.  Wynne had distinct memories of Edan doing forms and training with what appeared to be little or no effort.  It didn't alter her desire to learn, however and she watched and taught herself what she could from what she saw.

She tried not to think of Edan; it hurt too much knowing she had driven her best friend away.  And though they knew she was alive and doing well in her service to the king as a knight, Wynne wanted her to come home – especially as her birthday was approaching again.  Her mother had informed her that this would be her coming out party and Wynne could expect suitors to start calling after she was introduced to society.

Wynne's reaction to that pronouncement was met with marked lack of enthusiasm and a definite disdain towards the entire idea; hence the latest in companions being summarily dismissed.  Wynne didn’t even wait for her to leave; she slammed the door open and stomped off down the hall, ignoring hails from both her mother and Margaret and disappearing before they caught up to her.  She was out of sight but not out of hearing – a fortuitous circumstance as it turned out.

“I’m sorry, my queen,” the lady-in-waiting said as she met the two other women outside Wynne’s room with her head bent and her eyes on the ground. “I should have....”

Aileen put a hand on her shoulder.  “It’s all right, Diana.  Wynne is something of a handful these days.  You are just the latest in a long line of casualties as far as companions go.  I was hoping you might last a bit longer than the rest.  You are close to Wynne’s age.  I just don’t... I don’t know....”  Aileen let her thoughts drift off, trying to decide what to do with her daughter.  Royal decree or not, there was no way she would find a suitor with her attitude at this rate – she would refuse to take one.  Wynne had gotten her stubbornness and independence from both parents; couldn’t blame anyone else for that.

“My queen?”  Aileen’s attention was drawn back to the present by Diana’s soft words.  She cocked her head in question.  “I think I may know the root of Princess Wynne’s um... unseemly behavior.”

Aileen and Margaret exchanged amused glances at Diana’s effort to not criticize.  Both women were aware of the gossip that went around; someone in the circle was always more than happy to share the thoughts of the other courtiers and Aileen had a trusted advisor who was able to confirm or deny which rumors were actually being spread.  She was well aware of what most of the court thought of Wynne and her increasingly unbearable attitude.

“And that is?” Margaret asked archly.  “C’mon then, girl.  We know of the gossip that flies round this castle like a whirling dervish.  What does the sewing circle think?”

“We think the princess has either found an admirer or has fallen in love herself – perhaps unrequited.”

“And is this a recent development?  Because her conduct has been a problem for a while.”

Diana looked down at the floor before meeting Aileen’s eyes.  “It was first thought that she missed her friend... her first companion.  Some of her behavior....” she trailed off and Aileen and Margaret exchanged glances, wondering what they had missed.  Diana shrugged.  “Anyway, it’s changed.  The princess is quieter these days... she tends to brood and has since you announced her coming out party.”

Margaret and Aileen blinked at this pronouncement; it had been the last thing either of them had expected – not as long as it had been going on.  Finally, Aileen shook her head and took a deep breath.  “Very well, Diana. You can go back to your quarters.  I don’t think we will need you here again.”

The lady bowed her head and escaped before the queen could change her mind.  Frankly, she had taken a great risk sharing that particular gossip and was glad to avoid any further conversation.  Once they were sure Diana was out of hearing they turned to each other.  Silence for long moments, then....

“You don’t think...?” Margaret hesitated to speak her thoughts aloud.

“No, not on her part; she was always above reproach in both words and actions.  She took her duties and responsibilities very seriously.”

“Then why else...?  We both know she has stayed away by her own choice.”

Aileen shrugged.  “I don’t know.  Perhaps we should consult with Tearlach.”  Margaret’s eyes widened.  Tearlach was the court wizard and was alternately in and out of favor with the king, depending on what advice and warnings he offered on any given day.  He had been strangely silent about Wynne’s behavior however, as though he was waiting to be asked.

“Do you think that wise, Lee?  You know how touchy Edward is about that wizard.”

Aileen laughed, and the sound made Wynne smile from her hiding place.  It had been a long time since she had heard it.  She pushed the reason out of her mind and concentrated instead on listening to her mother’s reply.

“I’ll talk to Edward about it first.  I know he hears from Edan probably more than anyone besides Dylan.  Maybe he would bring her home for Wynne’s coming out party.”

Margaret grabbed Aileen’s arm lightly... something she rarely did as a matter of respect – only when the subject was very important and extremely serious to her.  Aileen looked down and covered Margaret’s hand, able to feel the tremors beneath her touch.  She met Margaret’s eyes with concern.

“Please, Lee... please don’t.  Don’t shame her decision to remain in the field by bringing her home.  No, I don’t know what happened between them,” answering the questioning look Aileen cast her direction.  “Edan has never once indicated anything did and I have respected her right to privacy on the matter.  But please don’t embarrass my daughter; she’s done so much good.”

“Maggie, Margaret!” cutting into the babbling.  “Trust me – if we bring Edan home, it would be to accord her the honors she has earned.  So far everything Edward has done for her has been a decree in abstention.  It would be nice to actually be able to give them to her.  But perhaps we could make it an invitation instead.  Maybe Dylan would be willing to play messenger?”  Aileen took Margaret’s grip from her arm and shifted it to joint a clasp of hands between them.  “Come... let’s go talk to Edward.  Hopefully, he will allow Tearlach to shed some light on this little dilemma.”

They walked out of the room and were long gone down the hall and back to the throne room before Wynne emerged from her hiding place.  When she got inside her room, she locked the door and slipped over to the small chest that held her childhood treasures.  She withdrew a book and crossed back to the bed, curling up and reading the words she had loved so much as a little girl.  She never noticed when sleep overtook her or the smile that the story left on her face.

************

Oh, now... I will tell you we had a most interesting time with Edward.  He was as loathe to bring Edan home as I was, though for entirely different reasons. Please... let me explain, lest you think I am a horrible mother, because I love my daughter and more than anything, I wanted her home again – but only if that was her desire as well. 

You see, I had finally come to understand that Edan was born to be a warrior, much like her twin.  She and Dylan shared so much, and I know the only reason he was here instead of in the field was because Edan had persuaded him to let her be the one to remain as the permanent field commander.  He never offered to explain; I don’t rightly know if he knew her reasons for asking, though I believe he did. They were that close – still are, I suspect, despite everything.  But Dylan loved his sister so much he agreed to be the itinerate commander, traveling back and forth regularly between field command and royal audiences.  In fairness, I think the situation suited Dylan fine, but he would have done it for Edan even if it hadn’t.

At the time, we still didn’t understand why Edan left... at least I didn’t.  Edward did; Edan had gone to him before leaving on the campaign that had kept her away from home these years, and he had granted her leave to remain instead of returning to the keep as Wynne’s companion as scheduled.  And she had performed her duties far beyond anyone’s expectations – save perhaps her own and Dylan’s.  Because of her direction, the army under her command had not only made the surrounding lands safer but more prosperous as well.  Hence, Edward’s reluctance to ‘bring’ her home.  Not only was it an insult to Edan, but it would also upset the balance and prosperity they had achieved there.

However, Edward’s concern for his daughter outweighed his reluctance to remove Edan from command, so he agreed to consult Tearlach with Aileen and to abide by his advice... even if he didn’t like it.

So Tearlach was called in for counsel.  And what a meeting that turned out to be.

************

“So, Highness,” Tearlach said softly, bowing then stroking his beard; just managing not to smirk at being summoned.  He, of course, was well aware of why he had been called into the private royal chambers, but was wise enough not to flaunt the fact.  “How may I serve you today?”

Edward hesitated briefly, trying to determine if the wizard was mocking or condescending in his attitude, though with Tearlach’s level of arrogance it was hard for him *not* to be condescending.  Tearlach, however, met Edward’s eyes squarely and waited.  Finally, the king nodded in satisfaction and blew out a breath, motioning to Aileen.   Tearlach’s bushy eyebrows hiked up to his hairline, but he turned to the queen respectfully.

“Wizard Tearlach, we have something of a conundrum and need your advice.”

“As my queen commands.  What can I do for you?”

“As you know, Wynne’s coming out party is swiftly approaching, and I have something of a dilemma.  Do you remember the knight Sir Edan?”

“Margaret’s daughter... of course.”

“Yes, well... I need to know if she should be at Wynne’s party.”

She fully expected to see Tearlach’s eyebrows pop right off his face given the expression he made.  “My queen,” bowing slightly.  “No disrespect intended, so please do not misunderstand my question, but why do you need me for such a social decision?  Surely you are able to formulate a guest list without consulting me about it.”

“Normally yes, but this is a little beyond my scope.  Given the circumstances, I thought it best to ask for your input.  Will you look and see if you have the answer?”

Aileen didn’t explain, but she didn’t need to.  Tearlach knew.  He gazed at her a moment, judging her motives before bowing his head briefly.  “As my queen commands... if you’ll excuse me?”  He knew the answer to her query; he had seen before he had been summoned.  But he desired a bit of time to look again and to consider the implications of his vision.

Aileen nodded and Tearlach offered a second bow before turning and striding from the room.  He wouldn’t take long – too much depended on his answer.

************

Edan looked up as Dylan entered the command tent unexpectedly.  Usually, he kept to a schedule known only to the two of them, so Edan frowned slightly before rising from behind her field desk and moving to greet him.  It concerned her to have him show up with no warning; that tended to mean bad news was in the offing.

They exchanged a brief hug – possible only because Edan was clad in a tunic and leggings and not full armor.  They pulled away and Dylan captured Edan’s hands, pulling her away from the desk and moving over to her small living area.  He seated her on her cot and took the tent’s only visitor's chair and dragged it over beside the bed.  Edan arched an eyebrow and smirked.

“Come on, Dylan.  You’re here two months early... what’s up?”

Dylan looked at the ground.  “You’re not going to like it, E.”  He reached into his belt pouch and removed a sealed parchment and passed it over to her.  Edan took it between two fingers and made a face at it, causing Dylan to chuckle.  Edan glared at him and he bit his lip.  She turned back to the envelope and turned it over and saw it was sealed twice – once by the king, once by the queen.  She turned questioning eyes to Dylan and held the envelope towards him.

“You know?”

He nodded, but didn’t answer otherwise.  Instead, he stood up and walked over to her water bowl and deliberately turned his back as he started washing up.  Edan knew Dylan was doing his best to give her a few minutes of privacy to read and digest whatever new directive had been sent.  What concerned her more than anything was the dual seal – no missive had ever carried both before.

Edan stood and crossed back to her desk, using the small dagger to open the envelope, then she slid the parchment out and began reading.  Dylan listened carefully, hearing her drop the paper onto the desk and pick up the quill to respond.

“Before you answer that...” he cut in, turning to face her.

“Dylan, I have no desire return to the castle, much less attend a party there.  I am satisfied with my life here.”

He crossed the room in two strides and plucked the quill from her fingers.  “Yes, Edan... but are you happy with it?”  He waited, then continued when she didn’t make a response.  “Edan, you’re an exceptional warrior and an outstanding knight; you’ve proven that fact to everyone.  The men would follow you to hell and back and the peasants love you.  And yet outside of a very few instances after a terrific victory, I cannot remember the last time you smiled just out of sheer happiness.”

He waited, but Edan made no reply.  Dylan sighed in frustration.  He loved his sister, but she did make him crazy with her stubbornness.  “What would it hurt to go back, E?  Aside from myself, I know of no close friends in your life.  You cannot live your life completely alone, Edan.”

“Dylan, you know why I cannot go back there.  I gave my word....”

“... to a fourteen year old child, Edan!!  A child who has grown up to become a beautiful young woman.  Did you ever stop to think things might have changed for her over the years or that the king and queen sent this invitation at her behest?  I know Tearlach was consulted before the invitation was written.  What about her scares you so much, Edan?”

Blue eyes blazed fire and Dylan just kept himself from flinching from the fury Edan focused on him.  Instead he stepped closer into her personal space and reached out a hand to her arm.  “Edan, I’m sorry.  That was unfair.” Dylan said quietly, then waited.  She closed her eyes willing herself to calmness.  When Edan opened her eyes, Dylan gave a sigh of relief.

“Edan, even taking the princess and this party out of the picture, it would be good for you to go home briefly.  I know Mama worries about you; she’d love to see you, even for only a few days – just to see for herself that you are all right.”  A beat.  “I believe the king hopes to honor you for your service as well... personally, I mean.”

Edan sighed.  “Dylan, why are you trying so hard to convince me?  I don’t want to do this.  I am content with my life as it is.  I do not need recognition from the king.”  Her voice dropped to a whisper and a hand crept up to cover her face.  “And I do not want Mama to see me like this.”

Dylan gently removed her hand from the massive scar than ran from temple to chin.  “Don’t be ashamed of this, Edan.  You saved my life when you took that blade for me.  No one – not Mama or anyone else – is going to think less of you for having it.” 

“Dylan, no.  I appreciate the invitation but I would prefer to remain here.”

Dylan dropped his head in defeat.  He’d warned them when they’d asked him to deliver the missive that she wouldn’t accept, but they had been so sure Edan would jump at the opportunity to return home and be welcomed as a hero.  Apparently, Tearlach’s assurance that she should be invited convinced them that she would accept without hesitation.

“They’re not going to like your answer, E.”

She shrugged and turned back to her desk.  “It’s an invitation, Dylan.  It means I get to say no.  So I’m saying no – no, thank you, actually.”  She smiled wryly.  “Mama wouldn’t stand for anything less.”

“I wish you would reconsider,” a soft voice spoke from the doorway.  Dylan knelt immediately; Edan just crossed her arms over her chest and glared at the intruder.  Someone was going to be on latrine duty for the rest of their lives for allowing an intruder into the camp... not to mention into her tent uninvited – gentlewoman or not.  Then the stranger reached up and removed her hood, and Edan dropped to her knees and lowered her head.

“My queen?” deciding Dylan would have to die later... after she came up with a suitable way for him to suffer immensely before she killed him.

“Don’t blame your brother, Edan.  He was acting under my express orders.”  Aileen turned to Dylan.  “Leave us, Dylan.  I wish to speak to Edan privately.”

Dylan bowed his head, but let his eyes meet Edan's contritely. She closed her eyes briefly in forgiveness and he sighed in relief.  Then he rose from his spot and left the tent.  Aileen waited for the flap to close before she turned back to Edan.

“Rise, Sir Edan,” Aileen said, placing a gentle hand on the knight’s shoulder. “I’m not going to bite you.”

“Can I offer you a drink, my queen?  Or a place to sit?”

Aileen removed her cloak and Edan took it with alacrity, hanging it on the tent pole peg and moving a chair closer to the brazier.  Aileen took a seat and Edan crossed to her desk and poured the queen a glass of wine.  She handed it to Aileen, then moved back to sit behind her desk, eyes focused on the invitation that still sat on top of it.

Aileen watched Edan with interest.  She had changed and matured so much since Aileen had last seen her and yet the queen could still see traces of the child she had watched grow up into the woman who now sat before her.  Aileen wondered what the story was behind the scar; she had never been notified that Edan had been injured in such a manner.  Though come to think of it, she had never been notified that Edan had ever been wounded before.  She frowned – why would Edan and Dylan keep things from their king and queen?

Edan waited in silence.  She figured the queen would eventually speak, and if she didn’t, then Edan wouldn’t have to turn her down personally.

“Edan?” waiting for the blue eyes to meet hers.  “Tell me about your life here.”  It wasn’t her original intended line of discussion, but Aileen had all the time she needed to talk to Edan.  She decided to use the opportunity to learn a little more about the woman who had become a knight by her will.

“My queen?”  It wasn’t what she’d expected the queen to talk about and it caught her by surprise.  Aileen muffled a chuckle and arched an amused eyebrow in Edan’ direction.

“It’s not that difficult a request, Edan.  I simply wish to learn about your life here in the field.”

Edan nodded her head.  “My apologies, my queen.  The request was a little unexpected.  What would you like to know?”

Aileen sighed silently.  Had it always been so difficult to get conversation from Edan?  Then she realized that the younger woman rarely had the opportunity for normal conversation here.  According to Dylan, she didn’t talk much to anyone outside of doing her duty.  She and the men had a healthy respect for one another and military camaraderie between them, but being their leader eliminated any real chance of friendship with them.  Dylan was her confidante and he wasn’t around but half the time.

“I was hoping you would share with me what it has been like for you here; maybe then I could find the appeal that you seem to have found that keeps you from returning home.”

Edan blew out a breath.  “My queen, please do not take offense – I do appreciate the invitation and the honor, but I have no desire or need to return to the castle.  There is nothing there for me.  This is my home and my life now.”

Aileen bit her lip.  This was not going the way she had hoped, but it was going much the way Dylan had warned her it would.  She rose from her chair and crossed to the wine, refilling her glass before Edan could even offer the queen a second.  Aileen took a healthy swallow before she turned her eyes back to Edan.  The knight was a woman of strength and character and it was obvious in the way she held herself, but Aileen could see the tension in her posture as well.  She had never seen Edan so uncomfortable before.  She decided to try a different tack.

“Edan, do you remember when you first expressed interest in becoming a knight... when Dylan stood up and demanded you be allowed to train with him?” waiting for Edan to nod.  “We made a bargain, you and I – do you remember?”  Aileen felt Edan slump without having moved a muscle, so she pushed a little more.  “I told you - IF you were willing to assume personal responsibility for the protection of the princess, you could train for knighthood.  Do you remember that?”

“Yes, my queen.  I do.  And I served as her protector until such time as the princess could no longer bear my presence and mocked my duty to her and the king.”

Aileen blinked; Edward had told her Edan remained out in the field by Wynne’s request to Edan, but she hadn’t actually believed it.  Not that she thought Edward had lied to her, but she did have doubts of Edan’s veracity.  Who could blame a young, ambitious knight from wanting to remain in the field instead of remaining safely in the castle guarding the princess?  But in her heart she had known better – she remembered the eyes of the little girl who had made that promise.  They were the same stalwart, honest eyes that met hers now.

“Edan, it is still your decision, your choice – but I am asking you to reconsider your determination not to return to the castle.”  Edan waited quietly for the queen to continue, and Aileen found her direct stare a little unnerving.  She straightened and moved away from Edan, feeling those blue eyes follow her as she crossed back over to the fire.

“When you left,” Aileen started, her eyes focused on the flames, “Wynne was angry, throwing tantrums.  I put it down to her just being at that age – you know what I mean,” meeting Edan’s eyes and seeing her nod her agreement.  “When it became clear you didn’t plan to return, she changed.  Still angry, she became quiet and withdrawn.  She’s run off every companion she’s had since then and only occasionally can I get her out of those dreadful tunics and leggings she has developed a fondness for.”

A raised eyebrow made the queen blush when she realized what she’d said.  “I’m sorry, Edan.  They are perfectly suitable for you in your line of work, but they are simply not appropriate for a princess of the realm.  And now that the time has come to present her as eligible for marriage, she has become impossible... absolutely unreasonable.”

“I understand, my queen, and I agree.  But what does this have to do with me?” 

“Well, to be honest, I am not entirely sure.  I only know that you were her best friend once upon a time; this behavior didn’t start until you left and it has only gotten progressively worse.” 

“And why did you wait to come to me about this until now?”  The question was almost biting and Aileen wondered if Edan spoke out of fear or anger or hurt.  Dylan had told Aileen to expect forthrightness from Edan – she wasn’t one to mince her words or play games.  But she hadn’t expected... this.

Aileen sighed.  “It wasn’t until one of the ladies-in-waiting mentioned it that I noticed the timing.  I thought perhaps putting you back in Wynne’s immediate circle might somehow resolve things for her.  I came hoping you might reconsider your promise to me and resume your duties as her companion.”

Aileen knew it was a low blow, but she was desperate.  She would do whatever was necessary to guarantee Edan returned with her.  Edan’s flinch was barely perceptible but Aileen was watching for it.  It made her feel bad, but not enough to retract her words.  She waited.

Finally, Edan cleared her throat.  “I will do so only under duress,” she said in a soft, pained voice, “with the understanding that I return to the castle and Wynne’s service in the capacity of a knight of the realm AND that I will be absolved of both the promise to you and the responsibility to her once the princess dismisses me again.”

“You’re so sure she will refuse your company?”

“Yes, my queen.  She made it very clear how she felt about my position – both to her and to the king.  She will not tolerate a female knight in her company.”

Aileen held Edan’s gaze for a long time before nodding in satisfaction.  No matter what else, Edan truly believed what she was saying.  “Very well,” Aileen agreed.  “If she will not tolerate your presence as a knight of the realm, you will be released from both promise and responsibility.  And you can return to command here or at a new encampment of your choosing.”

Aileen stepped into Edan’s personal space and took the knight’s rough hands in her own smoother ones.  “Thank you, Edan.  I cannot tell you what this means to me.  You won’t be sorry you agreed to do this.”

Edan didn’t say a word, but she didn’t have to; the expression in her eyes spoke volumes.  I already am, it said clearly.  And it pained the queen to realize Edan truly hated the idea of returning to the castle with her – for whatever reason.  But she was doing it for Wynne and for that reason alone she remained silent in the face of Edan’s unspoken grief.

As the silence grew awkward, Aileen released Edan’s hands and turned back to face the fire again.  “Right... shall we leave in the morning, then?”

Edan swallowed hard.  “As my queen commands,” she replied in a voice barely above a whisper.  “You are welcome to whatever hospitality the camp can provide, of course, but if you’ll excuse me....”  Edan didn’t wait to be dismissed, but she was nothing but a memory by the time the queen had turned from the brazier to reply.

Dylan watched as Edan strode from the tent, headed for the corral.  He listened for the sound of rapid hoof beats as she rode out of the encampment, then he returned to the command tent.  He was determined to make this as painless for his sister as possible.

************

I was so excited when the runner arrived with the news that my daughter was coming home. But I couldn’t believe the excitement that ran through the household and was at a bit of a loss over it, truth be told.  Edan had never been wildly popular that I had been aware of, and yet it was the news of her return and not the queen’s that caused people to stir expectantly.

A large crowd had gathered in the courtyard by the time they arrived, but Edan didn’t seem to notice.  She dismounted her horse as soon as they came to a stop and crossed over to help Aileen from the horse she was riding.  I will tell you – that had been quite the surprise.  When Aileen had announced her attention to accompany Dylan to the encampment, we fully expected her to take an entire contingent of attendants.  Instead, she took Dylan and a small company of guards.  I knew she was trying not to draw attention to herself.

I wondered if she hoped the small entourage might encourage Edan to return or perhaps even open up to the queen if she did return, but it was obvious by the look of frustration on Aileen’s face when they arrived that in that, at least, she had been unsuccessful.

Edan waited patiently for instruction and two young grooms came for the horses.  Edan knelt down to the boy’s level and spoke to him; he nodded understanding before slowly accepting the reins from her hands.  Then Edan stood and extended her arm to the queen, her bearing as regal as Aileen’s.  Only a single, wayward glance towards the princess’ rooms betrayed the nervousness and discomfort she felt at being in this place.

I wondered what Aileen had said to convince Edan to come home.

************

The king had cleared the throne room completely when he heard of their return.  He didn't want witnesses for this.  Edan seated the queen upon her throne beside Edward before stepping back and kneeling before the king for the first time in years.  Almost immediately Edward bade her rise, though not before he cast a concerned glance at Aileen.  She shook her head just slightly, and Edward knew any sort of explanation would have to wait until later.  Then he turned his full attention back to Edan who waited patiently for him to speak.

"Welcome, home, Sir Edan.  It is good to have you here with us again."  His speech was formal and a bit stilted; he was torn about his feelings of having brought her home for what they both knew amounted to babysitting duties.  Her feelings about the matter were unclear, however – her face a controlled, stoic mask.  She didn't answer his greeting, merely bowed her head in acceptance of it.

Edward bit his lip.  He wasn't sure what he had expected from Edan, but it certainly wasn't the nothing he was getting.  "I take it the queen informed you why you were needed here."  She gave a single nod of her head.  Edward cleared his throat awkwardly and tried not to stare at the scar that graced her face.  "Very well.  Margaret will escort you to the rooms she has set you up with that adjoin our daughter’s.  I think you will be comfortable enough there.  Perhaps you would like a chance to freshen up.  We will speak of things after supper has been served."

Edan bowed again and spoke her first words in days.  "As my king commands."  Then she strode out of the hall with her mother dashing to keep pace beside her.  Only when the doors close on her exit did Edward turn to Aileen.

"Well, you got her here, but at what cost?"

"I merely reminded her of her duty to Wynne."

"I see.  And was she as enthusiastic about it then as she seems to be now?  Aileen, I do not want to lose my best knight over this.  Edan has never been reticent in her missives to me and now suddenly she is almost mute?"

Aileen sighed.  "I know, Edward.  She hasn't spoken ten words to me outside of what duty demanded of her since she agreed to come back with me.  She wouldn't even answer direct questions unless ordered to do so, and even I can't force conversation.  But I can't let Wynne continue like this, husband.  I thought she would outgrow it; I thought she would welcome the opportunity to become a wife and mother.  Instead, we're losing her – as surely as if she was dying."

"You really believe having Edan here as a babysitter will make a difference to Wynne?  Have you thought that she might resent the implications of having Edan return for her like this?  That Edan's presence might only make things worse?"

Aileen turned furious eyes to Edward.  "Yes, Edward, I have thought of all these things.  But I am out of ideas.  At least after this – even if it doesn't work - I will know I have tried everything I can."

"And if it fails?"

"Edan will return to her duty outside the keep and Wynne will... well, we will find her a suitable mate and that will be that."

"Have you considered how you are going to reintroduce them to one another?"

"No."  She bit her nail and looked at her husband sheepishly.  "Do have any ideas?"

"Only that it should be private – because if it doesn't go well, I don't want there to be public fallout."

Then the hall doors slammed open and a furious Wynne strode in, eyes flashing with a depth of emotion neither of them had seen in years.

"Would either of you care explain what I just saw in the hall?"  Edward and Aileen exchanged startled glances before they turned to their livid offspring.  This was not going at all as they had hoped it would; it was shaping up to be a very long evening.

************

Edan slowed her steps once they were well away from the hall and turned to her mother, extending a concerned arm when she realized Margaret was breathless from trying to keep Edan's brisk tempo.  Margaret took the proffered arm gladly.

"How do you manage such a pace with all that armor?  You're worse than your brother!"

Edan's eyes dropped.  "I'm sorry, Mama."   

A hand cupped her cheek, Margaret's thumb gently tracing the scar and encouraging Edan to meet her eyes.  "Oh, Edan.  I am so glad to have you home."

Edan looked up slowly and saw nothing but warm affection and welcome in the eyes that met hers and she hesitantly opened her arms and tenderly hugged her mother for a long moment when Margaret stepped into her embrace.

"I've missed you, little girl."

That caused Edan's eyebrow to arch significantly as she gazed down at Margaret.  Margaret smiled saucily at her and took her arm as they resumed a more sedate pace down the hallway towards the rooms Edan had been assigned.

They were almost there when Wynne's door opened and she stepped out into the hall – stopping short when she realized she wasn't alone.  She simply stared at Edan for a long moment, who returned her stare without a hint of apology.  Then Wynne turned on her heel and stalked off down the hall.  Edan slumped in her armor without a hint of movement.  At least now she knew not to bother unpacking her bag... not that she'd brought much.  She didn't have much to bring.

"Don't judge her too harshly, daughter.  Something troubles Wynne deeply.  We are hoping...."

"I know," Edan said softly.  "I just think you have all pinned your hopes in the wrong place this time."

Margaret smiled sadly.  "Perhaps.  But either way, it brought you home, however briefly, and for that I am thankful."  She opened the door to Edan's quarters.  "Here... these are your rooms now.  If you need anything...."

"If I need anything, I will find it myself.  My mother wouldn't stand for anything else," she said with a hint of teasing.  Margaret caught her breath at the strange familiarity of it.  She had missed Edan tremendously; the occasional letter or news from Dylan just wasn't the same thing.  So despite the circumstances surrounding her return, Margaret was selfishly glad to have Edan home for as long as she remained.  She just hoped it was longer than tonight.  Things with Wynne were not off to an auspicious start.

"Would you like me to leave you to freshen up or...?"

"You can stay if you'd like to, Mama.  I wouldn't mind."

It was the closest Margaret was going to come to getting an invitation and she knew it.  Edan had never been one to ask for anything – even when it was something she desired.  She either took it or did without, and Margaret didn't want to see her go without, especially since she coveted the chance to spend some time with Edan.  So, she stepped forward and began to learn the various straps and buckles that held Edan's armor in place, sharing news and gossips as though Edan had never been gone.  Edan shivered at the awkward normality of it and let her mother do what made her comfortable.  It would make a nice memory for her to visit when she returned to the field in a few days.

************

Edward had been dangerously close to losing patience with Wynne and her attitude, and the princess knew she had crossed a line when he summarily dismissed her before knocking her into next week – or worse.  It didn't lessen her anger though, and she turned to her mother for an explanation.  Aileen rose from her throne and motioned for Wynne to join her for a walk in the gardens.  Wynne did so without a word of argument, but Aileen could still feel the seething emotions rolling from her daughter easily.

They walked in silence for a good hour until Aileen felt Wynne calm.  She only hoped it was enough that Wynne was ready to listen – her future depended on it.  Surprisingly, Wynne broke the stillness that had settled between them before Aileen could draw a breath to speak.

"Why is Edan here, mother?"

"Why did Edan leave, Wynne?"

Complete quiet met her question for so long Aileen wondered if Wynne was going to answer her. Finally - "Father sent her out on a crusade.  I never understood why he did that.  There was no reason for her to leave.  He had plenty of knights to serve him.  Why did he take Edan from me?"

"It was her plan that was being used to defeat the invaders, Wynne.  For her not to have been appointed to lead them would have been insulting."

Aileen's words were greeted with silence and she had a passing thought to wonder why they had never had this conversation before.  More silence until Wynne broke it once more.

"Why didn't she come home then?  I know she could have – all the other knights who served with her did.  She's the only one...."

"Why did you send her away?"

This time Aileen didn't get an answer and she knew from experience there was nothing she could do to force Wynne to give her one.  After another lengthy silence, the queen decided to take the initiative.  She didn't want Wynne to destroy what could be her only opportunity to have Edan back in her life.

"Wynne... daughter," catching Wynne's hand in hers and turning her to face Aileen squarely.  "If you do not want Edan in your life any longer, it will only take a word from you to send her back to field command for the rest of her life.  You will never see or hear from her again.  But if you want her to remain – to be part of your life again – then you need to find a way to insure she knows that.  She will serve you with all that she is...  swear fealty to you and protect you... if that is your desire.  But Wynne, don't take her for granted.  She made her promise to me, but she is released from that promise and her responsibility to you if you do not desire her service any longer."  She paused.  Wynne was no longer looking at her and Aileen wondered what was going through her daughter's mind.

"I didn't mean to send her away.  I just wanted her stay; she was my best friend."

Aileen wanted to ask what Wynne could have said to have driven Edan away – it was on the tip of her tongue.  Then she bit her tongue and instead asked, "And now?"

Wynne shrugged.  "I don't know," pulling her hand from her mother's and walking away from her to watched the sun sink into the tree line.  Aileen nodded, then realized Wynne couldn't see the gesture with her back turned.  She stepped up behind her daughter though she didn't touch her.

"Then you need to decide, Wynne... and soon.  Otherwise, Edan will be gone for good." 

They remained in the garden for another few minutes, until the chill of evening began to settle over them.  Then Aileen put an arm around Wynne's waist and guided her back into to the castle.  Margaret met them at the door with a huge smile and Aileen was grateful that no matter the outcome between Edan and Wynne, at least Margaret had been afforded some time with her long absent daughter.

"Edward said just immediate family tonight for supper.  He wants a big welcome home celebration for Edan tomorrow."

Aileen nodded, thankful for Edward's thoughtfulness.  That would make things easier for Wynne and Edan; there would be fewer witnesses to make things more awkward than they already were.

"Good.  We'll be down for supper directly."  She felt Wynne flinch, but they continued back to the royal quarters without hesitation.  Aileen turned to Margaret who continued to walk beside them.  "Is Cedric excited?"

"I don't know; I haven't seen him yet and neither has Edan.  He wasn't in the barns when we went down to say hello."

Aileen grinned.  "I hope I get to see that reunion then."

Edan had always been her daddy's girl and Cedric had missed her more sorely than Margaret had, though he never mentioned it.  It promised to be a sight when he finally realized she was home, for however brief a time.

"I think you will.  I think Edan's going to make an appearance... just for him."

Aileen shooed Wynne into her rooms.  "Don't dawdle, Wynne.  I want to be in the dining hall before Edan surprises Cedric.  We'll be back by to pick you up in a few minutes."  Then she closed the door, leaving Wynne alone with a myriad of thoughts running through her mind.  Then she turned her attention to cleaning up for supper.  As much as she had no desire to face Edan yet, she, like her mother, did not want to miss seeing the look on Cedric's face when he saw his daughter again.  And for the first time, Wynne realized just how many people Edan's absence had affected.  Then she went to her closet and removed clean clothes, hastily preparing herself for supper with an enthusiasm she hadn't had for years.

************

Aileen swallowed hard against any exclamations and Margaret merely blinked rapidly when Wynne opened the door to them shortly thereafter.  Not only had she gotten ready without argument or complaint, but had taken time and care with her appearance to the point of shedding her preferred tunic and leggings for a simple dress.  Not what one would have expected from a princess, but so different from what they had become accustomed to that the two women stared unabashedly at Wynne for a long moment before her blush alerted them to their stares.

Aileen didn't speak, but simply leaned forward and kissed Wynne's cheek.  Margaret nodded her approval.  Then the three of them headed downstairs to the dining hall.

Cedric and Edward were sitting at the table when the three women entered and they stood immediately, gaping at the difference in Wynne's appearance.  Edward crossed the tiles quickly and took Wynne's hands in his with a smile.

"You look beautiful, daughter.  Don't you think so, Cedric?"

"Aye, sire.  She indeed be a vision."

"Come," Edward said, tucking Wynne's hand into the crook of his elbow.  "Let's sit down for supper.  I seem to be starving today."

Cedric extended an arm to each of the other women in the room.  "Myself as well, majesty," he said with a smile, seating the queen and then Margaret beside her.  "Perhaps it be that time of the moon's phase," he added while moving around the table to pull out a chair next to Wynne.

"Perhaps it is all that fresh air," a voice from the doorway replied, and Cedric froze in his tracks.  Slowly he brought his eyes up and what he saw caused the tears to well and flow down his cheeks unashamedly.  Edan smiled at him crookedly and pushed off the doorjamb, moving into the room with precise, measured steps.  Cedric came from around the table at a faster pace and simply lifted her off the ground in his strong arms when he reached her.  Edan buried her head in his neck and just held on while he rocked her back and forth.

Margaret and Aileen exchanged tearful smiles and Edward beamed like bringing Edan home had been all his idea.  Wynne watched the tableau unfold in front of her thoughtfully, bottom lip caught between her teeth.