A Dog, Rats and a Frying Pan

As he left the hall, Aedan saw Ser Gilmore come running over. "There you are. Your mother told me you'd been summoned, so I didn't want to interrupt. Pardon my manners, I've just been looking for you all over the castle. Your hound has the kitchen in an uproar again, I fear."

"Messing with Nan again? Oh boy. Let's get going before Tank really does it for her." He began making his way to the kitchen as he said, "By the way, a Grey Warden is here, looking for recruits. Your name is on the list."

Ser Gilmore was visibly surprised at that, "He's here for me? Me, a Grey Warden... can you imagine it?"

"I can. Not very well though. Something about getting lost in a forest."

"I'm not that helpless, my lord."

Upon entering the kitchen after a brief walk in silence, the first thing Aedan heard was Nan yelling at the servants about skinning both of them if she couldn't get into the larder. "Calm down, Nan, we're here to help."

"Oh good, the dog's master is here to make a bigger mess. I've got enough to worry about without a castle of soldiers to feed. Do something about this dog, or I will." Nan emphasized that point by brandishing a frying pan threateningly.

"Put it down, Nan, a frying pan would just make Tank hungry. I'll take care of it, just step back from the larder. Ser Gilmore, come with me." Aedan casually entered the larder, where the mabari war hound was running around, barking and growling. "Tank, heel!"

The war hound paused before coming over and barking at him with a pointed attitude.

"I know you well enough to know you're not here for food. Where is it?" Aedan said. The war hound barked and spun in place, as Ser Gilmore noted strange sounds as the two drew their weapons.

Several very large rats sprung from their holes and charged at them. Ser Gilmore used his longsword and shield to fend them off while Tank shredded those he could reach. Meanwhile, Aedan sheathed his daggers and instead gave strong kicks at the rats, using the metal base of the boots to crush their bones. It was a very, very quick fight, and barely worked up a sweat on the Elf.

"Giant rats? I'm reminded of the bad stories my grandfather used to tell me," said Ser Gilmore. "Those came from the Korcari Wilds, quite a distance to run from, but Darkspawn threaten everything I guess. Best not tell Nan. I'll be on my way now that you've got your hound under control, got to prepare for the arrival of more of the Arl's men." With a small bow, Ser Gilmore left the larder.

"Come on, Tank, time to talk to Nan," said Aedan as he left the larder.

Nan, frustrated and still holding a frying pan, "Oh look at him, licking his chops. Must have helped himself to the roast, no doubt."

"The roast is safe from him, Nan. The larder could use a good cleaning, and some repair work. Rats are annoying to deal with, after all."

"Rats in my larder? Great. I'd wager your hound led them in." Tank whined in response, "Don't give me your sad eyes, I'm immune to your charms." The hound whined harder, sitting on his haunches. "Oh fine. Here, don't say Nan didn't do anything for you," she said as she gave the hound pork bits. "Now we can get back to work. Thank you, my lord."

"Anytime, Nan. I'll do my best to keep an eye on this one."

"You'd better, I only have one good frying pan."

"Come on, Tank." Aedan said as he left the kitchen. "Let's go find Fergus. I know Orin would be thrilled to play together.

Tank barked happily in response. Despite being a Mabari and only listening to his master, he was always happy to play with Orin.

___

Eleanor Cousland was mid-conversation with three guests as Aedan made his way up towards the castle quarters, only to notice her youngest son, "Ah, and here's Aedan now. I take it by the presence of the hound that you've handled the situation in the kitchen?"

"Naturally. Nan's head exploded, and Tank ate the servants."

"As much as I'd believe that Nan's head would explode, I doubt it would be that easy."

Aedan chuckled, "With how much she has to handle, I'm surprised it hasn't happened already."

Eleanor smiled, "Agreed. I'm surprised she survived taking care of you and Fergus together. Ah, Lady Landra and her son, Dairren, are here from Bann Loren's lands, as is Iona."

Landra nodded politely to the young Cousland, "Thank you, Eleanor. It's been some time, young Aedan."

"It has indeed, Lady Landra. I see that you look as radiant as mother does."

"Hush, Aedan. As much as I appreciate the compliment, we are in front of guests."

"Yes, mother."

"It's okay, Eleanor." Landra said, grinning, "I see your compliments have gotten better in recent years as well."

Dairren chuckled, "I hope your skills in battle have gotten just as good. Last time, it was a draw."

"Maybe this time, I'll thoroughly thrash you before you can react."

"A challenge, huh? If not for the circumstances, I'd happily take you up on that. Sadly, I'm also going to the battlefield tomorrow, so I'd best save my energy." Dairren grumbled, knowing that wasting his energy now would affect him later.

"A shame. Well, I'd best go. I have to go find Fergus. Father wants him to depart tonight for Ostagar, ahead of him."

Eleanor sighed, "So he's leaving earlier than planned. Can't say I didn't expect that. You'd best get going. I'll find you later."

"Yes, mother. A pleasure to see you all again," said Aedan, as he made his way to his brother's room, stopping briefly to say. "Oh, mother. Before I forget, even though we only have a token force staying behind, have some of the best guards stay in the quarters tonight. I have a strange feeling about tonight."