40th, Winter, 514 AV
Early that morning a Page had found her dining on breakfast with the rest of the Squires who chose to eat within the Garrison instead of seeking out the inn. It was a plain meal of mashed oats, crusty bread, and a thick slice of seared pork. She'd haggled with another Squire to split his stash of preserved strawberries so she could top her mash, adding a little flavor and color to the otherwise bland meal. In return she was going to care for his Zavian today--groom it and tend to its stall. Easy work for a nice treat. He made it seem like he was getting away with murder. Little did he know that she enjoyed those chores.
As she tore off a mouthful of bread, she felt a tug on her sleeve. When Katelyn turned, she was met by the shy stare of a young boy no more than eleven. She smiled with her mouthful of bread and held a finger up to indicate pause. He nodded while she chewed and finally downed the dough, then took a drink from her mug of lukewarm water.
"Can I help you?" she asked once her vocals were free.
"Ser Whitevine sends for you, miss. He says for me to bring you to his apartment in the South Wall."
Katelyn's stomach dropped. So the time had come to finally meet him. Kat had yet to talk face to face with her new Patron, though she'd been assigned to his charge a few days ago. For some reason or another it was only now that they were meeting, though she assumed the Knight had good reason to postpone their introductions. Up until this morning she'd more or less been meandering about her days, taking care of Sebastian and getting used to the Garrison itself. It was a lot to get used to, and was vastly different than what she was accustomed despite this technically still being home.
So that was how she ended up on the doorstep of her Patron's dwellings. The young Page had quickly led her up and down staircases, through rooms she'd yet to visit herself, and around to the second floor of the Whitevine Dormitories. She thanked the boy for his errand and sent him off to start the rest of his day, but couldn't bring herself to knock when he left. Katelyn stood in the hall staring at the imposing heavy door. Of course this was inevitable, but now that the moment had come to meet the man who was in charge of her entirety, she felt her courage wane.
Kat didn't regret her decision to join the Knighthood at all. Every night since they had found her brother slaughtered and left in the woods for the carrion, she'd dreamt of his pale face and curly hair dusted with snow. This was her new course, and she would follow the path wherever it led. Her knuckles rapped loudly on the thick oak door, breaking the silence and setting the rest of her life into motion. It was only a few anxious heartbeats later that the door swung open on well-oiled hinges and she was greeted by a face that couldn't be more than a few years older than she.
"Katelyn Marks, I presume?" he addressed curiously, and she nodded.
"Yes, sir."
"Come in and have a seat by the fire," Ser Whitevine beckoned, opening the door wider to allow her inside.
It was a comfortably furnished apartment, and warm from the roaring fire crackling loudly in the hearth. Two chairs and an end table were arranged on a rug across from the flames, and draped over them were two large deerskins. Katelyn took a seat in one, though she did so hesitantly. Her Patron followed suit across from her and adjusted himself comfortably. He examined her intently, reading her face and taking in his new Squire.
"My name is Daniel Whitevine, but you'll address me as Ser Whitevine, Ser, or just sir," he said absently and she nodded.
"I heard of your brother," he then admitted, turning the conversation quickly into treacherous waters. "I had met him before--in passing. An outdoor enthusiast like myself if I'm correct. The same for his twin brother I believe. I met them both."
Katelyn's face had hardened, eyes averted to the fire.
"I have a twin brother myself. Older by a few chimes. I can't comprehend you or your siblings' loss, but I do offer my condolences."
Her eyes darted back to his in surprise, and her mouth opened to say something but nothing came out. He regarded her closely in her silence until she reined in her shock enough to speak.
"The irony of our position here doesn't escape me," she replied lamely. So she was to have a Patron whom was a younger twin. Just like Garreth.
"I agree," he went on easily. "Is he why you joined? Became a Squire?"
Begrudgingly, Katelyn nodded and shifted in her seat.
"I can't argue your reasoning, but let me warn you that I have expectations. This isn't a revenge mission. As long as you are a Squire--my Squire--you will learn the proper ways of Knighthood. How we think, how we act, what we believe in, and why we believe it. These things are all more important than the sword."
"I don't just want to learn to defend myself. I don't just want revenge. I want to help people. If I could save one life--one brother, mother, sibling, friend--that would make it worth it," she asserted.
Ser Whitevine nodded slowly and rubbed his smooth chin.
"Then let's get started, shall we?"
