It was early in the afternoon and Gwaedhiell had been called to her Father's quarters. It was rare, and almost considered a privilege. A privilege for a little girl just to gaze upon her Father's face, another memory of childhood coming to haunt, the woman of the present. Being at the tender age of five, she looked upon his large desk. Filled with various official documents and agreements, Lord Averill Hestien, was a tall man, with a square jaw and sun kissed skin. His hair, black as midnight. Falling just below his ears, everything about the man was clean. From the unmarred tunic, to his neatly trimmed beard. The man's eyes the color of emeralds and were terrifying to behold when furious. He had the air of one, that would make boys and men alike tremble, he was stern. Acute, and educated. Looking down at the frail being, known as his daughter. He motioned the girl forward "Stand in front of me Gwaedhiell and show me what you have already learned. Can you demonstrate a proper curtsey?" The little one blushed and circled around the large, wooden desk. Standing before her Father, as told. This wasn't a meeting, simply to see his lass. But to teach her at a young age, to respect her betters, when they would say leap. She would inquire as to how high? If her brothers failed to bring respect to the family name, it would have to fall to her.
Time would tell, Gwaedhiell attempted to give an elegant curtsey to her Father. But only managed to trip over her own feet. Receiving a glare of disapproval, Lord Hestien shaking his head. "No, a lady mustn't trip over her own two feet. It is unbecoming. Try again child, you will do so until I am satisfied." Her cheeks flourished into a blush again "I'm sorry Papa, if I do better. Will you call me in here again? I miss you during the day." Her innocent voice ringing out. His brows creasing in a conflicted manner, but otherwise ignored the question. "Again." He remarked once more. Nearly an hour had passed, before the girl had given him a proper curtsey. Her small knees beginning to ache from standing so long. Finally he nodded in approval "Yes, yes child well done. Your nanny, is outside in the corridor waiting for you. She will.. read you a story." Looking up at her Father with wide eyes "But Papa, I want you to read me a story." Looking down to the girl he sighed "No, I have too much to do, now go on, to your Nanny." He gently pushed her forward towards the door. "Yes Papa, I love you Papa." She stated to him as she was hastily pushed toward the door, he hadn't responded. The large door to the quarters slamming, her heart aching wondering what she did wrong, the old woman taking her gently and over to the play room. Such was the way of her family, blood was a bitter thing.
