Waterfall Wednesdays #2

It's Wednesday again! And that means another installment of Waterfall Wednesdays. I. Am. So. Excited. I am absolutely loving this book, and it's also a lot of fun not only answering the questions but also seeing what everyone else has to say! So, without further ado:

Waterfall by Lisa T Bergren

Discussion 2: Chapters 7-11
Today's Questions hosted by The Unread Reader

1. Gabi's search for her sister is made increasingly difficult by the fight for territory between Castello Forelli and Castello Paratore. At this point, do you think the rivalry is warranted? Why or why not?
I think there's something more going on than appears at first glance. If this is really just about a disputed patch of land, I don't think there'd be quite the same ferocity as is displayed. Then too, Gabi notes that Marcello almost seems to enjoy the midnight encounter with the Paratore knights -- and yet, he also seems hesitant in application of violence and is very careful about protecting all those around him. So I can't help but feel like there's definitely something else going on.

2. Gabi aids Fortino by having his sickroom cleaned out and using steam to loosen the phlegm inside his lungs so he could breathe better. Have you ever found yourself in a situation that required you to rely on home remedies to aid yourself or another? What are some of your favorite home remedies?
Um, yes. Definitely use home remedies, haha...I've used steam before when I've had bronchitis really, really bad (but I took the liberty of steaming up the whole bathroom instead of just 'tenting' it). Also use honey and lemon juice for bad coughs. Peppermint and raspberry hot teas are amazing for stomach aches, sinus congestion, and sore throats. (Also: frozen yogurt. Absolute miracle food for sore throats and swollen glands. But I'm pretty sure that doesn't qualify as "old-fashioned home remedy"...) One that did not work for me: the application of crushed garlic and honey to a rash (which turned out to be an allergic reaction to latex) -- I ended up with a horribly painful, and huge, blister that left a scar you can still see traces of. Not a good idea. Definitely recommend sticking to honey & lemon juice and tasty hot teas! 

3. Marcello and his men don't hide their surprise when they learn that Gabi is skilled with a sword. What did you think of this development? Has your initial impression of Gabi changed? Do you have any secret skills?
I think Gabi is more medieval than she cares to admit. She loves the whole knighthood and battle-idea, and can hold her own with a sword (though I have a feeling she'd rather have a lighter one). I thought Gabi was pretty kick-ass before, and that is definitely still present, but she's also starting to show some awareness and recognition that she really is in a different time. And it really isn't the safest of places at times, so she might want to listen a little closer when the good guys - like Marcello, Luca and Fortini - tell her things.
Secret skillz...I can give you just about any random Dewey Decimal location; am a passionate lover of football (thus having my own skilled-with-a-sword moments when guys are around to hear me talk/watch); and I'm a rabbit whisperer.

4. "Our lips were so close, I could feel the heat of his breath on my skin." Gabi and Marcello's feelings for one another are beginning to stir. What do you think of Marcello as a romantic interest thus far? What do you think of his intended?
Ahem. I am in love with Marcello as a romantic interest. I appreciate his struggle between reconciling his duty - and apparent actual understanding - to Lady Rossi/Romana, while also manfully admitting that maybe, just maybe, there's more to life. As in, you know, Gabi. I think Marcello is one of those quintessential "Knight in Shining Armor"-types, who also happens to be a real, honest-to-goodness man. Er, as real as a fictional character can be. As for Romana - I like her better now than I did in the first section. She's fleshed out more, and she's also not reminding me quite so much of catty girls I've known. 

5. Marcello and Luca take turns teaching Gabi the dances of Toscana. Would you have liked to attend a ball like the one Gabi was practicing for? Do you like to dance? Do you know any cool dance moves? Extra (not really) points if you YouTube yourself dancing and share the video. Come on, it will be fun! :)
First: No dancing video. Sorry.
I love to dance, even though I get the opportunity rarely. I have particular expertise in certain mountain square dances, but my not-so-secret wish is to take ballroom dance lessons. I adore waltzes, like, really, really love waltzes. And I'd like to learn the other beautiful ballroom dances well enough to begin improvising within their structure and context. So yes, I would totally and entirely jump at the chance to attend a ball like Gabi's practicing for. Especially if I can be taught the new dances by Luca and Marcello...I'd agree to learn just about any dance move with Marcello as my teacher. Just sayin'...

It's been another wonderful week, and I'm off to see what everyone else has to say!