Astrid
The Vale is a sight to behold.
Winding roads and tall mountains. As they leave the High Road heading along the mountains she can't help but just look up it all. Watching it disappear into the clouds like it was endless. She wonders at what it must be like up in the Eyrie itself.
She wonders if it feels like the top of the world.
They don't go to the Eyrie, they don't even travel through the mountains. Skirting about them and traveling along the Bay of Crabs they pass Wickenden and Redfort until finally arriving in Ironoaks where Astrid will be spending the foreseeable future. The whole way Ser Mattheus sticks close while his father, and the other of her father's sworn knights escorting her northward, Ser Alyn Fossoway watches the mountainside with a cautious gaze.
Ironoaks Castle sits on a lake with a river much murkier than the Mander that runs east towards the narrow sea. As they approach it Astrid already feels a pang of homesickness deep in her, missing the rolling green hills and colorful flowers and clear waters of the Reach.
She forces that dower feeling away and focuses instead on the task ahead.
Though that doesn't make her feel any better in truth.
Lady Anya stands tall in the courtyard with her sons, grandson, and wards. A tall woman with greying hair and her chin raised up as she appraised Astrid. Her eyes are studying as the girl from the Reach drops down from her horse, patting him gentle on the neck before allowing the stableboy to take him away as she walks forward and lowers herself in a curtsy.
"I am pleased to meet you, Lady Anya," Astrid says, "and thank you for having me in your home."
"We are pleased to have you here," Lady Waynwood states, her voice kind enough seeming with a steady nobleness to it as she gestures to the men on her right. "My sons, Morton and Wallace. And my grandson, Roland."
Astrid looks to them, and the third that Lady Anya indicates smiles at her in greeting and Astrid can only assume that to them it is him that she's pursuing a betrothal with. He's not the most handsome of men, with a long face and stringy brown hair. Just rather homely looking.
Lady Waynwood then gestures left, "and my wards, Harrold Hardyng and Cynthea Frey." Astrid looks to them, a plain looking girl with mousy brown hair and similar eyes to Lady Waynwood. And then the man she's truly been sent to pursue.
Harry Hardyng is a very handsome man, Astrid could note that much upon first glance. Tall, clean-limbed and muscled. His hair was a sandy sort of blond, and his eyes blue like the cloak Margaery had made Astrid. Beyond just the color his eyes held a mirthful appraising as he looked her over. And when he smiles in greeting her way she can see dimples in his cheeks. All in all, a very comely man.
"I am pleased to meet you all," Astrid greets, though she feels like she should have said something else after she said it, instead of repeating what she'd said to Lady Waynwood like she was one of the Maesters ravens.
"Cynthea will show you to your rooms, and my steward will get your party settled." Lady Waynwood states, eyeing Astrid still like she's searching for something deep. "I look forward to speaking with you more during supper, Lady Astrid."
"Come," Cynthea states, holding an arm for her to take before leading her into the keep past the boys. "It's been a while since a girl my age was in Ironoaks, at least a girl of any noble station."
Astrid smiles, "well I hope we become good friends then." She offers, thinking it the right thing to say for the moment.
She's proven right when Cynthea smiles and nods enthusiastically, "oh I hope so too."
The first few weeks in Ironoaks were calm enough. Astrid slowly getting her footing about the old castle and it's inhabitants. Her room overlooks the murky lake that often in the mornings has a thin layer of fog holding tight to the waters and giving an eerie cold feel to the landscape.
"That the fog goes away before midday is a good sign," Cynthea informs her as they ride along the waters edge, "it means we're still in summer and that winter hasn't started to creep in yet."
Astrid had been feeling rather stifled inside the halls, and the tasks that had brought her here were still weighing heavy on her that a ride was exactly what she needed to feel even just the slightest bit more calm. Though Cynthea had not seemed all too pleased about the idea of riding, but agreed as it appeared she was the one most tasked with keeping Astrid company these first weeks. The Frey girl definitely did not seem well at peace out on the lake edge or on her horses back.
Cynthea was fine enough company, though she often seemed far more interested in hearing her own voice than that of anyone else's, and she was always polite towards Astrid when they spent time together.
Which was near almost the whole of Astrids days.
Occasionally Roland would accompany them when they walked about the keep, or come visit when the worked on their sewing. The man clearly attempting to garner some favor with Astrid as he, and his grandmother, were lead to believe was Astrid's purpose here. Astrid tried hard to keep a polite and courteous face towards him, and at times she felt especially bad about misleading him. He was always nice, often offering compliments and favors her way and it stirred some bit of guilt every time she thought about how she was meant to proceed.
And every time she felt that stir of guilt she thought of her grandmother's stern and expectant gaze, knowing well that she'd have no patience for Astrids mixed feelings on the matters.
So she did her best to deflect, while also not causing any harm or hurt feelings. As best as one could do in such a situation.
Then there was the matter at which Astrid was truly sent to Ironoaks to attend to. Harry Hardyng had seemed a difficult enough task even before she'd met the man. But now having met him she found it far more daunting. He was handsome, and every time she had come across him in her short time here he was always courteous and perhaps just the slightest bit flirtatious.
But now she wondered if perhaps Lady Anya had suspected her grandmother and father's true goals as it was a very rare occurrence for Astrid to come across Harry alone. Or, at least alone enough that she could even attempt to garner any sort of favor that would lead to marriage.
"It is freezing though, even if it is still summer." Cynthea says, her voice inching near to a whining tone that says quite clearly that she would never choose to take this ride if Astrid hadn't inquired on it.
Astrid ponders a second, gazing out over the long stretch of lake and land about her before looking back towards the castle. "You can return if you're too cold," she offers, "the chill hasn't bothered me yet, so I think I'll stay out a bit longer." She was perhaps just the tiniest bit chilled herself, and knew that her cheeks likely held a slight rosiness to them from the wind coming off of the water, but it didn't bother her near as much as she would have expected.
"Are you sure?" Cynthea asks tentatively, and once again Astrid wonders if perhaps the girls constant presence was not entirely just for the sake of keeping Astrid company during her stay but rather a means of keeping her from being alone with anyone specific. The Frey girl had at least once wandered off when the pair of them were walking with Roland.
"Ser Mattheus and Ser Alyn are near if any trouble arises," she gestures back to where the two knights sit upon their own horses a ways back, "and I don't want you to catch sick, or even to just be somewhere you don't wish to be."
Cynthea seems to mull it over for a moment, her lips pressed thinner and her gaze looking back at the likely tempting warmth of the castle, before nodding. "Don't be too long though, or I'll likely just as well be bored out of my mind."
Astrid nodded and offered her best smile, though once Cynthea had turned her horse back towards the keep she let it drop with a sigh. She was just a bit relieved to be alone if she were honest.
Or at least away from the pressure that it seemed all the new company made her feel upon her shoulders. She felt much less anxious when it was just her and the two knights her father had sent with her from Highgarden.
They at least knew her true reasoning for being here which meant that Astrid had to worry less over what she said or didn't say. And besides, Mattheus was pleasant company who always managed to make her smile when he started on his nonsense stories that she swears are more likely all just made up on the spot.
Thus despite her enjoying the few moments of being alone after Cynthea's departure she is happy enough when the two knights push their horses forward to meet her owns pace along the bank.
They continue on in relative quiet, another reason she prefers their company as neither Ser Alyn or Mattheus seem pressed to fill the emptiness with endless words. Something Astrid has always struggled with in truth, especially back in Highgarden.
It was interesting really how Cynthea was her only lady companion here in the Vale yet Astrid still found herself surrounded by the same amount of endless chatter that the multiple ladies of Highgarden had managed. How Cynthea was capable of finding so many words to meet the amount of half a dozen ladies on her own was beyond Astrid. And though at times it certainly made Astrid feel suffocated she did feel on occasion a spark of jealousy for how easy it seemed.
It was the same sort of spark that she always felt towards the other Highgarden girls in truth, all of them never seeming to struggle for conversation the way that Astrid fumbles and agonizes over. Endless topics coming to mind while Astrid struggles to even think of just a response to some comment.
On more than one occasion Astrid had wondered if she'd perhaps been fashioned by the Seven to end up a Silent Sister, then she'd have no reason for words. On more than one occasion she thinks that perhaps that'd be easier at least.
Perhaps her thoughts read on her face because soon enough Mattheus does break the silence, talking in what seems a random topic as he tells her of a story he'd heard one of the knights of Ironoaks tell him about the lake and a ghost of some drowned noble lady and her lover. He very likely exaggerates but it certainly does the trick of dragging her from her likely spiraling thoughts as she more than once questions him on a part of the story or finds her self laughing at his over exaggerated storytelling.
Even Ser Alyn seems bemused by his sons talespinning, the older knight holding a light smile as he scans the area for any sign of danger.
Mattheus's story is wrapping itself up when Astrid notices a stretch of open field nearby with figures further down it. She gazes for a bit before a spot of familiar movement in the air catches her eye and she glances up to see a falcon circling the field a moment before taking a telltale drop towards some unseen prey.
Her heart yearns a bit for the familiarity of it, for her own hawk and Highgarden and hours spent with Willas and the birds out in the fields. And it spurs her to turn her horse in that direction, neither Mattheus or Alyn protest though she can see Alyns hand resting lightly on his sword as though in preparation.
But Astrid doubts it's anyone threatening, most likely a knight of Ironoaks, or some other inhabitant of the castle. Not many common folk were able to afford buying, let alone training, a falcon for hunting.
And this was proved right as they drew close and Astrid recognized the primary figure in the field. And it did make her wish to turn and bolt down the lake edge out of nerves.
She forced herself to continue on, both out of the bit of familiarity that the sport offered but also the fact that she knew this was an opportunity she'd been waiting for. One that she couldn't really afford to rush away from even if it was all she wished to do.
Harry the Heir was alone in the field, save a single servant nearby.
Astrid forces a steadying breath from within before glancing up at the falcon that was circling the field once more now with a prize in its grasp. Harry whistled long and sharp and the falcon took its time circling the field a few rounds before descending towards his outstretched arm.
Though she sees Harry glance her way as her horse grows closer she forces herself to speak first even if it would be easier to let him do it. "Did you train him yourself?"
He brings a hand down over the falcons feathers, the bird stretching its wings with it before Harry extended his arm and let it fly off again. "Yes," he states, "my first actually."
"You've done well." She says, though she can't help but think of Star and how quick she always returned when called. Harry's bird seemed much more inclined to toe that line from the short bit she'd noted. She forces the criticism away, perhaps the falcon was just of a different temperament and it had nothing to do with Harry's training.
"Thank you," he glances back, likely looking over Ser Alyn and Mattheus who had slowed their own horses to keep a slight distance once more. And more likely, Astrid thinks, to try and spot Cynthea. "Have you ditched my fellow ward finally?" He jests, a slight teasing glint to his grin.
Astrid flushes, though she imagines —or well hopes— the cold covers it well enough, and shakes her head at the insinuation even if it was close to the truth. "She was cold, and, well, didn't seem a fan of riding."
"She never has been, long as I've known her." Harry admits. "But you seem quite adept, at riding that is." His tone is low and his mouth holds the slightest smile that shows his dimples and Astrid feels like perhaps this is an opening.
She wishes, just a moment, that she was Margaery. Knowing that her sister would not balk or struggle in the face of Harry and flirting. She'd throw it right back towards him and then some.
Astrid, who is pointedly not Margaery, just smiles. "Perhaps not the best, but I do enjoy it."
"Perhaps all you need is some more practice." He states. "There are some trails, through the hills. A good test of a riders skill."
And somewhere secluded, she thinks. Not that it would likely do her much good. Her nerves were balled up in a tangled pinch of her stomach, but she forces herself to nod. Though she imagines it is rather stiff looking. "I'd enjoy that," she offers, "would you be willing to show me them?"
"What man would I be to deny the request of a fair lady like yourself?"
Astrid can't really help the flush that likely turns her face even redder than the slight chill has done. It was actually nice, just a little, to have this sort of attention directed her way. It had never truly happened before, as growing up often the attention would be on Margaery and skip right over her.
But, as most things do it seemed with Astrid, it ended and Harry had a look of contemplation flash across his face before he shook his head. "I'm afraid though," He says, his voice careful in a way that lets Astrid know he is well aware of whatever cautions Lady Waynwood has given regarding keeping Astrid from courting any other but her grandson, "we'll have little time for it as dinner should be starting soon and we both still need to return and wash up for it. I'm sure you've noticed Lady Anya has little patience for both tardy and uncleanly guests."
"I have," Astrid says, trying her best to hide the disappointment and feeling like she fails at that as much as she does most things. But as Harry pushes his horse forward to start back to the castle Astrid pushes her own to join, and in a moment of boldness where she wills herself to be a bit more like her sister she speaks, "so you'll have to show me another day then. When we can find the hours to explore the trails without interruption." She smiles in her best impression of Margaery and it seems to hold some success as Harry smiles back at her with an almost wicked look that reminds Astrid of Garlan when he's trying to get Leonette to bed early.
"I suppose we will have to do that," he nods, "perhaps later this week I'll call upon you for that. But for now we should enjoy this ride back to Ironoaks."
They pass the rest of the ride in surprisingly enjoyable conversation. Astrid does feel like she perhaps fumbles a few times, blushing more than she thinks Margaery would and being lost for words on a few occasions when Harry gives a bit more flirting than she's used to. But she also feels rather successful, she gets him laughing and smiling and it makes her own heart feel light.
She feels that perhaps she won't come out of this all as a failure as they enter the castle and he hurries off his own horse to come to her and help her, his hands warm against her waist as he sets her down. He keeps them there a few moments longer as he says with his head tilted down to her, "I'll see you at dinner."
And, in one last moment of Margaery inspired boldness, Astrid replies, "and later this week I hope, for the ride you've promised."
He smiles and bows low with it before leaving her to head for her own rooms.
"Be careful," Ser Alyn's voice speaks as he steps beside her on the walk to the rooms once Harry is fully out of sight. "I know what you're father sent you here to do, but I advise caution with Harry. I've heard a few tales of his more flirtatious nature."
"If he's flirting back then I have to be doing something right," She says quietly, "and I have to do this right, Alyn."
He gazes at her with worry furrowing his brow, "you are a pretty girl Astrid," he states, "and he'd need to be blind not to see that. But still, I advise caution, I do not wish to see you taken advantage of, nor do I wish to see you compromise who you are because of either Harry or your father and his plans."
Astrid nods, knowing Alyn is only speaking out of worry and that he's likely more than right. Astrid wishes to be cautious, but she may need to be bolder to get the result her family has sent her for.
She needs to get this right.
Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely reviews left! I love hearing the thoughts others have on my writing so all comments are much appreciated!