𝗔 𝗦𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲
𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀
𝗦𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝟭 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝟭
𝟮𝟵𝟴 𝗔𝗖
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗟𝗙
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻
"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹"
In the days before the greater Baratheon party was expected to arrive the castle became alive with the influx of northern houses. The forthcoming celebrations and festivities drew in nobles from the Houses Bolton, Cerwyn, Dustin, Flint, Glover, Hornwood, Karstark, Locke, Manderly, Mormont, Reed, Tallhart, and Umber. The banners of the North were flown all around the castle's exterior walls and as always they were hung in the Great Hall. Any of the other lords who were not in attendance would be expected to travel to Winterfell for the harvest feast when autumn came.
To allow encourage friendship Rosalind had suggested sharing her living quarters with the older daughters of the northern lords including Dacey Mormont, Meera Reed, Alys Karstark, Wynafryd Manderly, and Styria Umber. It would be a bit crowded but her chambers were large enough to accommodate the dormitory setting. Various workers attended to the construction of more beds and storage chests, which afterward would be donated to the smallfolk. The younger daughters and other lesser vassal house ladies would room with either Sansa and Arya, or they were always welcome to stay with their family in the guest houses. Lady Rowena would also be extended this offer and secretly Ros was overcome with joy at the prospect of having so many wonderful ladies to room with. She enjoyed having Hilda and Faye accompany her and hoped to have more womanly friends close to her age. Rosalind was hopeful that some of the other younger girls like Eddara Tallhart, Wylla Manderly, and Lyanna Mormont would become friends with Arya. Firstborn sons were to be entertained by Robb and strengthen the comradery of the future Lord of Winterfell with his bannermen.
As each party of nobles arrived Rosalind was there to greet them alongside her father, mother, and Robb. When the members of House Reed arrived it became apparent to Ros that Bran was smitten with Meera, even if he had yet to realize it for himself. She was a bit older than Sansa and a truly fine hunter and had a strong aptitude for fishing. Jojen and Bran got along like brothers and were often seen laughing together. Rosalind spent the last week before the royal family's arrival tending to their guests and the needs of the castle. The responsibilities of running Winterfell during such an important event were too great for just her parents, Luwin, Poole, Ser Rodrik, and Jory. The design and implementation of the forthcoming tourney was to include jousting, a melee, and an archery competition. As such it began the new period in the Stark twin's education and growth into becoming more capable leaders.
Outside of her duties as a lord's daughter, Ros spent her time riding around the castle alongside her newfound companions. Over the years Lord Stark had taken some of his children to visit the northern houses. Each time was slightly different as Sansa, Arya, and Bran grew but these trips always included Robb and Ros. This was the first time all of the prominent lord's daughters were all in one place and Ros was determined to show them the greatest displays of her trust to them and appreciation for their houses. The role of the gracious host was one that she slipped into quite well. Entertaining their guests and ensuring the next generation carried the continued bond was essential to her. Rosalind held the deep respect of honoring their bannerman who swore fealty to the Starks of Winterfell. It was the responsibility of her house to uphold the safety of the North. Everyone in their land, from the youngest peasant to the oldest lord deserved to feel safe and have the support of their liege lords. After her first winter, Rosalind saw firsthand what the harshness of cold and starvation meant to those who did not have the luxury of living in a castle. Since then for the last decade, Ros had organized special hunts to donate meat and tended to crops in the glass gardens to send throughout the North.
Leading her fellow ladies Rosalind showed them around the castle grounds. Winterfell was truly an immensely large castle and she understood that it was confusing to those who did not grow up within the walls. Her party of ladies quickly fell into the routine of breaking their fasts together in the Great Hall. Each morning they woke up together and shared their favorite ways of styling hair and normally Rosalind was not that interested in her appearance. Being surrounded by budding friends who began to fawn after her at first made her uncomfortable. It was noticed by Hilda who soon after informed Ros that it was the northern ladies' way of returning her kindnesses to them and she would be rude to refuse their attentions. They had started to nickname themselves as 'braid maidens' for the traditional northern styles.
A raven brought words to Winterfell that King Robert would arrive on the morrow and as such Robb, Jon, and Theon were to be clean shaved and hair trimmed. Rosalind had to suppress a laugh at seeing her twin without his modest beard. He looked so much younger without it. His reddish-brown hair was freshly combed over, slightly suppressing his curls. Poor Jon looked even younger than Robb with his long dark hair cut and his facial hair gone.
After the morning meal, the ladies walked around the backside of the Great Keep in the direction of the stables. The air had grown colder, Maester Luwin forecasted that they would have light snowfall during the King's presence. Rosalind hoped it would come to happen as Winterfell was a beautiful sight when flurries fluttered about. Gentle snows would also benefit a royal hunting party that was unfamiliar with the wolfswood. Furthermore, Luwin had reminded them of the late summer meteor showers and other constellation viewings. During the king's stay, one evening would entail a midnight ride out into the countryside to view the stars and wanderers. As the ladies walked towards the stables, on their way to the winter town, the direwolf pups came into the conversation.
"There were how many, again?" Lady Wynafryd asked. Today her long brown hair was elegantly bound in a single braid. The younger Manderly, Wylla, was outspoken and had naturally blonde hair that she dyed a garish green which Ros found distractingly odd.
"Seven, one for each of Lord Stark's children," Ros replied, looking down at her wolf who weaved in and out of the ladies. It had been a month since they came across the direwolves and they grew rapidly. They still acted like puppies but physically resembled adolescent hounds in size. "Robb's is named Grey Wind, for his speed and coloring. Jon has the albino one and calls him Ghost because he never makes a sound. Sansa's wolf is the smallest and named Lady. Arya's is also grey and named Nymeria after the Rhoynish warrior princess. Rickon had first thought to call his black wolf something childishly stupid but changed it to Shadow. His wolf is often disagreeable so I recommend not trying to touch it. But you may pet mine if you would like."
"You and Lord Brandon have yet to name yours yet then, I take it?" Lady Styria inferred after noticing the absence of mentioning two wolves.
"Ros you should name her after something like Winter, Tundra, Ice, Glacier, or Blizzard." Suggested Lady Alys. She had asked that her friends call her Ros when in each other's company.
"I appreciate your interests but I am still undecided on what to call her." She said in reply. Ros would not name her wolf Ice when the Valyrian steel sword of her house was already named as such. Winter in her opinion would be too repetitive in the context of the Stark words. Glacier and Tundra were not bad but did not seem to fit her liking.
Following her lead, they arrived at the stables where their horses were saddled and waiting. Despite their nearly ten-year age range, the ladies were becoming fast friends. Dacey was the oldest at twenty-four, Wynafryd at eighteen, then Ros, then Alys and Styria were sixteen, and Meera was fifteen. The evening prior Rosalind had asked her father and the fathers of the other ladies if they may ride into the winter town and around the perimeter of the castle's walls. Lord Stark and the other northern lords approved with the addition of guards to accompany the ladies. The regional merchants were an interest to them and Ros aimed to help the locals by purchasing from them. Mounting their steeds they rode out of the main gates with a few handmaidens and a squad of guards.
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It was cold on the morning of the Baratheon party's arrival. Ros wore one of her new gowns underneath a grey cloak. The gown was lavender in color and her handmaidens had braided her hair in two strands on either side and fastened them together behind her head with an amethyst hairpin. The rest of her hair fell loose behind her back. Using matching jewelry Ros also wore a teardrop pendant and an oval ring. Her nerves were beginning to overcome her and Ros worried that she would sweat through her sleeves. Her mouth was drying rapidly and she had trouble communicating to Hilda and Faye what she wanted.
Once she was all dressed and ready to join her house outside the Great Keep, Rosalind assisted in gathering the princess's and princess's gifts. The winter-themed gown for Princess Myrcella was carefully placed in a protective garment wrap. Sansa was beaming at her fine work and Ros was pleased with their accomplishment. Sansa did the bulk of the sewing and Ros would make sure that the princess knew that. The fox-furred blanket for Prince Tommen was folded over and ready to be carried by servants out along with the other presents. Prince Joffery's topaz dagger was recently sharpened and sheathed in a new scabbard. Lastly, Prince Orryn's shield had completely dried from the finishing varnish and his black and yellow cloak had been brushed out earlier in the morning.
A horn blew in the distance, sounding that the king was approaching. Ros gathered up her skirts and led her sisters down to where Lord Stark was waiting. Sansa wore a light frosty blue gown that brought out her eyes and made her hair appear redder by comparison. Her hair was braided somewhat similarly to Rosalind's, instead it was braided on top and came together in a 'V' shape at the back. Arya's hair had taken much longer and she looked well put together. Her brown hair was brushed back and a braid was wrapped over itself in a type of bun. Arya wore a dark bluish grey cloak and a similarly colored dress in a lighter shade.
Rosalind stood next to Robb and Sansa. The whole of Winterfell was gathered along the kingsroad outside and inside the entry gate of the castle within the courtyards. The sounds of horses and people cheering filled her with worrying dread and Ros had wished that this day would never come. Behind the Starks stood their heads of household and Ros made eye contact with Jon who gave her a small smile. Ros felt sick. They were all expecting her to be engaged to the Crown Prince as soon as he rode into the Great Keep's inner yard. She knew Jon meant to reassure her but it was not working, not in the heat of the moment. Please, father, you did not tell me anything had been decided yet... Ros looked around for her wolf before remembering that they had put all six in the godswood for the arrival.
The royal procession trotted into view. At the helm was a knight of the Kingsguard who was followed by a collection of royals, sworn shields, knights, and guards. A golden-haired boy atop a dark bay horse with a long flowing red cloak smiled as he looked at Sansa. Ros deduced that this must be Prince Joffrey, as he looked too young to be the Crown Prince. He was followed closely behind by a large man in black steel armor with a helmet figured in a growling dog's head. Ros glanced at Sansa who was blushing and softly grinning. Quietly, Ros and Robb exchanged looks.
In the distance, Ros could see a huge carriage pulled by several drays. The banners of Houses Baratheon and Lannister flew in the wind as the courtyard filled up. A black destrier cantered ahead of the carriage and strapping young man rode into the yard with a yellow cloak billowing behind him. His hair was black and had light waves. His eyes were bright blue and gleamed like gemstones. On his tunic was the crowned black stag sigil and Rosalind realized this was Orryn Baratheon. Hesitantly, she looked closer at his face. Prince Orryn had a light beard and thick eyebrows. His strong jaw and other sharp features made him look nothing like Joffrey. She peered again at his eyes and unexpectedly locked his gaze and noticed that he had been staring at her. Ros did not look away until another larger black destrier crossed her view. Following Lord Stark, the rest of Winterfell bowed in the king's presence. Rosalind dipped down and respectfully looked at the ground before rising again.
Robert of House Baratheon, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm was not as she had expected. He had to use a stepping stool to dismount his horse. He was no longer an impressively fit man and Ros found herself blinking multiple times to clear her vision. She imagined what he must have looked like twenty years ago when he was in his physical prime but now he had grown surprisingly large.
"Your Grace," her father said. "Winterfell is yours."
King Robert paused and appeared to glare hard at Lord Stark. His eyes moved slowly as if he was studying her father. It was becoming increasingly awkward in the elongated pause and Ros began to worry that somehow they had offended the king.
"You've got fat."
Rosalind's mouth fell open slightly and feared that this was about to be a waking nightmare of a visit. As two close friends of many decades, Lord Stark simply raised his eyebrows at the king and gestured to himself. The two of them began to laugh and everything suddenly relaxed like the first thaw in spring. The king embraced her father and did the same to Lady Catelyn before patting Rickon on the head.
"Nine years. Why haven't I seen you? Where the hell have you been?" King Robert taunted, boisterously.
"Guarding the North for you, Your Grace."
Behind them, the carriage door opened and out came a few ladies and two other young golden-haired children. With them was a tall woman with long golden hair that hung in curls. Queen Cersei wore an elaborate red and gold dress, she walked towards the Starks. Noticing the similarities Ros made note of Princess Myrcella and Prince Tommen who stood near the carriage. The two of them and Joffery resembled their mother's Lannister side tremendously more than their Baratheon father. Orryn somewhat looked like a copy of his father.
"Who do we have here?" The King asked, moving to stand in front of Ros's twin. "You must be Robb." He said, greeting his namesake and the two shook hands. Rosalind wished she was anywhere else but here in the yard at this moment. The Baratheon King looked to her and grinned. He turned back to his eldest son and motioned towards her.
"This," King Robert said loudly. "is the Lady Rosalind."
The whole crowd of people looked at her and Ros wished she had never existed. Flailing for her etiquette mannerisms she managed something that might be called a smile and tried to curtsy gracefully. She was so embarrassed she did not hear anything else as the king went on to greet Sansa, Arya, and Bran. In turn, the queen approached Lord and Lady Stark and then the royal children were introduced. The Crown Prince waved at the gathered people when they cheered his name. He truly looked like a well-bred royal heir sitting atop his fine horse and fancy clothes. The joyous roar of the crowd took Ros out of her mind's unease. Silently she prayed to the old gods that she would not be engaged to Prince Orryn as she would surely die from having to deal with the expectations of being a princess and future queen. Ros had other objections to marrying a man she only just met but the rest of Westeros had no objections in that regard.
"Your Grace, my children have prepared gifts for your family." Lord Stark announced and motioned to his firstborns. With a nudge from Robb, Ros walked forward with him to where the servants brought out the various presents. Prince Orryn dismounted his horse swiftly and met them in the middle. He was a few inches taller than Robb and his dark hair was longer too.
"For Prince Tommen, we have made this fox-furred blanket fit for the coldest nights in the realm." Robb described and the youngest Baratheon's eyes lit up at the reveal. He grabbed the blanket and immediately began rubbing his face over the softness and Orryn helped hold it off the ground. Damn, we might have made that too large for the young prince... she thought after watching Tommen's little arms struggle to lift it. Lannister squires quickly took the blanket to relieve the princes.
"For Princess Myrcella, a new gown to celebrate all the winter balls in King's Landing." Robb continued. The princess gasped at the beautiful dress and her handmaidens helped unwrap the protective layer. Remembering her intentions Rosalind spoke up.
"Lady Sansa designed it herself and did all the sewing." Ros said warmly to Myrcella. Praise rippled throughout the crowd as they marveled at the gown. The princess thanked her sister and the Starks and Ros was glad that it was going well.
"This is truly fine work." The queen complimented as she ran her hand over the fabric. Sansa looked so happy she might forget everything else entirely. Moving to the next gift, Robb spoke again.
"For Prince Joffrey, we have had forged a topaz dagger." The second oldest prince seemed unimpressed with his gift. One of his servants brought it to him on his horse. Joffrey unsheathed the blade and turned it over in his hands, watching as it caught the light.
"And for the Crown Prince, we have crafted an oak shield decorated the sigil of House Baratheon and a cloak outfitted with fine furs." Robb finished and handed the shield to Orryn himself. The Crown Prince's delight overshadowed Joffrey's paleness.
"Thank you, for these gifts they are indeed worthy of the crown." Orryn said, admiring the shield. "Did you paint this yourself, Lord Robb?" He asked. His voice projected with ease and he spoke with a subtle commanding strength.
"No, Your Grace," Robb began to explain. "I only did the yellow background. Lady Rosalind painted the rest and fashioned the cloak for you."
She froze, holding the cloak over outstretched arms. The Crown Prince handed off the shield to a waiting squire and turned his full attention to her. Slowly his gaze combed over the whole thing from top to bottom. The underside was dark yellow and bordered by mink pelts and the outer side was entirely back. At the chest, shoulders, and neck she used black bear fur with pieces of lion's mane to provide visual contrast and definition to the cloak. The layers of fur around the head would make the wearing bigger by design. His gloved hands brushed against hers as he took the gift. In a fluid motion, Orryn unfasted his current solid yellow cloak and dawned on his new two-sided one. He looked more regal than before and the gathered crowd applauded him.
"Thank you, Lady Rosalind." Orryn spoke to her with sincerity. He caught her hand and brought it up to his lips to kiss. "This is a work of art and rivals any dress." The Crown Prince said much quieter.
"To return the gesture and thank you for the extended hospitality we have brought gifts for you as well." Orryn announced, signaling the Baratheon servants to bring forth the Stark presents. Rosalind found this all to be overly lavish, traditionally guest right was done over bread and salt. This ceremonial gift exchange was far beyond what normally occurred. Pomp and circumstance aside, Ros figured the duration of the king's stay would be filled with extra indulgence. Servants clad in gold and black ushered towards the Stark children bearing their intended gifts.
Peering behind she saw Rickon be given silver spurs, Bran held a thick book on the history of the realm's greatest knights signed by the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Arya received an ornately detailed hairbrush, and Sansa was gifted a beautiful sapphire encrusted necklace. Rosalind smiled at their joy, in particular for Bran who dreamed of being a knight. One day his name and good deeds might be written over the pages of the White Book. Looking forward again Ros's eyes widened at the gift for Robb. The Crown Prince held out a sword sheathed in a goldish colored case with steel accents and lined with dark leather. The hilt was crafted with goldenheart wood. It was native to the Summer Isles and known to be one of the best substances for weaponry. The pommel had a smoothed mace shape and a diamond embedded into it. The grip was long enough for two hands but the blade itself was a bastard sword. The hand-and-a-half was not as large as a greatsword but it was longer than a regular longsword. The grip showcased the beauty of the golden wood and the crossguard was whitish gold with a direwolf carved into the center rainguard. Its face was lined up with the middle of the blade. The cross guard's ends were dull points that curved inward slightly to the tip of the blade. Slowly, Robb wrapped his fingers over the grip and pulled it from the scabbard. The blade was a light silver color that caught rays of sunlight, stunning the entire courtyard. Robb turned the sword over carefully, feeling its weight and balance. He turned back to Prince Orryn and professed his admiration and appreciation for the gift.
"Your Grace, thank you for this excellency, I will cherish this sword for all my days to come." Robb said with the utmost respect. He returned the blade to its scabbard and looked to Ros, who had not received a gift. Truthfully she was not offended for nothing could compare to a sword and she expected that there was an overly designed gown waiting for her to have to wear while the royal family was at Winterfell. She had been caught up in watching her siblings rejoice in their new favors that she was late to realize the lack of her own.
"Lord Robb, I value your support and strength. Our two houses have been close for many years and I intend to continue the bonds and goodwill in more ways than one." Prince Orryn decreed, turning his attention to Ros. Oh no, she thought he intends to ask for my hand in marriage right now, in front of everyone... where I cannot refuse... she felt panic set in. Honor would demand she accept him here in the sights of her family and the royal procession. Cursing herself for not accepting Brynden Blackwood as soon as the offer was made, Ros knew deep down that was not a fault she could have known would lead to this. "Bring forth my Lady's gift!" The Baratheon heir called out. Feeling slight relief Ros hoped it was indeed a dress and not a public engagement. She could not refuse him when the royal party traveled from King's Landing and so far the Crown Prince seemed to be alright so there was no valid reason to-
A squire hurried into the center of the courtyard leading the most beautiful horse Rosalind had ever laid eyes on. The mare was tall, easily sixteen hands high maybe a little more. Her color was a rare and captivating yellow buckskin with black markings. Her coat shined like the morning sun. The mare's dark mane and tail were freshly brushed out and flowed softly in the wind. The squire led the horse around in a few circles around the yard. Ros looked at the mare and watched as her muscles rippled across her body. Only a lead rope was tied around her face, leaving the rest to be admired. A black dorsal stripe ran down her spine from mane to tail and as she trotted around Ros could tell the horse was younger, less than five years of age. Her high-spirited nature was a giveaway as more horses began to calm into maturity around four years. This mare was high strung and lashed her tail about and snorted. Her recently groomed body bore no signs of a saddle and Ros wondered if she had been broken yet. The squire led the mare to Prince Orryn who direct the lead rope to Ros. She held the rope firmly and examined her face. The mare flared her nostrils, shifting her hooves restlessly. Her eyes gleamed livelily and were a brown tiger eye color. Noticing the mare pinning her ears flat backwards Ros side stepped saw the horse bunch her muscles together. Expecting a rear Ros held the lead rope low and in her other hand spun the slack of the rope in a circle. She snapped the end of the rope against the back hip of the mare and got her to move away, therefore, breaking the motions of a rear.
"It seems you have given me a yellow fire with all of its unbridled energy, Your Grace." Ros said to the Crown Prince.
"Very impressive, my Lady, perhaps you are your aunt Lyanna Stark come again." Prince Orryn said, to which all the warmth evaporated from the yard.
Rosalind was at a loss for words. She was never compared to her dead aunt, even if there were similarities. All of House Stark became silent and her father's face turned to an expression of dismay. The king was taken back by the sudden mention of his former betrothed and Orryn seemed not to notice the effect of his words. He only had eyes for Rosalind. The sullen discontent was broken by the king.
"Take me to your crypt, I want to pay my respects." King Robert ordered Lord Stark, his voice growing impatient.
"We have been riding for a month, my love. Surely the dead can wait." Queen Cersei spoke up in protest.
"Ned." The king beckoned, disregarding his wife's request.
Solemnly Lord Stark pardoned himself from the queen and headed after King Robert. The courtyard grew quiet again as the crowd awaited a formal dismissal. Rosalind handed the lead rope back to the squired and pulled out the two books intended for Lord Tyrion from the cart. There was an additional case of Northern mead for the lord that Ros hoped would please him. She scanned the routine of Baratheons and Lannisters but did not see the dwarf man anywhere. In line with her intentions Robb took up leadership of the gathered people.
"Your Grace," he asked the Crown Prince. "Is Lord Tyrion here? We have two books we hope he finds entertaining and a case of mead brewed here in the North."
"Yes, where is he?" Queen Cersei asked, directing her question at a member of the kingsguard. "Go and find the little beast." The knight removed his helm and a well-groomed face was revealed. The similarities between the queen and the knight were more apparent than Ros and Robb. The Lannister twins resembled each other more than other regular siblings and Rosalind thought that Ser Jaime looked more like royalty than the king did.
"Allow me, my Lord, my Lady, to take these to my little brother. I am sure he will come to appreciate reading The Rare Phenomenon of the Land of Always Winter and Wine of the Free Cities. He will certainly love to speak with your brewer about his craft." Ser Jaime spoke, his last bit earning a laugh from the Lannister men. It was not clear to Ros why since the books and mead were meant sincerely.
"Before we part to settle in I would like to introduce Lady Rowena Arryn, daughter of Lord Jon Arryn, Hand of the King and Lord of the Eyrie." Prince Orryn announced. One of the young women standing by the carriage came forward. She was pretty with a curvy figure and long brownish blonde hair. Her eyes were a crystal blue shade and she wore a dress the color of the sky. Lady Rowena was older than Rosalind, yet she hoped they would become friends. Lord Arryn was an important person to her father and Ros wished to be able to show the same kindness in return.
"My Lady," Ros began earnestly. "If you would like you are welcome to join me in my chambers with some of the other Northern ladies during your stay here."
"I thank you, Lady Rosalind, for your generosity but I will have to decline at this time as I am very tired and wish to refresh in private." Lady Rowena spoke with a high and clear voice.
"Of course, my handmaid will show you to your room then." Ros replied. She hoped that her shallow disappointment was not obvious and that Rowena was not offended in any way. Oh dammit, we did not have any gift for her... Ros realized. They had originally intended on just the four royal heirs but the addition of Lord Tyrion, albeit meant in good fortune, may have compromised the whole event altogether.
"The feast in the Great Hall will begin at sunset." Robb announced to the gathered crowd.
With a wave of the Crown Prince's hand, the Baratheon and Lannister party began to disperse. Servants from Winterfell moved about to assist in unloading and showing their guests to their rooms. One of the Stark stablehands took the lead rope of her new horse and led her away to the main stables. The courtyard emptied rather quickly with nearly everyone setting off on a task to complete. The royal carriage was turned around to be stationed just outside the castle walls. Before that, it was emptied of all contents such as chests and personal items. Underneath the wheels appeared to be well worn and Ros imagined that even with the heavy plow horses pulling there was no way that the massive structure moved quickly over the kingsroad. No wonder it took them a full moon cycle to get here, she thought.
Lady Catelyn left to show the queen where she would be staying and the younger princes and princess followed behind. Robb walked away with Prince Orryn to give him a personal tour of Winterfell. Soon enough Ros was left standing alone in the center of the yard. Her eyes wandered over the many people going this way and that, cheerful commotion as it were. Unexpectedly, one person in the fray caught her eye.
Holding her breath Rosalind walked towards where she saw a man with dark hair wearing a red and black tunic. She attempted to follow him but kept losing sight of him. Determination filled her as she walked faster to catch up, however, being mindful of all the guests around and the expectation to maintain and lady's dignity at all times. Ros had fleeting glimpses of the dark haired man and left the inner part of the castle and headed out towards the main gate. She saw him going towards the Servants Keep and walked along with one of the main pathways. The cluster of people moved out of her way but the man was becoming even more lost in the crowd. Rosalind saw him for a second clearly, if only his backside, moving in the direction of the godswood wall.
With haste, she hurried after believing she was seeing Lord Brynden Blackwood. Why would he come here, why would he come and not announce himself to me, Ros thought becoming aggravated by the chase and possible concealment. Rounding the Library Tower's stony walls Ros lost sight of the mysterious man entirely. There were few people in this part of the castle grounds and none of them were wearing the colors of House Blackwood or even resembled Lord Brynden. With a deep sigh, she yielded and entered the godswood. The soft howls of the wolves drew her in and Ros greeted the small pack.
Her wolf bounded over to meet her and the other six rushed over in recognition. It had been decided a week or so ago that the direwolves would be kept in the godswood for the arrival due to the young wolves potentially getting uncontrollably excited in the large party gathering. Rosalind crouched down to pet them all and it turned into all seven rubbing up against her and wanting more attention than she could give at one time. She began to feel relaxed alone in the woods with them and was snapped out of it when a twig cracked behind her. Standing up she saw it was only Hilda who had approached her. The wolves whined when she stopped petting and started playing with one another.
"Did you see a man wearing clothes of red and black?" Ros asked hastily.
"Red and black? No, only the Lannister red. What were you doing? All of the sudden you marched off." Hilda replied, providing no clarity.
"I could have sworn I saw a young man wearing red and black."
"Maybe it was a Lannister guard or servant next to a Baratheon one?"
Ros had no response. She had wished it would be Lord Brynden so that he could keep her away from the Crown Prince. As it would seem that as not to be. Prince Orryn had gifted her a fine courser mare, fit for hunting, and had shown nothing to be disliked. For now, she longed to stay in the godswood until her presence was required at the welcome feast.
"Am I needed elsewhere right now?" She asked her handmaid.
"I am not aware of anywhere, the other Northern ladies are busy with their own houses. We could stay in here if you would like." Hilda offered, trying to provide her with comfort.
"I would like that very much." Ros answered honestly.
The two of them headed deeper into the godswood where the heart tree was. There they sat surrounded by the needy wolves who demanded their constant affection. Ros was happy to give it. In the moment she could temporarily forget about her expectations as the Lord of Winterfell's daughter and the expectation of waiting for a proposal from the king or his son. For a brief time, Ros was at peace.
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The next chapter will feature the beginnings of the original Great Northern Tourney. This is an event that does not take place in the books or show. There will be four main competitions including a joust, melee, archery, and horse race. Thank you to everyone for reviewing, favoriting, and following along!