Alyssa
When Father announced that we would all be traveling to Winterfell to meet with House Stark and greet the King and his party when he arrives together I was so excited.
The journey was nearly a week long but as I rode in the wheelhouse with Mother, Ellisha, Ilyana, and Rolan while father, Aden, Ethan, and Jaremy rode on horseback with a small number of our household guards I saw sights I've never seen before and it was all breath taking.
Father had determined that since Darren had seen his nineteenth nameday he was old enough to be left behind and act as Lord of Ashwood Motte while he was away. I personally think that Father is testing Darren to see if he has what it takes to be Lord of Ashwood Motte.
On the day we arrived in front of Winterfell mother had stopped her needlework and looked at all of us inside the wheelhouse.
"Now I want you all to be on your best behavior while we're here at Winterfell. The Starks are our liege lords and ladies and you will show them the respect they are due. I will not have any of you bringing shame to our house, is that understood?" Mother asked us sternly.
Mother has told us this many times through out our journey that it has become tiresome but we all agreed to behave ourselves during our stay at Winterfell for what seemed like the hundredth time just to placate her nonetheless.
Mother must of noticed how tired we were of having her saying the same thing over and again because she smiled at us and touched all of our cheeks tenderly.
"I know I must seem like a nag, but I want you all to understand how important this is. When your father meets with Lord Stark all of your futures are at stake." Mother said to us earnestly.
"Does Father intend for us to marry Lord Stark's children?" Ellisha asked Mother.
"If the Gods be good, perhaps, darling." Mother said to Ellisha.
"But who will marry into House Stark and to whom?" I asked Mother.
"Your father has discussed his intentions with me, but I will say nothing more until he has spoken with Lord Stark." Mother said to us.
The gates to Winterfell opened and Father, Aden, Ethan, Jaremy, and our household guards entered first followed by the wheelhouse.
I looked out the window and took a glimpse of Winterfell for the first time and it took my breath away.
The wheelhouse came to a stop and I saw Father dismount from his horse and walk towards to the wheelhouse to open the door to let us out.
Mother exited the wheelhouse first with Rolan holding her hand and then Ellisha exited followed by Ilyana and me.
Once outside in the courtyard of Winterfell we all lined up. Father was first in line followed by Aden, Ellisha, me, Ethan, Jaremy, and Rolan while our household guards behind us.
Pulling his sword Ash out of its sheath Father plunged it into ground and got down on one knee.
Seeing this Aden, Ethan, Jaremy, and our household guards did the same thing with their own swords and got down on one knee while Mother, Ellisha, Ilyana, Rolan, and I bowed low.
"My Lords and Ladies Starks, House Ashwood stands with you faithfully from this day and to our last. Now and Always." Father said to the Starks.
"Rise. There is no need for such formalities." Lord Eddard Stark said to us.
We rose and for the first time I was able to take in the Starks. They stood in a line similar to ours. Lord Eddard stood first followed by his wife Catelyn, his eldest son an heir Robb, his eldest daughter Sansa, his younger daughter Arya, his son Bran, and his youngest son Rickon.
Behind them stood their household which included his bastard son Jon Snow and his ward Theon Greyjoy.
After sheathing his sword Father and Lord Eddard walked up to each other and embraced in a great big hug.
"It's so good to see you Markas. It's been far too long."Lord Eddard said to Father.
"Aye. Nine years. I'd like to introduce you to my family. You remember my wife Elayne." Father said to Lord Eddard gesturing towards Mother.
Mother walked up to Lord Eddard and curtsied.
"My Lord and Lady." Mother said to Lord and Lady Stark.
"My sons Aden, Ethan, Jaremy, and Rolan. And my daughters Ellisha, Alyssa, and Ilyana." Father said gesturing to each of us.
We each bowed or curtsied.
"You have a fine family Markas. Please come in and make yourselves at home. We'll talk later once you're all settled in." Lord Eddard said to us.
"Thank you, my lord." Father said to Lord Eddard.
Lady Catelyn stepped forward.
"Follow me. I'll show you to your chambers." Lady Catelyn said to us.
"That is very kind of you, my lady." Mother said to Lady Catelyn.
We followed Lady Catelyn into the castle and she showed us around the Great Hall and the Great Keep and then finally to our chambers to freshen up for the feast that evening.