A few days later the presentation was opened. The girls who are now of age were claimed by the men who were going to marry them, and there was a presentation of a gift to seal it. In his corner of the Stark home Efan listened to Alora, "Why should I even bother getting something."

Laloren, "Because it would be awkward when your betrothed presents you with a gift and you had nothing to give in return."

"No it won't! Because no one will ask for me and I will be left standing there stupidly anyway." By the sound of it Alora had flopped onto her bed.

"Alora," Laloren answered, "I know you believe that, but someone will offer for you. And the one who does will be a true love in the midst of adversity."

What would have been said was drowned out by the unlady like snort of disbelief. "I will take the dagger I made, happy?"

"Its something dear." And the resignation in Laloren's voice said that she was not happy. Now the sounds of rummaging came through the wall.

Efan slowly walked out of the house and towards the apple tree that stood on the shoulder of the property. It had been a hiding place for years, but now it seems that treasure may be needed now. Reaching into the gap in the roots that he had found a few days after coming to live with the Starks, he found the package. Unwrapping it he studied what lay within with a gleam coming onto his face, perfect.

It was almost two hours later when everything was decorated, the yards were tidy, and the girls were on the carved seats for the occasion sitting in front of their male guardians houses, each girl wearing a brand new dress. Alora was right, all of the others presented had groups of young men in their yards talking to the male guardian and getting permission before going towards the young woman to talk and so the family could know how well they got along. However Alora in her dress that was as yellow as corn that covered her from mid-neck to toes and her family in their best were completely alone in their yard.

Efan came over to them. Seeing the carefully wrapped package in his hands Alora spoke, "You're going to ask someone to marry you?"

He couldn't tell what that tone meant, "It depends on if someone else gets there first Little Winterfell." Then he placed a hand on her slender shoulder, "You'll be fine, besides all of these idiots can't possibly be serious."

She laughed, "That's true Efan." Looking at Brandon, "Why does everyone want to lie to each other on this day?"

Reaching out to ruffle her hair before Laloren caught his arm to prevent him Brandon answered, "And that is something they know we wouldn't allow Little Winterfell."

Smiling fondly at the scene Laloren finally let Brandon's arm go. "We should feel sorry for all the other girls who are being lied to."

It seemed that Alora was feeling better as she sat more comfortably. They talked about the whole situation and made a joke of it all. Alora laughed, it was far easier to laugh with her family on her side.

Together they made the next three hours seem to fly by, when it was time for the ceremony to decide who was going to marry. The chairs were put aside after lunch and everyone lined up. Well, the girls lined up in the center of the village and held their gifts for whomever would claim them. It was a time of anxiety among the young girls, did they give a good enough impression? Alora wanted to roll her eyes, these are the people who you grew up with and around one conversation won't change that.

Everyone waited for the opening ceremony where the elders of the village would do the whole, "Who comes here" nonsense. As if they didn't know everyone else. Still, it was tradition and they would abide by it.

Alora still fought the desire to roll her eyes, and Efan gave her a look which made it very hard not to laugh. It seemed to say, Can you believe this? But she kept her silence, wondering who he would make an offer for.

There were four other girls before Alora, and each one had three offers before they decided on who would marry her. Each was a hard fought battle, but Efan said nothing and Alora started thinking he brought the mystery item to make others back off. Finally it was her turn, and Brandon was standing next to her.

The Ceremony began, "Who is this woman?"

Holding her head high, "Alora Stark."

Turning the elder asked, "Who brings her?"

Eyes flashing so slightly that only Alora noticed Brandon spoke, "Bradon Stark, her brother."

Nodding at the proper use of Ceremony the elder turned to all those who were watching, "Who comes to claim her?"

There was silence, no one would come. Alora knew it. She kept her focus above everyone's heads and fought back the tears that threatened.

Suddenly there was a movement. Efan had stepped forward, "Efan Greenseer."

The shock was palpable and Alora looked at Efan in surprise, but he smiled down at her and she felt reassured. It was obvious the elder was taken aback because when they both turned to look at him his mouth was opening and closing. Efan raised his eyebrows and moved the package obviously and the Elder took the hint. Clearing his throat, "Yes, well did you each bring a gift to seal the bond?"

After that the rest of the Ceremony went smoothly with Alora adding the knife she made to Efan's belt. There were some oohs as Efan unwrapped the package he was holding to reveal a necklace of stones that were blue as frost and held together by delicate looking links. Alora lifted her hair as he stepped behind her and clasped it around her neck and it fell to the top of her breasts.

Then the ceremony continued with the presentation of the new couples and the announcement that the marriages could start being arranged the next night. Alora felt better than she had since realizing the next presentation ceremony was hers. Efan's arm was around her waist and Brandon's hand was on her shoulder, and she was happy.