9: Intel
The next two weeks went by fast. If she was not working on clothes for the Boltons or working on the baby blanket, then she was practicing magic with Gagltha. She learned how to manipulate and move water, concoct certain potions, and learned parts of her family's history. She learned that all witches were descendants of the original four, who were created from the spirits to maintain balance and protect the magical realms. A witches attuned element was decided from birth. Gagltha had explained it by saying how in Shannon's world they used astrological signs that were assigned to their respective elements. Depending on what star formation and moon you were born under is what spiritual element you were claimed to. Shannon was fascinated with the history and always inquired to know more, but Gagltha always told her that she 'must be patient and take it slow' because everything was still so new. She often questioned Gagltha about her parents, and the book could not say much because it did not know the answers she sought. She had a bit of time yet till she could learn to summon, but she was growing impatient as always.
Along with the good came the bad though. Shannon had gained some of her childhood memories back, which should have been a good thing but the memories were accompanied by nightmares. She would often wake Sonia up from her mumbling and thrashing during her sleep, and wake up drenched in sweat to a terrified Sonia.
The dream she had this evening was like the rest. She was a child screaming for her parents in a basement, with no lights. Finally, the door at the top of the steps opened and a light shone down. A tall figure crept down the stairs and walked toward her. It crouched down on the floor next to her. It was a man. He had blood on his hands. She had blood on her. She tried to scoot away from him, but backed herself into a wall. 'There is nowhere to go. No one will save you now, demon. The only place you'll be going now is six feet below ground.' She went to scream again, and he hit her hard. Then it went black.
Shannon woke up to her face being drenched by her silent tears. Her head was pounding from all of the raw emotion. She was glad to have memories of her childhood, that she knew were real for once, but she couldn't piece much of it together. She would have vividly happy memories, and then these gut wrenching horrific ones. There was no middle ground and she wanted to find it desperately. Sleep did not find her again, so she just stayed up for the rest of the night trying to piece things together. The only people that know are gone. I need to summon them now. Shannon thought.
Morning came and Sonia woke up like a ray of sunshine. When she opened her eyes she noticed that Shannon was wide awake and staring at the ceiling. "Did you have trouble sleeping last night?" Sonia was concerned that her friend was not sleeping.
Shannon turned and nodded in reply. "I thought that dreamcatcher on your leg was supposed to keep away the nightmares?" Sonia asked innocently.
"It doesn't work like that Sonia. It is just a picture." Shannon stated in frustration.
Sonia sat on her bed quietly staring at Shannon. I know she is grumpy because she is tired, but that is no reason to be rude to me. Maybe I can ask Will if we can go to the lake quick? She loves the water, maybe that will cheer her up. Since it has been awhile since either of us has had a proper bath.
"I will be right back I am going to go ask Will something." Sonia quickly got off her bed and sped out the door.
Shannon rolled back over and stared at the ceiling again. She was exhausted, and had no energy to move. Sonia came back in with Will in tow. "Hurry, Will has allowed us to go to the lake. Hurry or we will not be able to go." Sonia smiled as she walked over to help her friend get dressed.
Sonia pulled Shannon along as they walked to the lake. She was slower and more like a boulder than ever before. Her demeanor changed though when she saw the lake. Both of the girls hurriedly undressed and entered the lake. Sonia was impressed on how fast Shannon was moving now, and was sure that the cold water would wake Shannon up.
Shannon ran into the lake and dove in head first. When Shannon surfaced she felt amazing, as if the lake had rejuvenated her. She wanted to spend hours here and practice her magic, but she knew that she could not. So, she quickly cleansed herself with the water and then joined Sonia on the embankment to get dressed. Sonia was pleased that her friend had returned to her normal state. "Here let me do your hair!" Sonia clapped in excitement.
Shannon smiled and willingly agreed. Will peeked out from behind the tree he was standing at. "You should do it the way Lord Snow likes it. He will be returning home today, and it may put him in a good mood." He suggested.
Shannon took a moment, and then turned to Sonia. "No can you please put it in one large braid down my back. Thank you for your suggestion Will, but I am not her to please Lord Snow." She said with a slight smirk.
Sonia shrugged at Will and continued to do Shannon's hair. Shannon got up once Sonia was done, and plucked a couple white flowers that grew by the shore of the lake. "What will you be doing with those?" Sonia asked as they began to walk back to the castle.
"I plan on putting them in my hair when it dries. It will look good with my dress." Shannon smiled.
Sonia was nervous that the Boltons would find out about the fabric Shannon used to make the dress, and also that Shannon seemed to be on the daring side today; which was not good considering that Lord Snow would be returning. "Just be careful. Lord Snow returns today." Sonia warned.
"Yes listen to Sonia, please. I know you have gotten used to him being gone, but you must be careful. Not only for yourself, but for all of us. He will associate you with us now. Be smart." Will wagged his finger at Shannon before leaving the girls to get changed before heading off to complete their daily duties.
Shannon changed into her new dress. It was not anything spectacular. It looked like a simple dress that the servants would wear, but it was a deep navy. The sleeves were long and the top of the dress was a tad off her shoulders. No one would notice though, because she planned on wearing her cloak throughout the halls because it was cold in the sewing room.
Will fetched the girls and escorted them both to work. Shannon walked in and noticed a small pile of clothes with a note on the top. 'I need an outfit made. Must be done in two weeks time. Dark colors only. I will come by later for you to measure.' Shannon was so confused, because she didn't know who it was for.
It must be Roose. No servant in this castle would come demanding such things, and Ramsay hasn't returned yet. So yes, by process of elimination, it must be Roose. She thought to herself.
She quickly began sorting through fabrics. She wanted to be ready with options when he arrived, since this would only be her second time meeting him. She was placed in this world, now it was time to try to play the game. Her thoughts and plans were interrupted when she heard the sound of the castle doors opening. Shannon went to the window with the fabrics still in her hand. A few men on horses entered first, and then Ramsay. He looks dirty, but still weirdly handsome. STOP. Don't say that he is a madman, not handsome.
Ramsay looked up to the window where Shannon was standing. He met her gaze, and smirked to himself. Shannon's eyes grew wide and she quickly scurried out of sight. That just made Ramsay's smirk grow wider, and he chuckled. He was glad that he could still invoke fear in her after being gone for two weeks. Maybe I will pay my little pet a visit this afternoon. He thought as he trotted into the stables on his horse.
Shannon was sorting through the fabrics frantically. She did not even know what she was looking at or for, she was just trying to get her mind off Ramsay. "Everything was going swimmingly, and now he is back. Hopefully he just keeps to himself, and leaves me alone. I have to find a way home. Who am I kidding, he won't leave me alone." She mumbled to herself quietly, and let out an exasperated sigh at the end.
"Have you finished talking to yourself?" A deep male voice questioned from behind Shannon.
A shiver went down her spine. She hated being snuck up, especially by men. She quickly turned around and saw Roose Bolton standing at the door. As much as Ramsay scared Shannon, Roose scared her a tad more. It wasn't because of what he was physically capable of, but because he was much more intelligent and manipulative than his son. It also worried her that he had kept her alive, and didn't give her back to his son to torture and kill. She was thankful, but all too worried at the same time. Roose Bolton was not a man that spared a life because the kindness in his heart, he was up to something. "Have you gone deaf girl?" He spoke again.
Shannon jumped at the sound of his voice, and shift the fabric in her arms. "No, my Lord. I am sorry my mind was elsewhere."
"I haven't gotten all day for you to just stand there. Come take what you need so I may on my way. If you keep me a second longer, I will let my son have his way with you. As I probably should have quite some time ago." Roose stated flatly.
Shannon's heartbeat was racing at the thought of Ramsay torturing her. So she quickly made her way over to Roose with measurement tape and began taking his measurements down. "I have picked out maroon and charcoal. If I may ask my Lord, what do you need the clothes for?" Shannon always asked too many questions and it often got her in trouble.
Roose grabbed her by her hair tightly, and brought her to his gaze. "That is none of your concern girl. People of your status are not to ask questions, just do as they are commanded."
Shannon gazed up at him with fear in her eyes. Roose was not a big man, but he definitely was scary. He let go of her hair and threw her to the side. Shannon grabbed her hair and rubbed her head. She knew she should be quiet, but she sometimes had no filter. "I was just asking my lord, so I know how to design your clothing. Shall I design it as hunting garbs, battle, or feast worthy dress? I did not mean to overstep my boundaries, my Lord." She grumbled parts of it, but tried to remain as polite as possible.
She did not really care how to design his clothing, what she really wanted was information. She had been thrown into this world, and was not even sure about how similar it was to the show. Sure the people didn't look the same as the actors, but what if the events occurred the same way? Was the Red Wedding coming soon? Had it happened yet? If things were to go according to the show, then she might have a chance of living since she knew vital information to the Game.
Roose turned around and looked at Shannon with his arms behind his back. He never glared, or smiled, or did much facial expression. He just simply looked flat, but even his blank face seemed angry and intimidating. "It is to be made for a feast. The Starks have invited the Lords of the North to Winterfell. They are having a feast for the arrival of the king, and all of the great houses of the North are to be in attendance. Two weeks. Have this done. If you do not, I will not have second thoughts about letting Ramsay flay you. I can always find another seamstress." He said the last part in a low voice, and exited Maybe the room.
Shannon sat on the floor and took all of the information in. Her mind was racing, as she attempted to sort out her thoughts. Lord Stark. Winterfell. That means I came right in the beginning before anything had happened. I have to get to Winterfell, maybe I can change things. Maybe the Starks will take me in as a servant and I can live in peace till I find a way home. I can't leave Sonia though. She could come with. Ugh, so much planning to do. So many questions need to be answered still though. Like why am I here in the first place? Was I brought here to change the future of the Starks? Are the same events going to happen like in the show? I really cannot believe this is all real. Someone has to know the answers…. Gaglatha.