Risen From Ashes

by snowflake2410

House Pyralis, Relatives to the Targaryens. Just as House Reyne, every Pyralis has been turned into nothing but mere ash and memory. All except one. Ophelia never knew who she was but when is revealed as the last Pyralis, she is soon thrust into a new world of deceit and limitations. As the saying goes: You can try to burn a Phoenix, but they always manage to survive.

17. Chapter 17

Sorry for the delayed update! My mom has been a total nightmare as has classes. And the holiday season. :D

Anyways, I decided to do most of the party next chapter! It's such a huge event to tackle and there will be a lot of people to meet there. Thank you to all who reviewed last chapter! I am so thankful that you liked Jon's point of view on their relationship ending and how I inserted Ashara Dayne into the story.

Ros' and Ophelia's dresses can be viewed on the Armstreet website.

Ophelia's orange working dress is Medieval Dress Tunic 'Red Elise'

Ros' is party dress is Blue Medieval Dress 'Lady of the Lake'

Ophelia's party dress is Medieval Noble Dress 'Lady Rowena'

As always, I own nothing besides House Pyralis, Ethaesper, and Nadyea.

1st P.O.V. Winterfell

I can't believe I did that!

I can't believe I did that!

What was I thinking?

These were the thoughts that went through my mind as I walked to where I needed to go.

What had gotten into me? Commanding people like that? I shuddered. Ugh! Never again. I swore. As an individual, I don't give orders; I take them. That's the way it's always been and the way it always will be. It's what I was comfortable with.

WHY DID I STEP OUT OF MY AREA OF COMFORT?!

I winced as I remembered how I basically shouted at everyone and told them to shut up.

Holding Rickon's hand, I went quickly to my room and ushered him in.

"Why are we going to your chambers?" Rickon asked in a small voice. I tusseled his hair. "I just need to grab my apron. Alright?" I went to my chest of drawers, and rummaged through all of my dresses.

"Ooh! A red bird!" I saw a tiny mop of curly hair rush past me as Rickon gazed lovingly up at Ethaesper, who was eating in her cage.

She'd been growing since my whole incident with the curly black haired boy. When that had happened, she was still a pale pink fluffball. Now, most of her fluff has been replaced with deep red feathers, though some dark purple ones were scarcely placed under her wings as well. Her tail was now the color of shimmering gold, and her head...well...her head was still part pale pink fluffball. She was larger, now the size of crow. And her chirps had become more melodiac.

I held up my apron triumphantly and closed the drawer shut.

I went to Rickon and smiled at Ethaesper. "Aye. She is a beauty."

Rickon looked at me with big brown eyes. "The bird is a she?"

I nodded. "Yes. But we have to go now. There's a lot to do, and little time to do it."

Grabbing Rickon's hand, I shut the door to my room and led him to the Kitchens where the Head Cook was sitting on a stool with his head in his hands.

I tapped on his shoulder. The Cook looked up at me. "I thought I told you to not come in here anymore."

"You did."

"So why are you here?"

I took a deep breath before answering. "You need help. Half of the castle is indisposed. I want to help. Just tell me what needs to be done, and I will do it."

The Cook sighed before standing up and pointing to a mound of vegetables. "Those need to be chopped up for dinner and put into the soup. Since we have no meat-"

"A hunting party, headed by Lord Stark's son, is gathering to acquire some meat. They will be back the morning of the festivities."

The Cook looked thoughtful before he nodded. "Very well then." He went over to some cupboards and took out several loaves of bread, along with jam, placing them in the middle of a large cloth. The short burly man walked over to the pile of vegetables and put a large bunch of carrots in the cloth, as well as some jerky. He grabbed all four corners and tied it up tightly, making a bundle.

The Cook glanced over to Rickon and said in a deep voice, "Boy! Take this to your brother for the journey."

Rickon nodded in obedience and clung tightly to the bundle that was three times his size.

"Hurry quickly, for they will be leaving soon." The Cook ordered.

Rickon ran as fast as he could, doing his best not to topple over with the weight of the bag.

It was quiet before the Cook snapped, "Do I have to tell you where to get the knives as well?!"

I jumped up and became frazzled. "Ahh! Yes, sir!" I went to on of the knives hanging on the wall and grabbed the one for chopping. I went to the vegetables and got to work.

The Cook had me mostly prepare foods for supper that night, while him and the other four worked on preparing appetizers for the party. When Rickon came back, the Cook had him fetch the ingrediants that he needed for any recipe he had in mind.

I cooked a nice lamb roast with herbs and roasted garlic.

Also soup.

Lots and lots of soup.

As I was bent over a huge boiling cauldron situated on top of a roaring fire, I stroked back a piece of loose hair back into my braided bun.

My thoughts mostly centered on the party.

I had some...affliction...when it came to large quantities of people. It was as if anything I did or said came out uncouth or awkward. Then it became hard to talk to anyone. Usually, if I was allowed to attend a party as a guest and not a server, I would trail behind Theon or...Jon...until I could find the best moment to quietly slip out unnoticed.

I had a feeling though, that this time, slipping out wouldn't be as easy.

I stirred the orange soup clockwise, adding in cloves of garlic or thyme every now and then. I took a a wooden cooking spoon from my pocket and tasted the soup.

Ignoring the heat, I concentrated in the flavor.

Savory, filling, but a bit bland.

I took a pinch of salt from a small bowl on the barstool near me, and sprinkled some in.

I tasted it again, nodding to myself.

Better, much better.

Then I heard it.

A flurry of footsteps followed by "Have you seen-Ophelia! What are you doing in here? You should be setting up the Great Hall or airing out your gown for the party."

I set the ladle on the barstool and turned to see My Lady with a parcel in her hands.

It was a fancy package wrapped up in beautiful silver paper with swirls on it. Holding it together, was thin silver rope.

I wiped my hands on my apron. "What is that?" I asked pointing to the package.

My Lady gave me a smile before coming over to me. "Your first nameday present." She offered it to me, and I hesitantly took it. I examined the box before giving her a small smile.

"Thank you, My Lady. But you didn't have to get me anything.." I trailed off.

My Lady shook her head, her loose crimson locks bouncing about. "I did not get you this. It arrived by raven just now! And look who it's from." She retrieved a card from her pocket and gave it to me.

Holding the parcel on my hip, like one would with a babe, I flipped open the card with one hand. My mouth immediately frowned slightly in confusion.

To The Last Pyralis,

Sincere greetings from your friends in Dorne.

Please accept this gift as an apology for not attending your nameday and as a token of our friendship.

We wish you well and hope that one day you will be able to visit us in person.

With Much Adoration,

House Martell.

I looked up at My Lady with shocked wide eyes. "You invited the Martells to the party? Aren't they the rulers of Dorne?"

She seemed as confused as I was. "That's just the thing: I didn't invite them."

I furrowed my eyebrows as I re-read the card. "Then how did they know about it? Or even me?"

My Lady let out a laugh of disbelief. "I think this means that your party and you coming out into society is making rounds to all corners of the Seven Kingdoms. It's such big news that it even peaked the interest of Dornish families."

I felt dread come upon me.

"So...all these people know about me?"

My Lady gave me a proud smile and nodded. "It would seem so."

I felt faint.

I stumbled until I fell back onto the ground. I dropped my parcel to the floor and reached out to steady myself. I grabbed the nearest thing possible-which was the cauldron-and effectively burned my hand.

I let out a yelp of pain and stumbled backwards until I fell to the ground. My eyes brimmed with tears and the smell of burnt flesh quickly hit everyone's noses. I've never been burned before, so this was an all new type of pain to me.

My Lady quickly came to my side and held my hand.

It was burned black.

She stiffened at the sight of it, holding it up close to examine my hand.

"Let's go back to your chambers and wrap this up, shall we?" I shook my head, trying to keep a level mind.

"No...it's fine. It doesn't even-", I cried out in pain as My Lady touched one part of my scorched palm with her pinky finger, "-hurt at all. I need to help!"

"Oh no you don't!" Boomed the Cook. He crossed his burly arms and stared me down. "When you became injured, you became ineligible for work. It's best you go off and get that fixed."

"But-" I tried to protest.

"No!" Everyone in the room stated. I bent my head down in embarrassment. "Come along." My Lady helped my up and escorted me out of the Kitchens. She looked over her shoulder to her youngest son, and acknowledged him for the first time since coming here. "Rickon, my love, will you grab Ophelia's gift and follow us?"

"Yes mother!" Rickon beamed and hopped down from the counter. He grabbed the silver parcel (which was twice his size) and followed us to my room.

When we got there, My Lady put ointment on my hand and wrapped it up. "If somebody asks, just tell them you accidentally cut yourself while chopping something, alright?"

"Why?" I asked holding my bandaged hand to me.

My Lady gave me a sad sort of smile and said, "Just trust me on this." She spied my other hand, the one that was scarred because of my blood promises, and asked, "What happened with that hand?"

I gave her a sheepish look. "I accidentally cut myself." This was a lie, obviously, but she didn't need to know that.

My Lady pinched the bridge of her nose. She turned her head to my bird and joked with her. "Ethaesper, whatever will we do with her? Before we know it, she'll be unable to attend the party for she will be in a full body cast."

I giggled. "I do suppose I have a tendency for hurting myself, more than the average person."

"Rickon, bring the gift over please." My Lady's request caught Rickon's attention, who was flopped onto my bed, looking absolutely bored out of his mind. He jumped off and ran over to us, thrusting the box into my lap.

I ruffled his head and he let out a childish laugh. "Thank you, ."

I untied the thin silver rope and undid the wrapping carefully, hoping to save it for some other time. What? It was too beautiful to have it just be torn apart! I opened up the lid of the thick paper box and moved the wrapping paper out of the way.

To my surprise, there were three presents.

The first, was a small sealed tray with tray with seven tiny pouches in it. I opened up the tray and took out each pouch. I handed one to My Lady and we opened them. I immediately noticed the exotic smells coming from them. "This one is full of seeds." She exclaimed. I peered into mine. "This one too." I smelled it again and then I knew what they had sent. "They sent spice seeds, to plant!" My Lady grinned. "What an extravagant gift!" Within each pouch, there were seeds to plant cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, saffron, cloves, anise, and dragon peppers (which were not spices, but it was still thoughtful).

The second, was two long glass jars compacted with stuffed green olives in oil, each olive containing what looked to be cheese. I lifted one jar and noticed the small note underneath the bottles. I grabbed it.

It read:

Green olives stuffed with spiced goat cheese.

These were your father's favorites whenever he visited us.

Maybe they'll be yours too.

-O.

I handed a note to My Lady and she let out a gasp. "I should've known." She mumbled. She took the jar from hands and turned it over, gazing at it fondly.

"Sera would tell me how much Rowtag liked going to Dorne. He even travelled with Prince Oberyn for a while. It makes sense now as to why the Martells would take a keen interest in you."

I was astounded. "My father travelled with Prince Oberyn?"

She nodded, her eyes drifting to a far off place. "Oh yes... From what I can remember, I think they accidentally ran into each other in Volantis and ended up joining their travelling parties into one for several months. Eventually one wanted to go to the pleasure houses of Lys while the other wished to venture to Sothroyos, so they parted ways on good terms. He was in attendance at your parent's wedding."

"Oh." Was all I managed to say. I was speechless. So the 'O' on the card was Prince Oberyn? A Prince wrote me a card! "How very nice of him to remember something like that."

My Lady put the jar into the box and sighed. "Your father was a very well-liked man. He and your mother had friends everywhere. People don't make the best decisions though and it can cause others to think less of them, despite all the good they've done in their lives."

"And is that what happened? With my father?"

My Lady stayed quiet and fiddled with her fingers. Finally, after a brief moment, she responded with, "Yes. That's what happened."

I looked at the box of gifts and immediately felt insecure. "Do...do you think that if the Martells, or any of my father's former friends, met me...that they would be disappointed? I'm no great beauty like my mother nor am I as confident and adventure-seeking as my father. I'm just me...just...meh."

My Lady sighed before she gave me a reassuring smile. "You're not ordinary or meh. You are a unique person."

I nodded, not really believing her. I reached for the third gift: Three dark covered ceramic jars. I opened on and saw that it was powder for red paint. I opened the other two. Powders for yellow and blue paints.

I cocked my head to the side. "The Martells seem very generous, I'll have to write them a letter of gratitude."

My Lady looked around my room and noticed all the ingrediants for the baths that I was making for the brothel.

"What's going on over there?"

I shrugged. "Just experimenting."

"Huh." She wondered out loud, reaching for a ceramic jar.

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Later that evening, I was in the Wintertown brothel and three newly bathed prostitutes clothed in short brown robes were in front of me. I had sent a raven containing the baths ahead of time so Ros and her co-workers could bathe before I arrived. This was good, as it allowed me time to negotiate prices without having to wait for them to finish bathing.

Nadyea and I inspected each women by feeling their arms and necks, taking note of how much their skin improved, and smelling them, seeing which one had the nicest scent.

"I 'ave come to a conclusion for ya." I stood back as Nadyea sat behind her desk. She waved her hand, dismissing the other women. Ros shot me a worried look before leaving the room.

I sat down in front of Nadyea in the chair opposite of her, and crossed my arms in a business-like manner. "And this conclusion would be?"

"Sera...ya are a miracle worker. These baths are great. Yet I 'ave to take in economies. I'll take the milk mint bath and the chamomile lavender one. I want a dozen bottles of each in exchange fer-," Nadyea unlocked one of the drawers to her desk and pulled out a huge sack of coins,-"seven silver pieces for each dozen."

I felt my heart stop. "Seven silver pieces each? That's far too much! I'd be fine with just three."

Nadyea narrowed her green eyes at me. "Is this not the best?"

"I-uhh-what?"

She drummed her long nails on the table and said, "If ya want a lower price, that must mean it ain't the the best. I only want the best for my girls."

I scratched my arm in a nervous fret. "My baths are good...I guess. They're great-"

"Good." She retrieved seven silver pieces and reach over to grab my wrist. She turned my palm upwards and placed the coins in it. She closed my hands and waved me off. "I'll expect another batch by tomorrow, and ya will get the rest then. Understand?"

I faltered in my speech and bit my lip. "Ummm...Nadyea...I need to help at the castle with the party...would you mind if Ros could come pick it up and then give it to you?"

Nadyea thought it over for a second before she nodded. "Fine. But it better be ready by the time she arrives."

I deflated with relief. "Alright. Thank you."

I walked out into the hall where Ros was waiting for me. She pulled me into a corner.

"Well?" She asked, crossing her arms and looking around. "What did she say?"

I rubbed the back of my head and shifted from one foot to the other. "Fourteen silver pieces for two dozen bottles. I asked that you pick them up. This way, I can trust the person delivering them and also, you could pick out one of my dresses to wear for the party!"

Ros seemed to think it over before she nodded. "Alright. But when should I come by?"

"Tomorrow by noon."

Ros smiled. "I shall be there."

Once I left the brothel, and made my way back to Winterfell, I headed immediately for the Kitchens. I had a lot of work to do.

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Without Katherine to attend me, and me not going to bed until early the next morning, I woke up really late the next day. Personally, this was troubling because I've always been an early riser. But lately, with the event that happened with Jon, sleeping in seemed all too tempting.

There was a pounding at my door when I awoke. Startled, I jolted out of bed and fell onto the stone floor. Wincing as I got up, I walked over to the door and unlatched it. Opening it up, Ros was standing in front of my door, her travelling cloak's hood covering her bright red hair and beautiful face.

I gave her a wary smile and allowed her in, shutting the door behind her.

Yawning, I stretched my arms above me, popping my back, and scratched my arm. "So, I finished up the orders last night."

Ros pulled her hood back and smiled at me. "Good. I have one of the men from town helping me. He's letting me borrow his cart, you see."

I raised an eyebrow. "How did you manage that?"

Ros shrugged as her blue eyes inspected my room. "I let him have a free ride."

I scrunched my eyebrows in confusion and crossed my arms. "A free ride on wha-oh!" Blushing immensely, I cleared my throat and looked down at the floor. Rod giggled and unfastened her cloak, putting it on one of the chairs. I suddenly felt super nervous.

Asides from the boys, I never had a friend in my room before.

What if it was too messy?

What if she didn't like it?

I eyed my unmade bed and the untidy pile of books near my bed. I went over and started to fix my sheets in a nervous fret.

"I'm so sorry!' I apologized pulling off the blankets. "I am usually much cleaner than this. It's just with the Ball and the baths and everyone being sick I haven't had the time to tidy up."

Ros didn't repond to me, because she was enraptured by something else.

"What a magnificent creature!" She gushed. I turned to see Ros was standing in front of Ethaesper's cage, watching her sleep.

I smiled fondly at my companion and walked over next to the red-haired woman. "Her name is Ethaesper. I found her as a chick in the woods. Lately she's been growing and molting out of her baby fluff."

"Ethaesper." Rod repeated softly as she gazed lovingly at the bird. She turned to me and asked, "What kind of bird is she?"

I scratched my head. "I believe she's a cardinal. That's closest I can get to what she looks like. I mean, she's red and cardinals are red...so she must be one. That's what I think anyway."

Ros kept staring at my bird, a far off look in her eyes. Snapping my fingers, I remembered what else I had for Ros.

I pulled her by the hand and led her over to my chest of drawers. "Now I know I said that I would let you choose which dress you wanted to wear, but I saw this old one of my mother's and I knew it was for you."

Pulling out the dress that I found among most of my mother's, I presented it to my friend in pride.

The dress was made of fine flax linen and was dyed a vibrant blue. The sleeves were fitted, yet they also drapped down to the floor. It had golden embroidery on the neckline and hemline, as well as on the parts of the sleeves that were fitted. It has golden strings on the sides to adjust the fit of the dress, as well as on the back, and it was floor length. Asides from the glorious design of this gown, I chose it because I thought that the color would bring out Ros' beauty the best.

I laid it down in front of her on my bed.

She was quiet for a long-time.

Fearing the worst, my stomach dropped and I felt the sudden urge to scratch my arm. "If you don't like that one, I have others that you can look at." I offered.

Ros looked at me, her blue eyes shinning with happy tears as she grinned. "No! This is perfect. It's beautiful!"

I felt myself letting out a breath of relief and I smiled widely too. "Really? Do you mean that?""

She nodded, her red curls bouncing about. "Yes! You would really let me wear this?"

I nodded. "Of course I would. In fact, why don't you keep it?" I suggested, happy that she liked it.

Ros suddenly stopped smiling, her face becoming serious. "Ophelia, this was one of your mother's dresses. It wouldn't be right."

I shrugged as I went over to the bed and started to fold it up. "It would absolutely be right. I have too many dresses that were my mother's...more than I'm comfortable having. As long as you take care of it, I'm fine parting with it."

"You've already given me your red coat, I can't take this as well." Ros protested.

I gave Ros a pointed look and gestured to her ragged travelling cloak. "I have a new cloak, and you helped me when I was whipped. I meant what I said in my last letter. That coat is rightfully yours. Plus, I bet it is a good deal warmer than that old cloak of yours."

"Ophelia-" She said weakly. I stopped folding the dress and turned to my friend, taking her hands in my own. "Ros...I understand. It's too much...isn't it? All of these material possessions that I'm offering to you seem much too extravagant. Am I right?"

Ros nodded. I gave her an empathetic look and squeezed her hands tightly. "I labored as a servant, with barely anything to the name that I had no knowledge of even holding. Then one day, I have more things than I know what to do with and a useless family name. Having nice things doesn't make me happy, but being the cause of other people's happiness does. And if that doesn't suffice, think of it like this: I'm passing on a dress that I never use to someone I know who will use it well."

Ros still seemed hesitant, before she said, "If you're sure..."

I gave her a wide smile. "I am." Going to my bed to fold the dress, I looked back over my shoulder and told her, "Make haste and get your man. We need to get these out of here before anyone sees. Oh, and when you come back for the party, bring the rest of the coins. Alright?"

Ros went over to the table and put on her cloak. "Aye, I will." She left to go get her man to help. I took the dress and wrapped it up in some cloth, tying it tight with a ribbon. I put the bundle on top of the two stacked crates that were on my table.

I heard a knock and then My Lady's voice. "Ophelia? Are you up? You must come quickly, some of our guests are arriving."

Panicking, I grabbed a sheet of parchment and a quill, writing a quick apology to Ros and telling her that I'd see her at the party. Quickly stripping down to my chemise and stays, I let my hair down out of it's braided bun and put on my green dress, the one I wore when I ran off to the Wolfswood. I hastily laced it up tightly and pulled off my stockings.

Hearing My Lady knock again and ask, "Ophelia? Is everything alright?"

I tripped on my way to the water pitcher and basin on a drawer near the corner of my room. I quickly poured some water in the basin and put the pitcher on the floor. I opened the drawer and pulled out a washcloth, soaked it up, and cleaned off my face. "I'll be there momentarily!"

I grabbed two thick strands of hair and twisted them, tying them together in the back of my head. Quickly unlocking Ethaesper's cage, I put my arm out to her. She yawned. and stretched out her wings. Then she started to nibble under her wing.

"Oh for the love of pie!" I moaned. I grabbed her (which she sqwaked loudly at and bit my ear in vengeance) and sat her on my left shoulder.

"I know you're barely up, but if people want to meet me, they have to meet my family too. Alright?"

I swear Ethaesper rolled her eyes. She cooed melodiously in reluctant agreement.

I stroked her head gently and gave her a worm from her bowl. "Thank you for understanding, my friend." She took the worm and nuzzled the top of her head to my cheek.

I turned my face to the side and kissed the top of her head. Running over to the small bouquet of white wildflowers that was on the edge of the table, I plucked some and decorated the twists of my hair with them.

I went over to the door and swung it open. "I'm ready!"

My Lady eyed my appearance and sighed. She took my by my arm and said in an exasperated voice, "If we had more time, I would tell you that what you're wearing is inappropriate."

As we started to walk, I looked down at my dress and up at Ethaesper, I became confused. "I'm fully dressed though."

"You're not wearing shoes, your dress isn't the type you should be greeting fellow nobles in, and you have a bird in your shoulder."

I shrugged and then giggled as Ethaesper cooed again. "I won't pretend to be something that I am not."

We came to the main gate just in time to see some people ride in. Because they were coming for a party held in my honor, I got to stand next to the Starks for just this once. I was really giddy about this. I was placed between Lord Stark and Sansa.

Noticing the rider's holding peculiar banners, I tried to track my brain with the House that was entering Winterfell. Giving up, I leaned into Lord Stark and whispered, "My Lord, which House is arriving?"

He leaned in and whispered, "The Boltons of the Dreadfort."

Nodding, I stood up straight.

Time to act proper.

Behind all of the men, came two people, then a bunch more men.

First, there was an older man, with cold eyes and an imposing stature. His eyes studied the courtyard, and when they settled on me, I could feel the disdain of his critique on me.

Next came a strapping young man with shoulder length hair. From here, I could see his eyes matched his father's, however, they were pensive and kind.

They stopped their horses and unmounted them. The man walked over, taking off his leather riding gloves and shook Lord Stark's hand. "Ned." The man curtly greeted.

Lord Stark stared intensely at the man and gripped his hand tightly. "Roose."

The young man came up to Lord Stark and gave him a polite smile. The Lord stepped aside so his son could greet the Warden of the North. He shook his hand and said, "Lord Stark, it is an honor to meet you. Thank you for inviting us to the party."

Lord Stark gave the young man a small smile. "You must be Domeric. I've heard you're quite the rider."

Domeric stepped back and shook his head, his cheeks becoming a tinge of pink. "I wouldn't say that."

Lord Bolton, who had just greeted Rickon and My Lady turned to his son and said in a cold voice, "Don't be modest, son."

The Lord of the Dreadfort stood straight and looked at Lord Stark, as if he was challenging him in an unspoken way. "He's the best in the North, perhaps even in the Seven Kingdoms." Lord Bolton's eyes shifted around and he gave Lord Stark a false smile. "Where are your other children? I was hoping to meet your son. Jon isn't it?"

Everyone went silent and Domeric muttered a quiet, "Father please.."

The two Lords held a staring contest. Finally, Lord Stark gave Lord Bolton a courteous smile, stating, "My son Robb is off on a hunting trip with other able-bodied men and my other two children are ill and resting in their rooms."

I silently cheered on My Lord as he smoothly directed Lord Bolton's statement to another topic.

Roose rose an eyebrow and bowed his head. "My good wishes towards your children. I do hope they will feel better."

Lord Stark nodded. "Thank you." He looked at me and put his arm behind my back, nudging me forward. "May I present my ward, Lady Ophelia of House Pyralis?" I gave him my brightest smile.

I curtsied slowly and stood up.

Lord Bolton smirked as he stepped forward, taking my hand to kiss it. "I wasn't aware that any Pyralis' were left." I felt my smile falter and shivers go up my spine as his lips touched the skin of my hand. "Nonetheless, I am happy to see such a beautiful girl as you in the North." He took both of my hands and rubbed them tenderly. He gently turned them over inspecting them. "My...what rough hands you have. You must be a hard worker, though this one seems to have been injured." His thumb traced over my bandaged hand.

My palms started to sweat and I averted my eyes to the ground. I knew what he was insinuating. Ladies were supposed to have smooth soft hands, whereas I, a former serving girl, had rough hands.

I felt Ethaesper squawk and I pulled back from this guest, fearing what she would do to him if I did not step away. Lord Bolton examined my bird and I laughed nervously. "This is Ethaesper, my companion." The Lord of the Dreadfort stepped aside, ignoring Ethaesper. "May I introduce my son and sole heir, Domeric of House Bolton."

Domeric stepped forward and gave me a genuine smile. "I am pleased to meet you, Lady Pyralis." He kissed my hand and I felt a blush rising to my cheeks. "I am pleased to meet you as well!" Still holding my hand, the Bolton Heir curiously gazed at my bird. "What a beautiful creature. What species of bird is it?"

Taking my hand from his, I held out my arm and Ethaesper walked from my shoulder to my forearm. "I think she might be a cardinal, but I'm not entirely sure. I found her in the Wolfswood."

"May I?" Domeric asked, reaching out his hand. I nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Ethaesper loves people."

Domeric gently stroked the top of Ethaesper's head and then her neck. "She's a beauty."

I smiled agreeing with him.

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Once the Boltons were settled in, I went into my room to air out my gown for the ball. The crates were missing as was the bundle for Ros' dress. I was putting Ethaesper on my bed when I heard voices out in the hallway.

"She's quite the daft girl." The man's voice was deep and brooding. Their footsteps stopped right in front of my door, and I tip toed over to listen more.

Who was a daft girl?

"And nothing spectacular to look at either. It's damn shame considering how radiant Seraphine was." I felt dread knot in my stomach as another man started to speak. They were talking about me.

"She does take after her father though." This was a third man and his voice wasn't as nasty as the others.

"It doesn't matter who she takes after, she's a freak like the rest of her family. Thank the Gods they're dead." The second man stated in a calm gruff voice. I felt my breath hitch as I remembered how My Lady told me that my family wasn't the most popular among the other families in Westeros, even though they were vastly wealthy.

"Aye! Did you see her prouncing about shoeless with that thing on her shoulder?" The first man asked the other two.

"It's hard to believe that Lord Stark allows that behavior." The second voice said.

"Perhaps she's mad? After all, the Pyralis' did marry their own, and some were more aloof than others." This suggestion that I wasn't in my right mind came from the third voice and it made me frown. I wasn't crazy.

"Aloof?! Don't you mean batshit crazy? Those bird-hoarding peasant-loving cretins gave the Targaryens a run for their money. At least the Dragon Lords knew their worth and associated with their own kind. I remember attending a Ball at Highgarden when I was a young lad. All in attendance were simple farmers and miners, not a noble in sight!" The second voice was harsh and critical, spewing out hatred towards people who could no longer defend their name.

"I hope that's not the case for this party, or else we would have travelled all this way for nothing!" The first voice exclaimed with shock.

"I agree. Anyway, when I asked Rowtag's father about it, he said, 'We were servants once too. We're no higher or better than those who slave away in the mines or labor in the field's.' What horse shit." The second voice spat out.

"Let's hope Domeric is sensible enough to not actually take interest in this girl." The third voice was calm, and it sounded like he was adding onto the conversation so he would not be left out.

"Of course he wouldn't! With no dowry, a ruined family name, and the appearance of a goat-fucking hag, I doubt he'd marry her." I back away slowly, starting to feel self-conscious. I wasn't that bad looking...right?

Then I thought about the boy named Snow and how he didn't want to be with me...I touched my face and scrunched my eyebrows. Perhaps that was another reason he didn't want to be with me...I was a hag.

"Does Lord Stark really think that throwing some fancy party will be an incentive to marry that savage of his?"

Wait what?

My head snapped up and my mouth dropped open.

No, this was false information! This party wasn't for me to meet a suitor, it was for my nameday...right? At least, that's what Lord Stark and My Lady told me.

I shook my head. No, they had to be lying or maybe they had false information.

"I bet it was his Tully wife that conjured up this idea. I recall she was closer to Seraphine Pyralis than the moon is to the stars. They were a matching set. You never saw one without the other. Ned has never been fond of parties, so I bet it was her." The second voice deduced, his voice dripping with venom.

"What an idiot woman." Replied the first voice.

I clenched my fists.

How dare they?!

Those barbarians walk in Winterfell and insult the family that was showing them hospitality?

What was wrong with these people?!

I stayed in my room for the remainder of the night, unwilling to mingle with the Boltons or their men.

I (along with everyone else) took my supper in my room, since the Great Hall was strictly off limits until the night of the party. The next day, I kept up with avoiding everyone by keeping to the Kitchens to help prepare some of the desserts for the party. Even when more guests arrived, I didn't greet them.

If they wanted to meet a freak, they'd just have to wait for the party.

Whenever My Lady would come and try to find me, I hid in one of the cupboards. The Cook, who was borderline desperate for help, would lie for me and tell My Lady that I was somewhere else.

The Cook and I made custards, honey cakes, plum pies, persimmon pies, and lemon cakes. All of us helping out in the Kitchens took a break mid-day to eat lunch, then we went back to work.

I mean, there isn't much to say about this because who wants to hear about the entire process of how custard is made?

Before I left, the Cook sat near the fire with a pitchfork in hand.

"What are you doing?" I asked him.

"I need to keep the rats away."

"Rats?!" All these years, the Cook prided himself in having a rodent-less work area. Never once had there ever been an incident with a mouse or rat.

He let out a deep chuckle. "There's no need to fret, girl. The rats I'm talking about are the Bolton men. Just last night, I caught them trying to come into my kitchen to eat the food we've been preparing."

I gave him a grateful look and patted his shoulder. "Thank you!"

I went to bed that night, as tired as ever, hoping to get this event over and done with.

And when the horns rang loudly the next morning, signalling Robb's return, I dressed myself in a plain orange working dress and put on my apron.

After fixing my hair into a braided bun, I ran out to the Hunter's Gate where everyone was just riding in. It was early, the sun not even out yet, and it was really cold. When Robb rode in, he had a giant stag tied up and strewn across the back of his horse.

I clapped my hands and whistled. "That is a fine prize indeed!"

Robb halted his horse and jumped down, handing the reins to a stableboy. "Get that deer to the Kitchens right away and then put my horse in the stables. Be quick about it."

"Yes sir." Said the stableboy, leading the horse away.

Robb gave me a wide grin as he took my arm, leading me off. "We caught three deer, two dozen quail, and about eight rabbits."

I couldn't help myself. I hugged him tightly, jumping up and down with excitement. "Thank you! Thank you! You saved the party!" Robb's arms wrapped around me tightly as he chuckled. "It was your idea."

I pulled away and smiled. "But you did all the work."

"He did all the work?!" Theon came into view with a mocked hurt expression on his face. On his shoulder sat fourteen good sized fish. "I shot down those rabbits and even went fishing! And you give him a hug?" I giggled and kissed him on his temple.

Theon smirked triumphantly. "Now that's better." He walked past up with a skip in his step as he went to go give the fish to the Cook.

Then a great thud went behind me and I turned to see Jon, with a blank expression, as he laid a giant stag at my feet. "For your party." He mumbled.

Things suddenly got awkward as I felt tears prick my eyes seeing him and as Jon looked to the side.

Robb, who was once again witnessing us being...well us, cleared his throat. "Ophelia, is everything alright?"

"I-uhh-umm-yeah...it's that...Jon won't be allowed at the party and I want him to come." This was true, but I don't know why I blurted that out.

Robb seemed conflicted as he rubbed the back of his head. "I see...perhaps I should talk to Mother-"

"NO!" We both shouted, instantly blushing as everyone looked our way. Jon coughed into his hand and I fiddled with my dress.

"My Lady has much to worry about", I muttered quietly, my dark crimson eyes meeting Robb's Tully blue ones, "and we both know that she will say no...perhaps you can ask Lord Stark instead."

Robb seemed thoughtful. "Your logic is sound. Fine. I will talk to Father."

Jon shook his head and crossed his arms. "You'll do no such thing, Robb. I don't want to go."

Robb grinned and slapped his brother on the back. "And miss out on Ophelia's entrance into society? I think not. Besides-", Robb stepped away from Jon and pulled me close to him, twirling us about,"-I have spent weeks teaching her how to dance, and we'll finally get to see my mastery pay off stupendously!"

Robb dipped me and brought me back up, leaving me dizzy and frazzled.

"I hate dancing." Jon stated bluntly, his eyes narrowing.

Robb rolled his eyes and took his brother by the shoulder. "Come! I'll not let you miss another event, especially not one this important. We'll talk to Father at once."

Robb led Jon away as they went to go seek out Lord Stark.

I clenched my fists and pushed all thoughts of Jon out of my mind.

Noticing Hodor, I called out to him.

"Hodor, can you come over here and help me with this animal?" The gentle giant smiled at me brightly and responded with a "Hodor!"

"Thank you!" I told him as he lifted the deer onto his shoulders as if it was nothing.

I went into the Kitchens and helped skin the animals that Robb and them brought in.

I helped de-bone most of them and then I helped clean the fish Theon brought.

Throughout all of this, I kept hearing horns, signalling more and more guests.

By mid-day, the Cook dismissed me.

"Child, go clean up and get some rest. I can take care of the remainder of the food."

I looked around to see the other four people scurrying about, do many things at once.

"But you need me."

The Cook nodded and crossed his burly arms. "Aye, I do. But if I did not let you go now, Lady Stark would have my head served on a silver platter at the party."

I cleaned off my hands and put them on my hips. "Well, if you're positive that you don't need my help, then I will go."

The Cook gave me a rare smile and said, "Go on girl. Get your rest. You've earned it."

-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-

It was dark outside, the candles throughout the castle all lit to give everyone light.

As I stared at my reflection into the mirror, I felt dread in my stomach.

In just a moment, I would meet people.

Many, many, many people.

What if they didn't like me?

What if they thought of me the same way the Boltons did?

I clutched my mother's Eyefire necklace that was wrapped proudly around my neck.

My hair was done up into two seperate buns, held together with hairnets and the pearl pins I inherited. The rest of my hair was pulled back into an elaborate bun.

My shoes were made of soft velvet, as was my dress.

My dress, like most of the other items I wore on me, was my mother's. It was a soft grey, with the most beautiful embroidery on the neckline and hemline. It was adorned with beads that looked like pearls and translucent sleeves, buttoned up with the pearl-like beads.

I looked to my companion and gave her a soft smile. "Here we go, Ethaesper. There's no turning back now. Wish me luck!"

I wanted her to come, but since she didn't seem comfortable with Lord Bolton, I decided to keep her in my room. Who knew if the other Lord's would be as menacing as the one that came from the Dreadfort.

I sighed and opened the door, shutting it tight before I made my way to the Great Hall.

Behind it's closed doors, I heard many voices, laughter, and the sound of musicians playing their instruments.

I fiddled with my fingers, contemplating if I should go in.

"Are you ready, child?"

I turned to see Lord Stark next to me. He had his hair pulled back in a bun, his face shaven, and was wearing traditional Northwen garbs.

He was to escort me in, since I was his ward.

I scratched my arm and nodded.

Lord Stark gave me a sympathetic look and took my arm in his. "I was never one for parties either. But let's do our best to have a good time tonight, eh?"

I clutched his arm tightly and looked at him. "Lord Stark, I don't want to embarrass you or anyone. I'm worried that they won't like me or that they'll only see pitiful ruins of a once Great House. They'll only see ashes and a poor serving girl."

Lord Stark shook his head. "They won't see that."

I felt like crying I was so nervous. "How can you be so certain?" My voice was wobbly.

Lord Stark stared straight ahead as he simply answered, "Show them you have risen."

My legs felt like a beef aspect as Lord Stark knocked on the Great Hall's door three times.

"Here we go." Those the words in my mind that drifted in as the doors swung open.

We began to move forwards into the brightly lit room.

Time for the party to begin.

Next Chapter: The Party: Part Two! Plus, Ophelia meets several...interesting... people. Thank you so much to those who reviewed! If we could get this up to 91 reviews, I'd be so happy!