Alysanne followed Lady Catelyn through the halls of Winterfell and struggled to keep up with her long strides. Lady Catelyn was taller than her with longer legs, and Alysanne felt as though she had to take two steps for her every one. Rickon trailed after her, struggling to keep up with the both of them. The halls seemed much quieter now and Alys didn't know if that comforted or disconcerted her. Winterfell had never been as busy as the Red Keep or Casterly Rock, but even before the King had visited it was never this quiet. It seemed that half of Winterfell had left with Lord Stark.
Alys' responsibilities as the future Lady of Winterfell seemed to have increased tenfold in the time since her good-father had departed for the south, and she couldn't help but feel as though she were drowning. There were food stores to balance and replenish, as the King's visit had left its mark. It seemed that all the northern lords had descended on Winterfell for her wedding and the King's visit and half the court had made the journey with the King. It was no small feat to feed that many people and the accounts would need to be adjusted and plans made to prepare for winter. There was also the coin to account for. Wedding's and feasts were not free, nor were they cheap.
On top of that, there were staff and guardsmen to replace and new appointments to be made: Vayon Poole had journeyed south, as had Jory Cassel, the captain of guards, and Hullen, the master of horse. Septa Mordane and Septa Elswyth had both gone south as well, but for different reasons. Septa Mordane had gone to accompany Sansa and Arya and Septa Elswyth, her own Septa, had been dismissed as married women no longer had any need for a septa. Most of the appointments were to be Robbs responsibility, Lady Catelyn had said, but she had also said it was important for Alys to understand the roles that everyone played, that it was important for her to know each and every member of her household. Besides, Robb had asked for her input, and she could deny him nothing.
Aside from the appointments, Lady Catelyn had also placed on her the responsibility of choosing which northern ladies would be her ladies-in-waiting. A task that should have been simple, but was wrought with political implications and consequences. Whoever said that northerners do not play at politics must have never traveled north. There was no shortage of ladies she could choose from, and strictly speaking she could invite southron ladies, but Lady Catelyn had explained to her the folly in that. Choosing a southron lady over one from a northern house 2ould be seen as a slight, or 2ould give the impression that she thought the south above the north. Alys felt rather foolish for not realizing that from the start. She had to choose carefully, as to not show preference to one house over the other, but to also make sure to reward houses that had been loyal to House Stark.
She had narrowed down her list extensively, but she had yet to finalize her choices and Robb had been no help at all. One of the Manderly girls would be a smart choice, as would one of the Mormont daughters. Lady Catelyn had also suggested Alys Karstark or one of Lord Umber's daughters, or perhaps even Eddara Tallhart. Alysanne had already decided on one, however. Little Beth Cassel, as she knew her well and didn't want her to be lonely now that Sansa, Arya, and Jeyne had left. House Cassel had loyally served House Stark, and Alysanne was of a mind to make Beth a good marriage as a reward. Although she isn't so little anymore, I suppose. None of us are, she thought, as a wave of nostalgia and a longing for childhood overtook her for a moment.
If Alysanne was struggling, she couldn't imagine the pressure Robb was under. She at least had the guidance of Lady Catelyn, but Robb was learning as he went. His mother had taken on some of the duties for him, but there was only so much she could take on on top of her own and instructing Alys. In the few weeks since Lord Eddard had departed, Alysanne had hardly seen Robb outside of their bedchambers. Even then they hardly conversed, both too tired from the day to keep their eyes open long. At least Jon stayed to help him, Alys thought, grateful that her efforts had paid off in that regard.
Convincing Jon to stay had been no easy task. Alys had spent the weeks prior to his departure trying to talk him into staying. Jon had mostly ignored her, all but refusing to hear her out. It had infuriated her to no end. Alysanne hated nothing more than being pushed aside and ignored, and with how busy she had been leading up to the King's visit and her wedding, she hadn't had the time to force him to listen to her.
However her patience paid off, and she'd finally got her chance as he was set to leave. She'd cornered him as he was readying his horse. "Jon, please! Just listen to me for a moment!"
He sighed and turned away from her to adjust the saddle on his horse. "We've talked about this, Alys. I'm going."
"No, we haven't. You ignore me whenever I bring it up," she replied.
"Exactly, because nothing you say will change my mind." Alys fought the urge to cross her arms and stomp her foot like a child.
Instead she straightened her spine and held her head high. "Fine. Then consider your staying a wedding gift. For me."
He turned back to her and tilted his head. "I gave you a gift already. The dagger." Shit. I'd forgotten about the dagger.
Alysanne sighed. "Then for Robb. Do it as a gift for Robb."
His lips quirked upward in amusement. "I already got him a gift as well, a sword. Remember?"
Frustration caused her chest to tighten. "The wall is no place for you, Jon! Your place is here, in Winterfell!"
He raised his arms in frustration as he began to speak."Is that so? Tell me, Alysane, what is there for me here? I'll spend my life serving either you or Robb and living with scorn from Lady Stark. Is that what you want for me? At least on the Wall they won't care that I'm a Snow. I can make a name for myself that doesn't rest on being Ned Stark's bastard!" He said the last bit in one breath, his face growing redder with anger and the lack of air.
Alysanne pressed her lips together in a thin line as he spoke. "Come now, Jon. We aren't children anymore."
Jon crossed his arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I mean, that the Wall is no place for you. Who do you think mans the Wall? It's full of thieves and rapers and murderers that chose the Black over death and I won't see you rot up there!" Jon's shoulders slumped, and Alys began to feel sorry for him. He truly thinks he has no other choice.
He looked away from her, down towards his feet. "Then tell me true, Alys, what am I to do? What other option do I have? Don't lie to me and tell me that I'm welcome here, we both know how Lady Catelyn feels," he said, voice dejected. She couldn't argue his last point. As she had grown older, the more Alysanne had noticed the way Jon was treated. It was difficult for her to understand just how the warm, kind woman who had acted as her mother could be so cold to Jon.
"I already told you, Jon. Stay here," his eyes flashed and he went to interrupt her but she held up a hand. "What Lady Stark thinks doesn't matter. Your father still lives and will for some time, and Robb is Lord of Winterfell in his place. Neither will send you from here. And you know well that I would never ask you to serve us. Perhaps when Robb is Lord of Winterfell for true he can grant you a keep of your own." Jon only sighed and gave her a pitying look.
"That doesn't change the fact that I'll still be a bastard in the eyes of everyone. You give me a keep, what then? Who will marry a bastard? This isn't Dorne. My name won't matter on the wall."
Alysanne felt frustration bubble in her chest. What doesn't he understand? The wall is full of common criminals, it's no place for him. "You're a fool if you think they won't scorn you there as well. If not for being a bastard, then for being the son of a lord. Lord Stark has sent many men to the wall," she said sternly.
Jon clenched his fists. "You won't change my mind, Alys. I don't know how many ways I can say that."
"Fine," she bit out. "If you so insist on being a fool, then at least stay for now. The Wall will remain standing for years to come."
Jon rolled his eyes. "And why would I do that?" he asked, voice bordering on mocking.
Alysanne looked at him imploringly. "Because Robb needs you! He'll need help with his duties, who else can he turn to?" she pleaded.
Jon frowned. "Theon isn't leaving, he'll still be here."
"Exactly why he needs you to stay!" Alys answered.
Jon gave her another pitying look, and she liked it not. "I'm sorry, Alys. Uncle Benjen is leaving today and I mean to travel with him."
Alysanne did stomp her foot that time. "Damn you, Jon Snow!" he laughed, and she stabbed her finger towards him. "Why do you insist on being such a selfish fool?" His laughter cut off, and she continued. "Robb is your brother and you're his closest friend and you're abandoning him! He trusts you more than anyone and he needs you here, not rotting away at the edge of the world with common criminals!"
He gaped at her, shaking his head before speaking again. "Do you truly believe I'm abandoning him? Does Robb think that?"
I should not have said that, Jon is the last person to abandon any of us. "Of course not, Jon. I should not have said that. Forgive me," she said.
He sighed, turning to look at his Uncle before turning back to her. "There's nothing to forgive," he gave her a wan smile.
She shook her head, not satisfied with his answer. "No, it was cruel of me, and untrue. I let my anger get the better of me."
He snorted. "That's not a new development, now is it?" She lightly shoved his shoulder and he chuckled softly and shoved her back. "But gods you're relentless! I pity Robb. Perhaps I should stay to protect him from you," he said jokingly, a hint of laughter still in his voice.
Her eyes lit up and a smile broke out on her face. "So you'll stay then?"
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Aye, if it truly means that much to you I'll stay. For now."
She leapt forward and hugged him. "Thank you, Jon. Truly." He hugged her back before stepping away.
"Aye. I'll go tell Uncle Benjen and father that I'm staying."
Alysanne had been so relieved. Her father and grandfather were returning to King's Landing, as were her good-father and Sansa and Arya and Bran. Over half her family, gone overnight. I couldn't bear it if Jon left too. Although Alysanne couldn't say she was especially aggrieved over her dear grandfather's departure. She had managed to avoid him for the majority of her visit, but one couldn't avoid him forever. He'd insisted on a private dinner with her one evening, and unable to find an adequate reason to refuse him, Alysanne had accepted. Their conversation that night had been horribly awkward, and in Alys' opinion, ill-suited for dinner.
"You're married now, and I assume you know your duties," he had said, not even waiting for the servants to bring their meal before he started.
"Yes," she had replied, nonchalantly, "sit at Robb's side and give him counsel, run the keep, the like," she said, taking a sip of her wine.
"And producing heirs," her grandfather had said without preamble, causing her to nearly choke on her wine.
"Grandfather!" she had implored, blushing furiously. That hadn't dissuaded him. He had gone on about the importance of her giving Robb a son, so that the "Lannister foothold in the north would be cemented." He didn't stop there. Her grandfather continued on about a second son to come south, an heir for Casterly Rock, for him. No child of mine will go south without me, and I do not intend to return there, she argued, but not aloud. She knew that would only anger Tywin, and she had no desire to fight with him so close to his departure. So she'd only smiled and nodded, saving the argument for a different day.
Lady Catelyn swept into her solar and took a seat at her desk, Alysanne right behind her. She was glad to take a seat across from her, bordering on winded from their walk here. Rickon took the seat beside her, swinging his legs, as his feet did not quite reach the floor yet. Lady Catelyn shuffled through the parchment on her desk, not looking up as she spoke. "Have you given any more thought to your ladies?"
"I've reached a decision on one," Alys answered. Lady Catelyn stilled her hands and set her parchment down, looking up at her impatiently.
"Only the one? I had hoped to send the ravens out today," her tone was bordering on sharp, and it set Alysanne on edge.
"Well, Beth Cassel to start," Lady Catelyn pursed her lips but gave a curt nod, gesturing for Alysanne to continue. "Jorelle Mormont, I believe you said she was of an age with me. Eddara Tallhart, perhaps. And I had thought to ask one of the Manderly daughters,"
Lady Catelyn had since returned her attention to the parchment in front of her. "Hm. Best to ask for the younger Manderly girl. I've no issue with the rest."
Alysanne nodded. "Very well. Those are my choices, then." Alysanne waited for Lady Catelyn to reply, but she made no move to. "Perhaps...I could send the ravens out?" she offered.
Lady Catelyn gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Very well. You may go." Alysanne got up and gave a curtsey that Lady Catelyn did not acknowledge, Rickon choosing to remain with his mother. Have I done something to offend her? Is she cross with me? Alysanne worried, concerned that she had done something to upset her good-mother. She tried to put those thoughts out of her mind. She has much on her plate, and she misses her husband and daughters. That's all.
Alysanne rushed to the Maester's tower to send off the ravens. Three ravens flew from Winterfell that day: one to Lady Mormont in Bear Island, one to Lord Tallhart in Torrehn's Square, one to Lord Manderly in White Harbor, and one more sealed but not sent, addressed to Ser Rodrick, which she would hand deliver. She left to go track down Ser Rodrick, excitement bubbling in her chest, the flap of a raven landing in the tower behind her. It had been so quiet now that Sansa and Arya and Jeyne had gone, and she felt quite lost without them. She liked Beth, but it wasn't the same without the others.
Saying goodbye to Sansa had been perhaps the hardest part about the day everyone left. Sansa had been her constant companion for nearly twelve years now, and Alys so loathed to send her sister-in-all-but-blood to King's Landing of all places. She hadn't been gone but a full moon yet and already she worried. She and Sansa had only been parted but once since Alys had arrived, and that had been when she went to visit the Red Keep. Alys had only been gone four moons, but at four-and-ten it had felt an eternity. It felt like that again. Neither girl knew when they would see eachother again, if it would be moons or years, at Winterfell or another southron keep. Letters were well and good, but nothing could compare to the lazy afternoons spent gossiping and giggling and embroidering.
Arya had left a hole as well. Beth had no desire to learn the sword, and Alys was left with Robb or Jon to spar with. She didn't mind it, except for they were leagues better than her and she always ended up on the ground. The other guardsmen hardly accepted her challenge, and when they did they held back. Alysanne found Arya more of an even match, even if she was slowly starting to surpass her in skill-level as well. Aside from a partner to practice swordplay with, Arya always knew how to cure her boredom or make her laugh on dull days.
That wasn't to say that she didn't enjoy Beth's company. Alys had just always been closer to Sansa, and Beth to Jeyne. She was only a few years younger than Alys, of an age with Arya, and so she had hope that perhaps they would continue to grow closer. Beth was sweet and kind and so very pretty with her curly hair and freckled face, but ever so shy and withdrawn when in unfamiliar company. She has a wicked sense of humour, she often had us in near tears when it was just her, Sansa, Jeyne, Arya, and I, Alys thought, smiling to herself at the memories. It would be good to have other ladies around again, and she hoped that Beth would eventually feel comfortable with them too.
Alysanne made her way down to the training yard, where she knew she would find Ser Rodrick. He was often there when Alysanne would come to fetch Ser Addam for a stroll through the gardens or the midday meal, as Ser Addam had taken to assisting Ser Rodrick. He wouldn't object to her offer, she was sure, but it would be wrong of her to go straight to Beth without first approaching her father. She stood to the side, watching Ser Rodrick run through drills with the new guardsmen. It was a moment before she was noticed, both Ser Rodrick and Jon busy with their tasks. Jon had charge of another group, and Alys was pleased that Ser Rodrick had given him that responsibility. He was so worried about being made a stablehand or the likes. Instead Robb had kept him by his side, steadfast in his need for his brother. Robb couldn't be everywhere at once, afterall. He couldn't very well oversee the training of new guardsmen as well as make new appointments and fix the accounts. Robb had set about delegating some tasks to Jon, much to his mother's disapproval.
Ser Rodrick noticed her first, giving a short bow of his head. "Lady Alysanne."
"Ser Rodrick," she smiled at him. "How are our new guardsmen?"
"They're well, my lady. If you're here for Ser Addam, I'm afraid he'll be a moment."
"That's quite alright. I'd hoped to have a word with you."
His eyebrows flicked up in surprise and he turned to the men behind him, motioning for them to continue what she had interrupted before walking to join her on the side of the yard. "What may I do for you, my lady?"
She handed him the sealed envelope. "I'd hoped to discuss a matter regarding Beth, Ser Rodrick," his face grew concerned, and she hurried to put him at ease, "there is nothing wrong, quite the opposite in fact," she gestured to the letter in his hand. "I had hoped you would allow me to take on Beth as one of my ladies. She's been a dear friend to me since my arrival, and your family has long been loyal to the Starks."
Ser Rodrick broke the seal on the letter and ran his eyes over it, a smile breaking across his face. "Beth will be well pleased, my lady. You honor us," he said, dipping his head again.
"The honor is mine, Ser. Would you happen to know where Beth is? I would like to tell her, if you have no objection."
"No objection, my lady. I believe she took her midday meal in her room. She may still be there."
Alysanne gave her thanks to Ser Rodrick and made her way to her friends rooms, excited now that there were no obstacles in her way. She knocked on the door and waited patiently, hoping Beth was still there.
Beth answered the door and Alys beamed at her. Beth held the door open for her. "My lady," she greeted.
Alysanne swept into the room. "Beth! I've news for you!"
Beth looked at her quizzically. "News?"
"Yes!" Alys stood in the center of her room, and Beth closed the door and turned to face her. "I've reached a decision on who I shall ask to be my ladies."
Beth tilted her head in confusion. "And you've come all this way to tell me?"
"Sweet Beth," Alysanne approached her and grabbed her hands."I've talked to your father, and if you wish, you'll be one of them."
A smile broke out across her face, a smile that spread to Alysanne. "Truly?"
Alysanne nodded. "Join me in the glass gardens? I'll share with you who else I've invited."
They made their way out of the keep and to the gardens, finding a place amongst the flowers and herbs. They had brought with them their needlework, and it almost felt as though things were back to normal. Aside from the absence of Sansa and Jeyne, Alys lamented. She put her sorrows from her mind and did her best to enjoy the time she did have, and the friend still in her company. Beth had met Eddara Tallhart once, when she came to visit with her father. Alysanne had met her as well, and had thought Eddara sweet and well mannered. Beth had a different opinion, and remembered her as being a bit haughty. Perhaps it is only because Beth is younger, Alysanne hoped. Beth had never had the chance to meet any of the other ladies, and thus had no opinion on the matter.
They spent the rest of the afternoon that way, Alysanne enjoying the time away from her duties. It did not last long, however, as all too soon she heard the crunch of footsteps approaching. She and Beth both looked up upon hearing Grey Wind approach, and Alysanne suspected that Robb would not be far behind.
Beth tensed up as Grey Wind walked closer, but Alys only put her hand out. The direwolf pressed the side of his head into her hand, and she giggled as she scratched behind his ear. Beth only looked at her, eyes wide. "Come now, Beth. He's harmless," Alysanne said, placing a kiss on Grey Wind's large head. Beth only looked at her in disbelief.
As if sensing her fear, Grey Wind turned his head to Beth and walked closer to her, sitting down at her feet. He was still young, but by no means small. Sitting down, the wolf almost met Alysanne eye-to-eye. And he still has more to grow, Alysanne thought, a chill running down her spine. Beth tentatively reached a hand out to scratch behind Grey Wind's ear as Alys had, and when the wolf leaned into her hand she let out a breath. Grey Wind follows me as often as Robb, it wouldn't do for my ladies to be fearful of him.
Alysanne's suspicion was proven correct when Robb turned the corner, walking to them. Alys smiled at him but he only grimaced back. Something has happened, she worried. He stood tense before them, hands folded behind his back. "Lady Beth, I apologize, but I'm afraid I must steal my wife from you."
Beth stood and curtseyed, bidding both Alys and Robb farewell before heading off towards the side of the keep where her family was housed. Alysanne looked at Robb, a frown on her face. "What's wrong? What's happened?"
He extended a hand out to her to help her up. "Mother received a raven, from her sister. A matter of some importance." Alysanne accepted his help and gathered her things, suppressing a sigh. I was so enjoying an evening of peace. They made their way out of the gardens together, letting the silence envelope them.
Jon was waiting for them outside the glass gardens, and together the three of them make their way to Lady Catelyn's solar. Alysanne didn't like the tension that filled the air, finding it stifling. It set her on edge, and reminded her too much of what the Red Keep was like.
She went to turn towards the keep, but instead Robb and Jon continued towards the Godswood. "Where are you going?" she questioned.
"We're to meet in the godswood. More private, mother said," Robb explained. Alysanne frowned, wondering what could be so sensitive that her solar wasn't adequate.
They arrived at the clearing in front of the heart tree, Lady Catelyn, Ser Rodrick, and Maester Luwin having already arrived. Lady Catelyn looked up upon their arrival, and her face soured upon seeing Jon. "I told you only to bring Alysanne," she said.
"Jon is my brother. I need him here," Robb defended. Jon stood quietly behind him, eyes downcast. Alysanne met his eyes and gave him a sympathetic look.
Lady Catelyn didn't reply, and instead turned to the others present. "I received a raven today, from my sister, Lysa Arryn." The hand's wife, Alysanne remembered. Or former hand, I suppose.
"How does she fair? With Lord Arryn's passing," Alysanne asked. Alysanne had only met Lady Arryn briefly while she was in King's Landing, and her son Robert she had seen only in passing. Still, Lady Arryn had been kind enough to her, if a bit uptight and overprotective of her son.
"Not well, I'm afraid. This letter was about his death," Lady Catelyn pulled the letter from a pocket. "She claims that the Lannisters had him murdered."
Alysanne's blood ran cold and her heart lurched. Surely not? What reason would my grandfather have to kill him? Robb placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, attempting to meet her eyes. Alysanne kept them forward.
"My lady, forgive me, but why does she send this letter now? Why not when the King was here, or sooner even?" Ser Rodrick asked.
"She had her suspicions, and wanted to wait until the Lannisters were out of the way to confirm them," Alysanne's blood runs colder still at the mention of Lord Baelish. He had been kind to her, almost too kind, and something about him had set her on edge. Then again, most of the lords in King's Landing set her on edge.
"Can we trust this Lord Baelish?" Maester Luwin asked, eyebrows furrowed in concern.
Lady Catelyn nodded. "He was a dear friend growing up. He would never lead me astray." Alysanne wanted to disagree and share her misgivings, but said nothing. Lady Catelyn knows him better. I only met him the once.
"And?" Alysanne's voice was soft, and they focused their attention towards her. Robb's hand tightened on her shoulder. "What did they find? Does it say why my grandfather had him killed?"
Lady Catelyn shook her head. "The letter does not mention why, but it does mention who. It wasn't your grandfather, dear child. It was the queen," Lady Catelyn's eyes hardened. "The queen… and your father."