Game of Thrones - The Rose of Winterfell

Tournament for the Hand of the King

The evening and the month that led up to the tourney to honor our Father, Lord Eddard Stark, and his appointment to Hand of the King rushed by. The evening before the tourney, I was dining with my family when Lehna approached to assist Arya in pouring her juice. I lifted my gaze from my plate to find Sansa glaring at Lehna. "Why is she and the other girl still in your service, sister." "Lehna and Taria are still in my service because I do not believe they were at fault for what transpired with Ser Moore." Sansa blinked as Septa huffed before saying, "she hit a member of the Kingsguard, and you..." Interrupting her, I boldly declared, "if you had arrived earlier, you would have heard the page boy and Ser Moore call them whores when they simply asked the page boy to cease delivering them a vase of flowers to bring to my chambers."

Septa blinked, surprised by my reply. "Ilyanna, I have spoken with Ser Selmy regarding the words his knights spoke. He agrees that regardless of the woman's station, she should not be subjected to such words." Grateful, I uttered, "thank you, Papa." Nodding, he resumed eating when Arya quietly asked, "you punched him?" Lehna nodded before saying, "I would have done more if Taria had not pulled me away. Though I believe she may have kicked him." With Arya's bright smile, I nearly laughed when Sansa asked, "what of the tourney tomorrow? Surely they will not..." I glared at Sansa until she huffed, annoyed. "Lehan and Taria may join us if that is their wish." She rolled her eyes.

"I expect the two of you to listen to Septa and Ilyanna when you visit the tourney tomorrow." Sansa opened her mouth to reply when he uttered, "I will join you once I have concluded my duties." "Of course, Father, you have my assurance that the three of us will behave accordingly." Nodding, he resumed eating as I glanced at my sisters. "I will have Lehna and Taria wake each of you up once they have assisted me in preparing for the day." Both of them nodded as we resumed eating.

We finished eating and eventually retired to my room, where another vase of Winter Roses sat amongst the letters I had recently received from Robb. Ignoring the blooms, I unrolled the note Robb sent and read, "I hope by the time this reaches you, Father has already informed you, Sansa, and Arya that Bran has woken. While Maester Luwin believes it is a blessing from the Gods that he does not remember anything. Ilya, I find it unsettling." Holding the letter, I lowered myself into the chair beside my desk. As I sat, I read about the well-being of the house that remained behind in Winterfell. But I could not ignore the growing concern as I read, "keep safe, my twin. Do not trust anyone's counsel but Fathers, for I fear that snakes may lurk in every corner to do you harm."

Breathing out, I stood and walked over to one of my trunks. Lifting the lid, I removed one of the books. Shifting my weight, I sat down beside the trunk and opened it. Flipping through the pages, I sat it among the other letters nestled between the tale of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Closing the book, I sat up on my knees and placed the book back inside. Reaching out, I grabbed the lid and latched the chest close. Placing my hands on it, I stood and turned to leave when I felt a draught. Turning, I moved to source it out when I heard yelling followed by a door slamming close. Groaning, I breathed in and out before leaving my room to see what my sisters had done.

After moderating a fight between Sansa and Arya, I gently reminded Arya that she could not wear trousers tomorrow. She huffed and stomped away, allowing me to retire to my room. Entering my room, I changed out of my day dress and into a simple sleep gown of ivory fabric with assistance from Lehna. Taria pulled back the blankets covering my bed. Ready, I swiftly braided my hair back and tied it off before climbing into bed. Scooting down, I pulled the blankets over my body and blew out the candle as Lehna and Taria retired with soft goodnights. Laying my head down, I breathed out and prayed for the tourney to pass swiftly with no issues.

When I woke the following morning, Lehna opened the curtains while Taria tended to the fire. Stretching, I sat up as they offered gentle smiles. "How early is it?" Lehna uttered, "the sun has just started to rise over the Great Sept of Baelor." Nodding, I pushed the blankets aside and slipped out of bed to prepare for the day when I spied the vase of Winter Roses. Annoyed, I walked over and picked up the vase. Turning, I walked over to the window and opened it. "My Lady, what are you..." Before Lehna could stop me, I held the vase out the window and tipped it over, allowing gravity to take hold. Pleased, I pulled the vase back inside and closed the window. Pivoting, I set the vase down and sat down at my vanity. "Do you feel better?" I glanced at Taria and nodded. "Yes, I believe I do. Shall we start?" Lehna approached and picked up my comb while Taria turned to my wardrobe to select a gown for me to wear.