WARS TO COME, game of thrones

𝐗. feast

𝟐𝟖𝟏 𝐀𝐂

Anrir had already been in Harrenhal for a few days, but tonight, after the extravagant opening ceremony, the banquet was to take place in the Great Hall of Harrenhal. And Eddard and Robert would be arriving, he had last seen them in winter with Ned's family.

A couple of maids prepared him for the feast, combed his black curls and dressed him in the colors of House Arryn; blue and white. The blue in particular didn't really suit him and the white made him look sickly pale - he hoped he still looked attractive. Fortunately, the two colors were only found in elaborate embroidery on the collar and sleeves of his clothes. "Thank you," he said quietly to the maids, who silently disappeared again. His heart was beating excitedly and he ran quickly to his father's chambers, waiting until he was finally ready to go. His father's heir, Elbert, was also waiting, greeting Anrir with a slight inclination of his head, but otherwise silence.

"The colors suit you," his father greeted him with a benevolent smile when he finally stepped outside. Anrir thanked him politely, but was still jittery on his feet when the three of them set off. "I'm just looking forward to seeing my friends," Anrir explained when his father gave him a questioning look. "You'll have to calm down. I'm glad that you boys get on so well. But you're no longer a child, you're a man and today you're the figurehead of your house," he reprimanded Anrir and gave him a quick squeeze on the shoulder. "Of course, father. I'm sorry," he said obediently. His father gave him a slight smile and Anrir had to stifle his grin. He would see Eddard again soon, finally.

The great hall was already filled with guests and Anrir quickly recognized the banners of the Starks and Baratheons. What surprised him most, however, was that he was also recognized; a few lords congratulated him on his knighthood and his father on becoming such a decent man. Anrir, who wore Beast decoratively on his belt, thanked them politely and with appropriate restraint each time. Just as a young nobleman from the House of Dorne was about to approach him, Anrir suddenly found himself in a tight embrace; strong arms took him in a headlock and rubbed him through the hair. He didn't have to think twice to recognize Rob. "Damn..." Anrir groaned as he finally broke free of the hold and looked into Rob's grinning face.

Rob had grown into an undoubtedly handsome man; tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and beard and an angular face. "You've got a lot to learn to be a knight, Anrir," grinned Rob, receiving a punch to the upper arm in return. "Watch your mouth, I'm armed," he taunted, but grinning just as much. His father and Elbert had moved away, so he relaxed a little. "Have you seen the Starks yet?" Anrir asked curiously and Rob shook his head. "No, and if you had, you'd probably find me with them." Anrir grinned amusedly.

From somewhere in the hall, a characteristic, loud laugh suddenly rang out and Anrir smirked. "Brandon," he realized and Rob followed him in the direction of the wolf pack. The whole Stark family was present, but the first he recognized was Brandon and Lyanna. Lyanna was wearing a beautiful gray dress and her hair was pinned up, her gray eyes sparkling like stars. Anrir could easily imagine that Rob was probably going mad with lust for Lyanna, to whom he had finally been betrothed a few months ago. But Anrir only had eyes for someone else - at least he was still busy looking for that someone, while he first politely greeted Lord and Lady Stark and then Brandon in the usual brotherly, friendly way. He wanted to kiss Lyanna's hand, but she hugged him fiercely and Anrir had to laugh. "You just want to make the other men here jealous," he grinned, Lyanna grimaced. "Quite possibly... A lady keeps quiet and enjoys herself," she giggled and looked as if she wanted to say something else, but Anrir left her standing there when he saw that Benjen and - finally - Ned were coming towards them.