COMPANION

fresh out the slammer

Winterfell stood tall and proud, its ancient walls bearing witness to the countless stories of the North. Among these tales was that of Brandon Stark, the Builder, known for his strength, wisdom, and unmatched skill in constructing the great fortresses of the North. But for all his renown, there was a softer tale yet to be told—one of love and devotion.

Agnes Blackwood was a lady of the Riverlands, her family tracing their lineage back to the First Men. She was not the kind of beauty that bards sang of; her charm lay in her warmth, her quiet strength, and her deep, soulful eyes that spoke of kindness and understanding. It was said that when Brandon Stark first laid eyes on her, he saw not just a woman, but the very soul of the land he cherished.

-

The feast at Winterfell was in full swing, the great hall filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking goblets. Brandon Stark, standing tall and broad-shouldered, scanned the room, his eyes finally resting on a figure by the hearth. Agnes Blackwood, unremarkable to some, but to Brandon, she was a vision. As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them. In that moment, amidst the revelry, a seed of love was planted.

-

Days turned into weeks, and Brandon found himself drawn to Agnes's quiet grace. They walked the grounds of Winterfell, spoke of dreams and fears, and shared moments that seemed suspended in time. Agnes's kindness was like a balm to Brandon's often weary soul, her laughter a melody that lingered long after she had left his side.

The people of Winterfell began to take notice, whispering among themselves. "She is kind, yes, but not fitting for the great Brandon Stark," they murmured. "He deserves a queen, a beauty that matches his legacy."

-

Brandon's anger simmered beneath his calm exterior. How could they not see what he saw? Agnes was not just pretty; she was a gem, more precious than any other. It pained him to hear her compared to coal, when to him, she was the rarest of jewels. Agnes, too, felt the sting of their words. Though she was inherently kind, the doubt began to gnaw at her. Did she truly deserve the love of a man like Brandon?

-

The breaking point came at a gathering in the great hall. Whispers and sideways glances reached Brandon's ears, and he could bear it no longer. Rising from his seat, he silenced the room with his presence.

"Enough," he declared, his voice firm and resonant. "You speak of Agnes as if you know her, but you see only with your eyes. She is the heart of Winterfell, the kindness and strength that our land needs. You compare her to coal, but to me, she is the rarest of gems, shining brighter than any other."

His words hung in the air, a challenge and a declaration. The room was silent, the people chastened. Brandon's love for Agnes was undeniable, and slowly, they began to see her through his eyes.

-

As the seasons changed, so did the hearts of the people. Agnes, once seen as unremarkable, was now revered for her inner beauty and the love she shared with Brandon. Together, they became a beacon of hope and strength for the North.

In the years that followed, their love only grew, a testament to the power of seeing beyond the surface. And as Winterfell stood strong, so did the bond between Brandon and Agnes—a love story that would be told for generations to come.