The Forgotten Visenya (HOTD)(GOT)(Cregan Stark)

An Arrow or a Sword

The chill of Winterfell was sharper than Visenya had anticipated, its bite cutting through even the thickest of furs. She wrapped her cloak tighter around her shoulders as she walked through the grand halls of the castle, her breath forming clouds in the cold air. The ancient stone walls and flickering torches cast long shadows, creating an atmosphere that was both intimidating and exhilarating.

Today was a day for exploration. Cregan had given her the freedom to roam, to get a sense of the North and its people, and she intended to take full advantage of it. She started with the castle itself, wandering through its vast corridors and chambers. Winterfell was a fortress, built to withstand the harshest winters and the fiercest of foes. It was also a home, filled with warmth despite the cold outside, and Visenya was eager to learn more about the life within its walls.

She made her way to the training yard, the real reason she got dressed today, a sprawling area where the castle's knights and young squires honed their skills. She made sure beneath her black cloak to wear her light armor, hoping to get the chance to spar. The clashing of swords and the thud of arrows hitting targets filled the air. The sight of young men and a very few women practicing their skills was invigorating, and Visenya felt a thrill of anticipation.

As she approached the archery range, she saw a group of young knights competing in a friendly contest. Their arrows flew straight and true, striking the bullseye with impressive accuracy. One young boy, no older than twelve, was struggling to get his shots on target. His frustration was evident, his brow furrowed as he adjusted his grip and aimed once more.

Visenya's eyes softened at the sight. She had spent countless hours training with her own weapons, and she knew the importance of a good teacher. Stepping closer, she called out to the boy, "Your stance is a bit off. Try to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and draw the string back to your cheek."

The boy looked up, surprise and hope mingling in his eyes. "You think that will help?"

"It will," Visenya said with a nod. "Give it a try."

She watched as he adjusted his stance and followed her advice. His next shot was much closer to the center of the target. He looked at her with a mix of awe and gratitude. "Thank you, my lady."

A cocky voice interrupted their exchange. "What would a woman know about archery? Women belong within the castle walls, not out here among the men."

The voice belonged to a young knight named Ser Garlan, who had been watching from the sidelines. He had a smug expression, his arrogance evident in his posture.

Visenya's eyes narrowed. "Is that so? Perhaps you think that the skills of a knight are limited to men alone."

Garlan chuckled, stepping forward. "It's not about the skills, my lady. It's about the role. Women don't belong on the battle fields."

The insult stung, and Visenya's temper flared. She met Garlan's gaze with steely resolve. "Perhaps you'd like to test that theory."

Garlan's eyebrows shot up in surprise, but then he smirked. "Very well. A duel, then. I'll show you how misplaced your confidence is."

Visenya's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and adrenaline. She had not expected this, but the challenge was one she could not refuse. "Let's settle this," she said firmly.

The training yard cleared as the spectators gathered around, eager to watch the duel. Cregan Stark, having heard the commotion, made his way to the balcony overlooking the yard. His sharp eyes locked onto Visenya, a flicker of amusement playing at his lips.

Garlan and Visenya took their positions in the center of the yard. The ground was covered in snow, the white surface crunching under their feet. Garlan drew his sword with a flourish, and Visenya followed suit, her own blade gleaming in the cold light.