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

The Hunt

Winterfell's landscape was a canvas of winter's beauty, the snow-clad forests and rolling hills bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. The chill in the air was invigorating, and Visenya welcomed it as she prepared for a day of hunting. Cregan Stark had invited her to join him and his companions on a hunt, a gesture that she took as a sign of growing trust and camaraderie.

She donned her furs and leather armor, her hair braided back to keep it from getting in her way. As she stepped out of the castle and into the courtyard, she was greeted by Cregan and his group. He looked every bit the seasoned hunter, his broad shoulders and commanding presence exuding confidence. His companions included a handful of his closest friends and a few seasoned knights, all of whom greeted Visenya with friendly smiles and respectful nods.

"Good morning, Princess," Cregan said as he mounted his horse. "Are you ready for a day of hunting?"

Visenya returned his smile, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I am. It's been some time since I've had the chance to hunt."

Cregan's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Excellent. We've been tracking elk and boar in this area, but there's always a chance we'll find something more elusive. Follow my lead, and let's see what we can uncover."

The group set off, the rhythmic pounding of hooves echoing through the still morning air. They rode through the snow-covered forests, the trees heavy with frost. The conversation among Cregan's friends and the knights was lively and full of good-natured banter. They joked about past hunts, shared stories of daring exploits, and teased each other with playful jabs.

Visenya found herself enjoying the camaraderie. The ease with which they interacted, the laughter and shared stories, made her feel more at home in this foreign land. She joined in the banter, her own sharp wit and humor blending seamlessly with theirs. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, and she felt a growing bond with her companions.

After a few hours of riding, they spotted their first prey: a small herd of elk grazing in a clearing. The hunters dismounted and prepared their bows, their movements practiced and precise. Visenya nocked an arrow and took aim, her focus steady. The elk, though wary, were not yet alarmed, and she released her arrow with a practiced hand. It struck true, bringing down one of the elk with a clean shot.

The group cheered, and Cregan came over to congratulate her. "Well done, Princess. You have a fine eye for the hunt."

Visenya beamed with pride. "Thank you, Lord Stark. It's good to know my skills are still sharp."

They continued their hunt, moving deeper into the forest. The snow crunched beneath their boots, and the cold air was crisp and invigorating. They came across a boar next, a challenging target that required careful strategy and teamwork. Cregan and his companions worked together, their skills and coordination evident as they cornered the boar and brought it down.

As they gathered to inspect their catch, Cregan's friends spoke of past hunts and the legendary beasts they had encountered. The conversation turned to tales of direwolves, and Visenya listened intently, fascinated by the lore and the connection the Starks had with these mythical creatures.

"You've been fortunate today, Princess," Cregan said as they rested by the fire. "We've seen more game than usual. Perhaps the gods are smiling upon us."

Visenya smiled, her thoughts drifting to the stories she had heard. "I've heard that direwolves are rare this far south. Have you ever seen one?"

Cregan nodded. "Not for many years. They are a sign of the old ways, a reminder of our heritage."

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the snow, the group prepared to head back. But just as they were about to leave, a sudden rustling in the underbrush caught Visenya's attention.

"Wait," she said, holding up a hand. "I think I've heard something."

The group fell silent, their eyes scanning the forest. Out of the trees emerged a figure, its coat a stark contrast to the snow. It was a direwolf, its fur a deep, mottled blonde, where the sun hit it's fur shined white, and its eyes gleaming with an intelligent, almost otherworldly light.

The direwolf paused, its gaze locking onto Visenya. There was a moment of stillness, an unspoken connection between them. The direwolf seemed to assess her, its gaze calm and steady. Then, with a sudden burst of motion, it turned and disappeared into the forest.

The group remained silent, their eyes wide with awe. Cregan stepped closer to Visenya, his expression a mix of admiration and intrigue. "That was extraordinary. We haven't seen a direwolf in these parts for years."

Visenya watched the spot where the direwolf had vanished, her heart still racing from the encounter. "It felt... meaningful. Like it was trying to tell me something."

Cregan's gaze was thoughtful. "Direwolves are considered omens, symbols of great significance. Seeing one is a rare event, especially in these times. It might be a sign of something to come."

Visenya nodded, her thoughts racing. The encounter with the direwolf had been powerful, and she felt a deep connection to the creature. It was as if their meeting had been destined, a moment of shared understanding.

As they rode back to Winterfell, the mood was contemplative. The direwolf's appearance had added a sense of magic to the day, and Visenya couldn't help but reflect on the significance of the encounter. Cregan's presence beside her was a comforting constant, and she found herself drawn to him more than ever.

They arrived back at Winterfell as the sky darkened, the stars beginning to twinkle overhead. The warmth of the Great Hall was a welcome relief from the cold, and the hearth's fire crackled merrily as they entered.

Cregan glanced at Visenya with a smile. "Today has been eventful. I'm glad you were here to share it with us."

Visenya returned his smile, her heart warmed by the day's events. "Thank you for inviting me, Cregan. It's been a memorable experience."

As the evening wore on, the Great Hall filled with laughter and conversation. The day's hunt had been a success, and the mood was buoyant. Visenya found herself enjoying the company of Cregan and his friends, their easy camaraderie making her feel more at home than ever.

The direwolf's appearance was a topic of discussion throughout the evening, and Visenya listened with interest as Cregan and his companions shared their thoughts and theories. The encounter had left an impression on everyone, and its significance was not lost on her.

As she retired to her room later that night, Visenya's thoughts were filled with the day's events. The connection she felt with the direwolf, the camaraderie with Cregan and his friends, and the sense of belonging she had found in Winterfell all contributed to a feeling of contentment.

The North had embraced her in ways she hadn't anticipated, and as she settled into bed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the future. The direwolf's appearance was a reminder of the magic and mystery that still existed in the world, and Visenya looked forward to discovering what other wonders awaited her in the days to come.