Light the Way

CHAPTER 10. weirwood dreams

ALINA

Alina stood before the ornate mirror in her chamber, the candlelight drenching her in a shade of soft yellow. The transition from the vibrant and elegant gowns of the Reach to the practical and sturdy attire of the North showed Alina that winter really was nearly here.

Gone were the flowing silks and intricate embroideries that had once adorned her. In their place, she now wore warm cotton gowns in greys and whites, Stark colours. Layers of fur adorned her shoulders, offering protection against the unforgiving chill of Winterfell.

She examined herself in the mirror, the stark contrast between the southern fabrics and the northern attire striking. The fur cloaked draped over her shoulders felt both foreign and comforting, yet she couldn't help but to think how northern she looked.

As she adjusted the clasps of the fur coat, Alina could not help but think about how the Stark colours seemed to suit her. The transition wasn't merely in clothing, and Alina pondered the idea of when she would marry Robb and become Lady of Winterfell.

Her fingers brushed against the fur, feeling the coarse texture beneath the gentle caress. The Stark colours and the practical design spoke of resilience and unity, qualities she had come to admire in the North.

Alina took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the fur and the subtle aroma of the candles. Winterfell had become her home. With a final adjustment, Alina turned away from the mirror, her steps echoing in the quiet chamber.

Alina truly felt like a lady of Winterfell as she sat next to her betrothed in Lady Catelyn's seat. Tyrion Lannister and men from the Night's Watch had requested Robb's presence.

The fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the stone walls of Winterfell's Great Hall. Alina stole a glance at Robb, whose expression was grave as he listened to the Lannister's request. He had word from Jon, and was asking for Bran. As the lady beside Robb, Alina felt a surge of pride, knowing that she was now a part of these important conversations. Lady Alina of House Hightower is what he had introduced her as. Alina longed for the day she would be called a Stark.

Robb invited the Lannister to stay at Winterfell, yet he declined the invitation. Alina could not blame him. Lannisters were not exactly welcome at Winterfell. The few men from the Night's Watch did accept Robb's welcomings, beds having already been prepared for them. There would be a feast tonight.

Alina was placed between Robb and Yoren, a member of the Night's Watch dressed in black garments that had long faded to grey. Alina thought of him as stern and hard-faced. He had a foul smell, like spoiled milk, that lingered as Alina sat next to him. Bran was carried in by the stable boy and seated across from Robb. The lord's seat at the head of the table was empty.

The food consisted of suckling pig, which Alina had not had much of in the south, and pigeon pie. It was a common meal in Winterfell. Alina was more used to the food in the Reach, roast swans, poached pears, and all kinds of fruit tarts. Alina missed blueberry tarts more than anything. Here they never drank anything other than beer and wine. Alina loved iced milk, especially when her mother would add honey, and she loved lemonsweet as well. They had none of that in Winterfell.

Yoren simply shrugged when asked about Jon Snow. And when asked about their uncle Benjen, well Robb did not like the answer. He rose from his seat and started pointing with his sword, a habit he seemed to have picked up on as of late. Alina did not like it.

She called his name and pulled on his sleeve to get him to sit back down, but the boy did not listen. After the table had been cleared and Robb decided to carry Bran back to his chambers himself, Alina felt the need to apologise to Yoren for his behaviour.