✓ | THINKING OF SNOW (J.SNOW)

~Chapter Eight~

Nothing Better To Do

^^That's what Livia looks like, btw^^

"Relax your bow arm," Cynthia remarked, her brother's arm lacking its previous tension, as instructed by her. Asher had never accompanied Cynthia in having skills with a bow, and it would seem she was, in fact, the only member in her family to have this trait. She couldn't complain though, it seemed to impress most that not only one member of House Iris had the intentions of an archer, but that the same member was in fact a girl. Cynthia always found that part the most amusing. It had, after all, been what had caused Robb and Jon's shocked reaction to her talents. Such a petit, and misleading, exterior with the ability to hit a bullseye from quite a distance, called for such surprise.

After Jon had departed from her company, and the Greyjoy had caused her some discomfort, Cynthia finally made for the archery ring, where she had only been the day before with members of the Stark family, and her own. Upon arriving, she rejoined her brother and began training immediately, which, sadly, was a rather dull, and exasperated experience for her, as, like she had said previously, her brother lacked the same talents as her, with this specific weapon. She had seen Asher fight with a sword on many occasions before, and would otherwise suggest he train more with that, as no more practice with a bow would make him any better. However, being the good sister she was, she stood at his side, correcting his posture and techniques in many areas.

"You appear to have taught him well," Remarked a voice from behind the duo, one that jolted Asher's aim, and sent yet another arrow flying off into the distance. Even Bran was better than this. "You might wish to get your sight tested," Cynthia stated in an amused tone, once her younger brother had diapered in order to collect more arrows to waste over the battlements. The owner of the deep voice chuckled, his broad shoulders shaking slightly with his throaty laugh, and his bright smile leaning across his face at an angle. "I was under the impression you were going riding this afternoon." Cynthia spoke up after the draining silence had consumed a few minutes, to which gained an enthusiastic reply. "Yes, myself and Theon are leaving soon - we are just waiting on your sister." Robb said with the same sort of smile, one that led Cynthia to believe their bond so far was going well. "You might be waiting some time," Cynthia smiled back, twirling her hair for added effect, and gaining another fit of giggles from the eldest Stark. "Are you sure you will not join us, Cynthia? Even Jon has agreed to accompany us for the ride, I'm sure you would benefit substantially from some fresh air and peace," Robb raised an eyebrow as Asher rejoined the group, shovelling a bundle of arrows into his quiver as though he were trying not to get caught stealing them. Cynthia shook her head slowly at her brother's behaviour, and began to rethink Robb's offer. She'd be away from the children - and now it was to be said Jon would be joining the group. Cynthia had spent limited time with the Snow boy, and dearly wished to speak with him more, especially when prying ears were not surrounding them constantly, or they had to find a hiding place just to talk without being frowned upon, or separated. It did sound nice to be away from everyone else for a while, even if the Greyjoy was to be with them. "You have convinced me, Robb; I suppose I can teach Asher another time." It was as though he'd heard his sister's desperate plea for assistance, as Alec appeared in the small courtyard, brandishing his own bow and no prior plans for the afternoon. "It would appear he has a new tutor, in any case." Cynthia turned her attention back to the red-haired, blue-eyed Stark, whose grin had now stretched from ear to ear. "Brilliant." He piped up, holding out a hooked arm to the young girl, with a humorous waggle of his eyebrows that all but made Cynthia snort from the amount of laughter she let out. He was already one of the most amusing people she'd had the pleasure of meeting.

When the arrived with the rest of the riding group, Livia was barrelling down the front stairs, a satin dress wavering in the breeze that fled past her running speed; stood at the bottom of the steps were Theon, and Jon Snow, both looking up at the Iris girl with confusion and amusement blending into their previously bored expressions. Cynthia liked Jon's amused twitch of a smile, it was the close to happy that he managed to achieve - most of the time. The only time she'd ever seen him truly smile, past a suggestion of one, was the afternoon she spent in his, and his brother's company, when all three of them had been extatic with excitement and cheerfulness. Cynthia hoped she could ignite that in him again, and more often. 

She smiled at the two boys, mostly at Jon as the Greyjoy boy made her uncomfortable, but she acknowledged them all the same, and then turned her attention to her sister. Livia didn't look entirely impressed at her appearance, especially when her arm still linked with Robb's, but the seething Iris girl said nothing, and merely beamed to her husband to be. "Ready everyone?" The perky bitterness in Livia's voice was evidently aimed towards her younger sibling, which almost drew a snort from Cynthia, but she made no deal to point it out to anyone else - they had already acknowledge it without her assistance in the matter. Cynthia, respectfully, released her hold on Robb's arm, so that her sister may replace it, and moved to Jon's side. She felt better with the Snow than she did with any other member of the company, no matter how much she liked Robb, even her sister disconcerted her at the best of times. "Ready." They all murmured in a lot less enthusiastic way, looking anywhere but at Livia's broadening smile that just screamed 'fake'. Jon smiled at Cynthia as she joined him on the walk towards the horses, a small smile that made Cynthia wish she could see it more often; perhaps on this small venture she would be so lucky.