There was trouble brewing in Westeros, Reyna could feel it in her blood, and this wolf was determined to survive the dangerous games being played around her, and try to protect her family in the process.
"Are you sure I can't camp outside of the castle?" Reyna asked with a dismal look atop Roshyn as Shyam stood next to the white mare. Riverrun Castle, the seat of the Tullys was beautiful, but Reyna knew that looks were deceiving and with a sigh, she surveyed the rest of the lands.
"I think I'd get lost in there." Brandon came up next to her on his stallion, his face just as dismal as his sister's.
"We both know you get lost in your room," Reyna smirked as Brandon turned towards her with wide eyes and a half chuckle.
"I especially get lost if there is a woman in the room with me." Brandon knew that comment would stop Reyna in her tracks.
"You are vile," Reyna stated with rosy cheeks while looking anywhere but at her brother.
"Oh my poor, dear inexperienced sister, you are forgetting it is my vileness that shuts your mouth quicker than a flying Raven." He threw his arm over the rosy red Reyna as she grumbled something incoherent and threw his arm off, trotting away on Roshyn with her direwolf eagerly following.
The Stark Convoy made their way down the hills and across the river with the help of a bridge.
"I heard they have quite the extensive library," Eddard commented as he helped Reyna off Roshyn as the two siblings crossed the bridge, the wood creaking under the weight of the convoy.
"Of course that's the first thing you say, Eddy." Reyna smiled at him.
"Maybe we could escape the Tullys ?" Reyna and Eddard laughed.
"That is a brilliant idea."Reyna petted Shyam as Edddard again helped her on Roshyn, not wanting his sister to get hurt in any way before he got back onto his horse.
Up ahead their father could be seen at the Riverrun Castle gates, just a few meters shy of the Tully family that stood huddled together. The Wall and gate that surrounded Rivererun were intimidating, high walls that could keep an army out and the Bronze gates were thick and patterned with swimming trouts.
Her father greeted Hoster Tully and the rest of his family. Eddard was the next and soon Brandon and Reyna dismounted from their horses as Lyanna and Benjen excitedly thrust open the carriage doors before their Septor could stop the young Starks.
The two ran past Reyna laughing while Brandon shook his head with a chuckle.
Reyna greeted the Tully's with a fake smile, it was clear from the girls' expressions that they were just as happy to see her.
"The young Lady Stark, lovely to see you again." Brynden Tully shot her a charming smile that made Reyna internally scream.
She thought it was just a passing fancy, normal for Brynden Tully as far as she knew. He had never married and had turned down many of the noble houses' proposals, including that of Bethany Redwyne.
Now it seems the Blackfish was eyeing the Cunning wolf.
"Sir Brynden, a pleasure to see you again." She once again allowed the older man to kiss her hand as she subconsciously shuffled closer to Brandon in an uncomfortable manner.
With everyone greeted the two families made their way into the imposing Riverrun, its large exterior was mirrored by an even larger interior. The halls were wide and the stone they were made of the only thing reminiscent of Winterfell. Tapestries and paintings lined the halls and unlike Winterfell, it did not have the cold Northern air creeping through every crevice. There were also more colourful furniture and more decorations in all the rooms.
The Tullys clearly enjoyed showing off their wealth, unlike the Starks who were proud and worked hard for every item in their home, The tapestries were hand made by members of the Stark family, the Tullys however did not show their family history on the tapestries but incoherent wars and people lounging and eating.
The Tully girls hid away in their rooms while Edmure Tully and the two youngest wolves went off to the nearby stream and forest to play with guards close by. Eddard was lazing on a courtyard stair with a book while Reyna and Brandon sparred.
"HOW!" Brandon roared as Reyna once again dodged his attack and tapped him on his chest, claiming her second victory. In triumph, she smirked and wiped the sweat from her forehead while catching her breath.
"Rematch." Brandon rather ordered than asked as he took his stance.
"May I have a go at Reyna?" A voice questioned from behind Reyna.
Brynden Tully.
"You may, but I won't give my sword." Brandon protectively sheathed 'Ice'.
"I have my own." Brynden unsheathed his sword with a gold hilt with carvings on it and took his stance.
Reyna reluctantly got into a stance and took a deep breath, focusing on the feeling of 'Frozen Heart' in her hand and grounding herself.
Brynden made the first move, slashing across towards her.
In an instant Reyna blocked and pushed back, striking with her sword as she moved forward.
The two continued to block the other's blows, however, Reyna could feel the frustration and desperation in every one of his hits.
Reyna gave a sly smile as she continued to dodge his blows and tire him out. Her plan was simple, the more she dodged, the more her opponent got frustrated and the more careless he would become.
She had to admit it was hard to dodge all his blows and block them, he was good with his sword, but she was better.
Finally, the opportunity came when Blackfish made the mistake of stepping forward and not back, allowing Reyna to land the killing blow below his ribs.
"Go, Reyna!" Cheers came from her older brothers as she gave a dazzling smile while Brynden Tully held out his hand.
"A well-earned victory ." The two shook hands, Brynden not only respecting the Cunning wolf more but also allowing his admiration to grow.
"Thank you for the spar Sir Brynden." Reyna sheathed her sword and with a stiff nod went to where her brothers were stood, having them clap her on the back and high-five.
Blackfish simply sheathed his sword and left with a smile.
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