Snow fell quietly through the twisting and gnarling branches of the Wolfswood that surrounded Winterfell, drifting like tiny feathers through a dreary morning fog that seemed to wrap the surrounding woodland in a blanket of magic; one that stirred just beneath the visible plane, so tangible you could almost feel it brush your skin. It was mornings like these Lyanna loved the most, as wild and alive as the world around her, and nearly as free, save for the blue gown that hugged her slender frame and restricted her movement on occasion. With booted heels she nudged the young dapple grey gelding beneath her into a spirited trot, pale face flushed from her morning ride as eager grey eyes took in her surroundings through a veil of long dark curls.
Her freedom was short lived as a dark horse entered from shadows of the towering trees to block her path, a grinning young man, older than she though possessing very similar features, interrupting her carefree journey as she pulled the gelding to a halt. "Father sent me to find you...not that I minded the ride. We leave for Harrenhal shortly, he wants to be sure you are presentable." Her eldest sibling Brandon commented, a hint of amusement in his voice as he grinned at her.
Lyanna frowned, rolling her steely gray eyes in annoyance. presentable. She was quickly discovering this was her father's secret code for yoyr betrothed will be in attendance, and I don't want you looking like a wild woman. The thought seemed to deepened the frown on her face, sparking a chuckle from her elder brother. "Oh be quiet." She grumbled, turning the gelding back the way she had come, as Brandon urged his dark mount up beside hers.
"Oh don't look so melancholy, sister. Robert is a fine match for you. You may find you have a great deal in common, were you to give him a chance." He advised lightly, a gentle hand on her shoulder as they rode. Grey eyes quickly cut in his direction, a look that would have pierced his heart had it been a blade. "Very well. Come, I will race you back!" He challenged with a boyish grin, his heels connecting with the black beast's sides as the creature surged forward through the snow.
Her foul mood forgotten, Lyanna flashed a smile, seizing the reins of the grey gelding as she kicked her mount into a full gallop, laughing as the animal started into a blind gallop after Brandon.
~*~