snow.

| Winterfell |

Winterfell was cold.

It was the first thing Leonora noticed. The biting, sharp air of The North reached her bones, making her acutely aware of every movement. The fresh breeze fanned over her face and arms, goose pimples covering her skin in an almost painful manner due to her poor attire. The fluffy snow was something she could never remember in the Westerlands, for the last winter had taken place when she was only a child. 

The greenest trees Leonora had ever seen dotted the landscape, while the sunlight shined on the dew atop their branches. Leaves were strewn across the ground, crunching under each step her horse took. She drew a long breath, as if she was breathing the very essence of The North. The smell of pine needles and something distinctly earthy overwhelmed her senses, unlike the stench of sweat and salt that she was used to. Fluffy clouds drifted through the cornflower blue sky, grazing the tips of only the tallest evergreens.

It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen.

As her horse neared Winterfell, Leonora was filled with anxiety. It gnawed at her gut, the bitter taste of bile working its way up her throat. She had never met a member of the Stark family, and with two months ride to dwell on the centuries-long rivalry between the Northern and Western Houses, her doubts were only amplified. Though she did not trust the words of her father, she could sense the growing danger with each step her steed took. There was something unnerving about the situation, like a lamb being sacrificed to a pack of wolves.

Leonora reminded herself, and not for the first time, that she was a lion; and lions are not cowardly.

The party of Lannister horsemen, Kingsguard and royal family slowed upon the gates of Winterfell. A small figure stood caught her eye upon the roofing of the castle, clearly only a boy. Turning away, Leonora drew a sharp breath, searching for the familiar armour of her brother. As if sensing her unease, Jaime turned to look to her and gave a nod of confidence from beneath his golden helmet. The sun glinted on it's surface, highlighting the sharpened teeth and golden locks of a lion. The detailed armour stood out amongst the red and dark steel of other Lannister troops. 

Leonora smiled weakly in return to her brother. It was in moments like this that Leonora missed the weight of her blade on her hips, though it was only the company that forced her to leave her sword behind.

The dark horse beneath her whinnied as Leonora passed the gates of Winterfell. The smell of cooked breads, pine and mud filled her nostrils, void of the perfumes and suffocating smell of tightly-packed people that overwhelmed the streets of Casterly Rock. Upon seeing that the citizens had gathered in the square, Leonora noted their eagerly faces awaiting the arrival of the royal family.

Eddard Stark stood with his wife and children in the midst of it all. Leonora noticed how young and close in age they all were, with even the Greyjoy ward seeming to have the blood of the North flowing through his veins. It was hard to believe that he was, in fact their prisoner. Beside him, Eddard's bastard son stood, scanning the carriages and horses of the royal family. The boy was far less disguised, raven hair and dark eyes contrasting against the light Tully blues and greens of his family. A seemingly permanent brooding expression adorned his face.

By the time the Starks had come into Leonora's view, King Robert had already left his horse and greeted the Lord. Cersei proceeded her husband, children in tow and a miserable expression on her face. The Lord kissed her hand, while her ginormous husband eyed each Eddard's children, smiling and offering compliments. The exchange only lasted a moment before they began to disperse.

The youngest Stark child looked to her mother with her doe-like eyes.

"Where's the imp?" She asked. Catelyn immediately scolded her.

Leonora scowled at the child, sliding from her horse's saddle. Her boots hit the ground with a slosh, the mud from recent rain already caking on the soles. A servant quickly walked towards her, collecting the horse's reins and guiding him to a stable. Leonora stood in the muck for a moment and drew a deep breath, releasing a white cloud into the air. She turned, following after her brother-in-law, with Cersei and Jaime on his trail.

"Where is our little brother?" Cersei asked to Jaime. "Find the little beast."

"You really shouldn't speak ill of our brother, dear sister." Leonora chided as she approached the pair.  The twins towered over her shorter frame, their greater age evident. Jaime smirked as she approached, giving a small nod in greeting.

Cersei raised her brows and averted her eyes. "Of course. How could I forget your adoration for the drunk." She retorted. Her distain for the younger Lannisters was obvious in her tone. Leonora gave her sister a pleading look, to which Cersei averted her eyes.

"How are you fairing Nora?" Jaime asked. "You seemed rather concerned while we were outside of the gates."

Leonora smiled warmly towards her brother.

"I simply miss the comfort of having my blade by my side." She said, trying to ease his worry. After all, the knight had much more pressing matters than her own paranoia.

"Ah, yes, the legendary Thief," Jaime mocked, hand waving in the air. "A sword that shall steal the lives of a thousand men and deprive them of a final breath. Though it does fail to scathe the mighty Jaime Lannister."

Leonora sighed. "I'm fairly sure I named it with less flamboyance."

Cersei looked away from the pair. "This is lovely chatter, but Leonora and I must be leaving. The feast will begin soon." She said glumly, a look of sadness overcoming her features.

The siblings parted, the Queen leading her sister with the hope of gaining the attention of Ned Stark while Catelyn continued to scold their youngest daughter. As they walked, Leonora noticed muddy stains as her oxblood gown brushed against the dark ground. The rim of the dress began to stain, brown patches seeping through the thin fabric. 

It took only moments for the women to reach Lord Stark. Cersei flashed a false smile at Leonora that begged her to keep silent.

"My Lord." She began. The Stark man turned, giving a small smile, though Leonora avoided his gaze. "This is my sister, Leonora. She has travelled all the way from Casterly Rock, and is likely quite weary from her journey."

Ned nodded his head politely. It seemed forced.

"My Lady Leonora. I hope you enjoy your stay in Winterfell. I'm sure one of my sons will be delighted to escort you to your chambers." He said distractedly, much to Cersei's dismay. It was then the Leonora met Eddard's tired, warm eyes. They held a surprising kindness.

"Thank you, Lord Stark. Before I depart," she began, fishing the small envelope from her pocket. The unmistakeable sigil of the house Lannister was pressed into the red wax that sealed it closed, and it was unbroken. "I bear word from Casterly Rock."

"From your father?" He asked. Leonora nodded and handed him the scroll.

Eddard broke the seal, unravelling the sand-coloured paper. As his eyes scanned the words scrawled across the parchment, his expression remained unreadable. Finally, he met Leonora's gaze.

"Have you read its contents?" He asked. Cersei immediately looked concerned.

Leonora shook her head. "In truth, my father would not allow me to read it. Besides, I've learned not to argue with him about such simple matters." She said.

Eddard nodded slowly, eyeing the young woman. Long, golden hair gleaming in the light, Leonora was not disguised amongst the sea of dark-haired Northerners, and the friendliness of her face held an authenticity that her siblings did not. He felt the urge to trust her word. 

Eddard nodded once more, glancing over his shoulder to where his sons and the ward had gathered. Calling out to eldest, (who Leonora remembered as Robb) the Lord waved him over with a warm smile. The boy left his brothers and sauntered towards Leonora, who felt nerves bubble in her stomach once more. Robb was undeniably attractive, with a strong build and charming smile, cleanly shaven and his red-brown hair brushed away from his face. 

After realising she had been staring for far too long, the Lady averted her eyes. Blood rushed to her cheeks, dusting them pink. The lack of confidence the North had instilled was not welcome.

"Father." Robb greeted, eyes not straying from Leonora's green irises.

"Robb." Eddard greeted. It held little warmth, the middle-aged man seemingly distracted. "Would you escort Lady Leonora to her chambers?"

Robb's smirk fell slightly at the mention of her name. 

"Of course," the young man stuck out an arm for her to take. "My Lady."

Leonora hesitated, his change in demeanour plaguing her with worry. "My Lord."

The two joined arms, the young Stark leading the way.

As Robb and Leonora walked, a silence settled. Neither of them uttered a word, as if afraid that doing so would break some unspoken truce. The cold wind continued to nip at the Lannister girl's bare shoulders and tousle her curled hair. Her lips had turned to a faint purple, fingers like ice. Despite this, she walked on, unfazed.

Robb had taken notice of the chill on her skin. The red dress she wore left her collarbones, neck and shoulders exposed, while the sleeves only reached just above her elbow. While she looked ridiculously dressed for the climate, the young Lord had to remind himself not to let his gaze linger on her skin. The cold from her bones seeped through the leather of his sleeve, and the chivalrous nature taught by his father consumed his foremost thoughts.

"You're freezing," he began, stopping his pace and breaking the silence. "Winterfell is far too cold to be wearing nothing but a bed sheet."

Leonora chuckled, standing alongside him. "I am well aware of that now. Besides, this bed sheet does provide some warmth."

Robb shook his head dismissively. He began to unfasten his furs. "At the very least, allow me to-"

"I appreciate your concern," Leonora interrupted, walking along the corridor in the hopes that Robb would follow. "but I will do just fine."

Robb continued to ignore the Lannister girl. "This is a simple curtesy-"

"And I do not wish to receive it." She said, flashing a nervous smile.

Robb refastened his coat slowly, unsure of how to reply. Most Northern girls would swoon at the opportunity to receive his pelt, and the chill was surely bothering her. 

It was the first time that Robb was made aware of Leonora's stubborn attitude.

The two began to walk along the corridors once more, passing by busy servants preparing for the feast. Their footsteps echoed, bouncing from the stone walls, tension palpable.

"If I may ask, why is it that you have come to Winterfell?" Robb asked. "The journey is not easy, and as far as I can tell, my father was not expecting you."

Leonora brought her gaze from the floor and frowned slightly. "I honestly am not quite sure. My father requested that I deliver a letter to your father from Casterly Rock, personally."

"And you didn't ask why?" Robb asked incredulously.

"I have learnt not to argue with my father without good reason." Leonora responded. Robb nodded, though still confused, guiding Leonora around another corner. "Besides, I would not have met the fur-lending Stark if I had not come."

Robb chuckled.

"Attempted fur-lending."

The two finally arrived at the doorway to Leonora's temporary chambers. Opening the creaky door with hesitation, she rested her hand on the iron handle and turned to face Robb.

While he radiated confidence, there was something in his eyes that made Leonora feel uneasy. It was something untouchable, like piece of him was not with her in the hallway, but far beyond Winterfell, past the wall and across the sea. In its place, a stone barrier stood, and its weathered surface hid just behind his lashes. Leonora could sense that something was going to happen during her stay in Winterfell, and the detachment behind the Lord's eyes unsettled her.

"I shall see you at the feast, My Lady." Robb said, drawing Leonora from her thoughts.

"Until then, My Lord." She replied, closing the door behind her.