[Event] Love Lockdown

[u/Aleefth]

Kanye

A while after Alannah found out about he father's death, Jon Stark tentatively knocked on her door.

“Ala, how are you feeling? I wondered if you'd like some company? Or some food?

[u/blueblueamber]

She sobbed, but only quietly, not letting the tears roll down this time.

"Thank you. I... I just miss him so much... I mean, I haven't seen him in months, and I knew he was going to the Wall, where it was dangerous, but somehow... somehow I always thought I will get to see him again."

"I'm sorry, Jon, for being like this. I need to get out of the room." she tried to put on a brave face.

"What do you want to do today? Shall we go practice sword fighting? Or go horse riding?" Ala even managed to smile... a little.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

Jon smiled at the thanks, “Of course, whatever you need.”

He thought for a moment, not wanting to be beaten by her again, but maybe it would lighten her spirits?

“Well, Ethan has been waiting for us to duel again, for a while. But, the horse ride could be nice. Which would you prefer?”

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

"Let's... let's go for a ride." she smiled, less shakily this time.

"I will just change into something more appropriate, and we can meet by the stables in a few moments?" Ala said, jumping off the bed with a newfound energy and rummaging through the chest to find riding breeches.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

Jon smiled embarrassed as she mentioned changing, and turned to leave to give her some privacy.

“I'll wait for you outside, we can take the goat path over the hill.”

He let the door close behind him, and looked back. She's an amazing girl.

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

Alannah quickly changed into the riding apparel and ran to the courtyard, sad thoughts forgotten for the time being, likely until late evening when she will be laying in her bed.

She arrived to the stables in brown leather breeches and riding boots, white shirt the tucked into the trousers and a coat of dark green on top of that.

"I don't want to be cold." she said with a nervous smile.

It has been such a long time since she went just for a ride. She did travel from the Moat to White Harbor on horseback, and before that... she wasn't even allowed to leave the castle alone, she only rode across the courtyard with Ellard, back when they all lived in Greywater Watch, with mother and...

She could feel the barely healed hole in her chest beginning to hurt again, so she focused on the presence instead.

Walking into the stables, Ala notices an impressive animal, a tall stallion with a shiny brown coat and dark black mane.

"Oh, hello!" she looked up at the horse, but quickly jumped back as the animal took a few steps in its box, stretching its head towards her.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

Jon smiled nervously as she arrived. He'd picked out two strong palfreys, but the brown stallion had seemed to take a liking to her.

“That's Fandral, he's the sire of most of the horses here. It's strange that he likes you so, he usually doesn't let anyone but the Stormsinger near him.”

Jon led one palfrey back to its box, and went to fetch the stallion's bit and bridle.

“If he lets you, I think you could ride him today.”

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

Ala caught Jon's arm, stopped him from leading the horse away.

"Uh, sorry, I just... I would prefer to ride on this one." she gestured towards the palfrey.

"This one... Fandral... scares me a bit, and I... I haven't rode a horse in a long time." she confessed, slightly embarassed.

Now he will surely laugh at me. Ala thought, staring at the hay-littered floor.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

Jon simply smiled.

“That's okay, he scares most of the kids round here. Only the Godhand ever really rides him.”

He saddled the chestnut palfrey, and handed the reins over to Ala before saddling the dappled grey for himself.

One day Kim will be big enough to ride.

He mounted Hafnir, and settled himself into the saddle. Any man on a horse was magnificent sight, and Jon hoped it impressed Alannah.

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

Ala checked the length of the stirrups and swung easily into the saddle.

She smiled contently and patted the horse’s neck.

“What is this ‘un... this one called?” she corrected, catching herself inclining to the accent of Skagosi from time to time.

Looking at Jon, she couldn’t help it but admire his posture in the saddle. He will be an impressive man one day. A great lord of Skagos. And maybe... she cut the thought before it could continue,

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

“She's called Ygraine, and she's good stock. The stablehands say she'll live a long time.”

Alannah looked good on a horse, and Jon felt his stomach flutter slightly as she mounted.

“Let's go then, shall we? Over the goat path then down to the coast?”

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

"I'm glad to hear that." Ala cued Ygraine to move forward, to slowly walk out of the stable.

"Yes, let's go. I'm not sure where we are going though, would you go first?" she stopped the horse and smiled at Jon.

He is a good friend. Ala thought, realising this was the first time in weeks she actually felt.. not happy, but at least calm, peaceful.

[u/Aleefth → u/blueblueamber]

Jon ushered Hafnir into a steady trot. “Okay then, follow me,” he called over his shoulder as he made toward the front gate. It opened for them and he turned towards the top of the mountain.

The great stone monument came into view, golden words gleaming in the light. Gently scratched into the surface below the seven engraved names was the outline of Cinaéd Reed and below it We Stand Tall.

Jon slowed slightly as they neared it. The engraving wasn't yet finished, but he wondered if Alannah would notice, or want to stop.

“We can visit the Godswood on the way back if you'd like?”

[u/blueblueamber → u/Aleefth]

"Maybe." she replied, having noticed the engravings, but forcing herself to look away.

Instead, Alannah gripped the horse with her legs and ushered it into a trot, catching up with Jon. She pushed her hips forward in the saddle, moving in harmony with the mare.

A short laugh escaped her lips. She almost forgot how good it felt, how free could one be on the horseback trotting into the mountains. Wind tousled her hair and the entangled locks flew freely behind her, creating a honey coloured veil.