Snippet #1465136

The weather thankfully was warmer than it had been in a while and Birgitte uttered a small thankyou for small mercies. This undertaking was fraught enough without having bad weather to contend with. She glanced around her as the column moved slowly, inexorably towards its destination. Everything appeared to be in order and she allowed herself a small sigh of relief as she had been expecting more trouble than had actually happened. As the Lady of Winterfell it fell to her to organise all aspects of the trip to King's Landing and she was relieved that it had all gone relatively smoothly though that was in no small part thanks to the loyal and experienced servants of the Grayhardt family. It had taken Birgitte and the household the better part of the last week to get everything ready for their departure including deciding on appropriate gifts for the royal family. That in itself had been no easy task and Birgitte hoped that the gifts they brought with them were acceptable as it would not do for them to be seen giving anything less.

She smoothed down the lines of her gray riding dress as her thoughts turned to the reason for this excursion, the Damien's were hosting a royal tournament and of course all were expected to attend. Birgitte if she was honest would much rather have remained at Winterfell as she was not fond of the Royal Court with all its political machinations and subtle intrigue. She was practiced at fending these off but found it wearying and tiresome. But remaining behind wwas not an option as her husband was expected to have his Lady with him, besides she would never leave her family to fend for themselves in such a dangerous environment. Thinking of her children she glanced at her daughters and felt a glow of pride, whilst differing in temperament, both had grown into fine young women and she was confident that they would do her proud. Though at that moment she doubted Leiliana her eldest daughter was interested in whether her mother was proud of her or not, she was slightly put out with her mother over the outfits she had with her. Birgitte despaired of ever getting her to like formal attire and much cajoling had ensued to insure she would be appropriately attired whilst guests of the Damien's. Isabel her second daughter was easier in that regard having no objections to dresses and all that came with them. But regardless of their differences Birgitte loved them both dearly, as well as her son Richard who had become a fine young man if a bit serious.

Her son rode with the column riding up and down its length taking his responsibilities very seriously, she was aware that he felt he needed to prove to his father that he was worthy and whilst she understood this was something all sons felt sometimes she worried over how much it mattered to him. She had gone to great lengths to reassure him that he was worthy of the name Grayhardt and that he was a fine man but she felt that her approval was not the one that really mattered to him. Sometimes she wanted to knock her husbands head against a wall for his lack of reassurance for his only son but she knew that neither was likely to change. Perhaps this tournament might show both of them more about each other and perhaps Richard might finally discover his worth, she could but hope.

Though having little to do now the column was underway Birgitte found that she could not relax. The weather was fine and the scenery around them was beautiful with the flowers blossoming and the trees in full green but Birgitte could not appreciate it. She felt on edge and no matter how she tried to distract herself her thoughts always returned to the coming stay and King's Landing. Whilst House Grayhardt had thrown its support in with the Damien's it was still not an easy time to be at court. She knew the Winsler's would also be attending and there was no love lost between the Winsler's and the Damien's and she fully expected there to be friction. No doubt the Winsler's would try and sway her family from their support of the Damiens and no doubt the Damien's would do much to ensure the Grayhardt's would stay loyal. Her husband would have to be very careful in order not to become embroiled in the feud between the other two Houses. She hoped they would be able to maintain their position in all of this as she did not want this visit to culminate in conflict. As she and her husband were in complete accord over their wish for violence to be avoided at all costs. It was why they preferred to stay at Winterfell where they could choose not to get involved.

She glanced beside her at Isabel who sat with her in the carriage, her daughter looked lovely and Birgitte was pleased with her choice of garb. The colours of her dress brought out her eyes and made her hair seem even more lustrous.
"Are you looking forward to our stay at King's Landing, my dear?" She asked.