#stormfuryd

drusilla turned away from her chamber window, and looked over to her sister. "how can i accept it?" she hadn't ever thought about fighting it. she knew that when she grew up her older brothers would be deciding how she spent the rest of her life and with whom. she'd accepted that they were the ones that got to make that decision. it wasn't that it didn't make her angry, she was, but she wasn't pacing around the room like rhaeana. "there's nothing to argue about with them. they don't care about my opinion, and they certainly wouldn't listen to my suggestions." she pulled her legs up to her chest and rested her chin on her knees. "i just hope my husband's nice, and not too old."

“she’s dead.” her brother’s funeral had passed and kat had wept for him. she was not certain that her aunt knew the truth. she couldn’t very well speak it, it was much too dangerous and she didn’t quite have the words. she only held onto her rhaeana’s hand tightly. “hylla...” there was a shuddering sob as every emotion she had been withholding came pouring out of her. “she was my maid.” katerina managed, as if that explained everything she could not say.

“it’s not truly so awful.” it was often dreary and there was often a fine layer of dew over every surface outside, but drusilla told herself every morning she mist be grateful the gods had allowed her a doting husband and a library the blackwood’s maesters made sure to keep well provisioned. raventree hall was nothing like what dru had hoped for when she was wed. “it has grown on me,” she assured rhaeana though there was a twinge of guilt as she said it. she didn’t really mean it. in time she might though, and drusilla kept hope for that. she wouldn’t feel this way forever, and if the gods granted her a child it might liven the place up. she could only hope this was the case.

fianna has no wish to leave rhaeana's side, but duty will soon beckon the warg back to the north, and so they must make the most of what time they have together. "i shall stay as long as you'll have me."

she had watched her approach with something behind her back. kat had tried to look behind her, only to receive a shake of the head and instructions to close her eyes. there was little more exciting than a visit from her aunt rhaeana. she was beaming, doing what she was told with pleasure. eyes shut, and she took a deep breath. palms extended outward and she waited expectantly for what her aunt might have for her. she imagined things based on both their shared interests. it might be anything from a kitten, to jewelry or even a blade. she was practically holding her breath as the item was placed in her hands.

❝ Indeed, ❞ a brief, emphasizing nod. How strange it is, to hear her own thoughts from another's mouth ! ❝ Tell me, child, ❞ there is a note, hidden there, beneath the courteous tone that she is using, that is hint enough about her renewed interest in the conversation. ❝ What are you striving for excellence in ? ❞