Lantern - Game of Thrones - Robb Stark - Baratheon

Winterfell had turned a little gloomier as the days passed, The Royals had kept themselves apart from the Stark family, hoping to offer them comfort by not bothering them with their visit.

Almost week passed and Jocelyn kept to herself, reading about battles and history in the library and spending time with her siblings in the gardens near their quarters. Only once did Jocelyn catch Arya spying on them, she let her be and decided not to bother Arya. Her usually bright eyes had turned a little sullen. Understandably so.

Though a day after, when the Maesters declared that Bran Stark would probably live, Eddard Stark rejoiced at the news, and while the boy had yet to wake, the Lord of Winterfell and the King spoke of betrothing their eldest children before the turning of the moon, for the King intended to leave soon after. He had already extended his visit and wished to leave within a fortnight. "I cannot leave the court unattended for trice a moon Ned."

Jocelyn's caught Robb Stark walking the godswood that same day, she hadn't yet learnt of the date of the betrothal and her cheeks warmed as she caught him instructing his sisters to pray. Maybe she had judged him too harsh. He appeared so gentle now. Stroking Arya's hair and hugging Sansa when she sobbed after her prayer. Jocelyn walked away. She didn't mean to intrude and kept her hands in the warm pockets of her cloak.

Jocelyn took a seat upon one of the cold wooden benches that sat near a small lake, behind it sat a large Weirwood tree. She looked to it's crying face and wondered why so many in the South had burned and destroyed these ancient near hauntingly beautiful trees. Even if these trees didn't mean much to the Seven, men should still treat such symbols of history and tradition with respect. She wondered if and when Lady Stark had learnt to pray to the seven after her marriage, Jocelyn wondered if she had been expected to.

So lost in thought about the Northern religion, Jocelyn did not notice Robb Stark walking up to her and taking a seat besides her. She looked up, brows puzzling and her shoulders tensing.

"My Lord." She said, out of their custom, a little startled. "Robb." She added, softer this time.

He remained silent, his jaw clenching, he was looking at her, almost whispering before he glued his eyes to the weirwood tree not far from them. "We'll be betrothed underneath the Weirwood tomorrow night."

Jocelyn grimaced, turning her face so he wouldn't see. So soon, but it wasn't truly odd. She knew there would be a official betrothal eventually.

She didn't dare face Robb, not after what happened to Bran, were they not all top devastated to attend such a ceremony?

Was he angry that the betrothal would still happen while his brother lay near death still?

Jocelyn knew she would be angry, offended. She couldn't imagine sweet Tommen falling off a building, his bones broken and his legs mangled, the thought frightened her.

"Should you wish to-" she cleared her throat softly. "Wait for Bran to wake, then please, let me talk to my father."

Robb shook his head swiftly, turning to look at Jocelyn, his hands itched a little, he wanted to touch her. Only her face, maybe her cheek for a moment. "It's- it is no issue, I apologize to you-"

"You have nothing to apologize for."
Insisted Jocelyn, her voice a little harsh. She wanted him to know she meant well, so she curled her lips a little, trying to brighten her face by pushing aside some of her hair next.

Robb turned his face, clenching his jaw again.

"I hope our wedding will be under different circumstances, the days are fae too....."

A silence fell, and Jocelyn so badly wanted to repair his sadness, to fix the gloom in his eyes.

"Certainly." She tried. "Bran will be there, and he will smile when you cloak me as your bride."