Chapter 2

A warm, flickering glow fell on a young lady with messy black curls as she wandered the dimly lit corridors of Frostfall, her slender fingers tracing the cold stone walls as she clutched a leather-bound tome.

The empty hall was so quiet that she could hear her own breathing and heartbeat echoing through the cavernous chamber. She paused in front of  their family tapestry depicting battles long forgotten. Families had come and gone from Frostfall for over centuries, but the Frostweave Tapestry hung untouched on its golden frame cradled by ornate carvings of autumn leaves and grape clusters. Her pale fingers brushed against the fabric spun by threads of unmelting ice, which sent up a puff of dust before settling back into place.

The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows that danced around her, causing her heart to race with both excitement and trepidation. Her icy blue eyes roved over the towering shelves that lined the ancient library, her gaze darting from one dusty volume to another.

"One day, I will be able to comprehend all the secrets this place holds," she whispered to herself, her breath misting in the chill air. "Secrets that could help us reclaim our family's honour."

As she wandered the twisting corridors, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted a barely noticeable fissure in the far wall. Her fingers found the edge of an unseen door, and with a creaking groan, it opened to reveal a secret chamber glimmering with frost. She stepped inside, struck by the awe-inspiring sight of intricate carvings of ancient runic symbols that adorned every icy surface.

"Lyanna!" Lady Valeria's voice echoed through the halls, pulling her away from her discovery. Startled, she hastily closed the chamber door behind her and hurried back towards the familiar parts of the castle.

"Mother summons you," Ser Eldric said, his broad shoulders heaving with exertion as he leaned against the stone wall, wiping sweat from his brow after his vigorous sparring session. "We have much to discuss."

Lyanna nodded, her mind racing with questions and fears about what might be revealed during their meeting. She followed her brother into their mother's solar, her grip tightening on the tome in her hands.

Lady Valeria sat before the round stone table, her appearance still as elegant as ever. The flickering candlelight shone off her molten silver hair bound in a single braid, gently swaying as she moved. Her grey-green eyes were profound yet full of melancholy and fatigue, hinting at the burden she bore since the loss of her husband and the strain of ensuring her husband's house had a future. She was no longer the sweet and innocent sister to Monford Valeryon and Aurane Waters who first met Luton Everwinter at the Tourney of Storm's End.

She pointed to the chairs for her children to sit before pinning them with a determined look. "It appears Ned Stark will be the next Hand of the King," she started, speaking levelly despite delivering unexpected news. "Jon Arryn has passed and even though there are other far more skilled contenders, it looks like King Robert favours friendship over expertise. Even friendship over blood as some would have thought Lord Stannis a worthy successor as Hand. "

"Although nothing has been made official, King Robert's arrival in Winterfell to visit the Starks is a strong suggestion of what will come. We are expected to join the revels to commemorate his presence."

Lady Valeria paused to read the reactions of her children.

Eldric has improved in hiding his expressions, but Lyanna's eyes widen in surprise. She knew that their house had not had the opportunity to interact with the royal family since her father's death, and she couldn't help but wonder what kind of politics would be at play should they enter Winterfell.

"Mother, what is our role in this?" Eldric finally asked, his voice steady.

"Our role," Lady Valeria said, her gaze shifting to her son, "is to show our loyalty to the crown. We will attend the revels and present ourselves as honorable members of House Everwinter. We must also use this opportunity to forge stronger alliances and secure our place in the realm."

Lyanna watched as her mother's eyes flickered with an intense determination. She knew that Lady Valeria would do whatever it took to ensure that Frostfall remained a relevant and powerful house.

"Understood, Mother," Eldric said with a nod of his head, "I shall make the relevant preparations."

"Unfortunately, it would be inappropriate for Lyanna and me to join." Lady Valeria stated while giving her son a meaningful gaze. "What are your thoughts, Eldric?"

Eldric swallowed. His mother was testing him.

"The King still harbours animosity toward our House due to our loyalty to the Targaryens and their familiarity with you, Mother," Eldric pointed out, gauging her response. "He has been very vocal about his disdain for anyone who looks like a Targaryen, according to letters from our nuncle. So it would be wise for you to remain away from the King's sight. As for Lyanna, while the Starks seemed pleased that we chose her namesake after Lyanna Stark, we do not know how the King will react to a girl named after his lost betrothed. Hence, it would best for me to go alone with some of our loyal bannermen," he concluded.

Lady Valeria nodded, a slight smile creeping on her face. Pride rushed up her chest as she saw how much her son, the little boy who used to swing a wooden sword with her dead departed husband had grown. He was ready to meet the Baratheons and the Starks.

"Tomorrow, you will journey to Winterfell," Lady Valeria declared. "Make our family proud."

"I shall try my best, Mother," Ser Eldric answered solemnly, his eyes fixed on her. "Our heritage is still strong, and we will never forget our strength and courage."

"That's true," Lady Valeria nodded, her eyes taking on a softer look as she gazed at her son. "Your determination heartens me, Eldric. We must seek allies, forge new bonds, and reclaim our place in the intricate web of Westerosi politics."

"Mother is right," Lyanna added, her voice quiet but unwavering. "We must use every resource available to us, both within ourselves and beyond the walls of Frostfall."

Lady Valeria nodded, her gaze shifting to the tome clutched in her daughter's hands. "And what have you discovered, child? What secrets lurk within these ancient pages?"

"I am not certain yet," Lyanna admitted, hesitating for a moment before continuing. "But I believe it will help me understand my dreams. And also help House Everwinter if I can indeed become an iceforger."

Lady Valeria sighed at the thought of her daughter Lyanna's nightmares. Every night since her brother Eldric had taken his Frost Walk, a house ritual that he had been away eight moons ago and since completed, Lyanna had experienced strange dreams. She saw flames crashing against icy cliffs and heard ringing bells and hammering. Maester Donas suspected Lyanna had been touched by the spirit of Iceforgers who once inhabited Frostfall. Lady Valeria prayed it was only her daughter missing Eldric and nothing more sinister; she wanted Lyanna to grow up safe and healthy, unlike Prince Rhaegar and partially like her husband, who followed his Prince's dream-like visions.

But always hungry for knowledge, Lyanna had started hunkering down in the library and ancient chambers of Frostfall, searching for answers. Lady Valeria found herself loving her daughter too much to put a stop to these adventures despite her own fears.

"Let us discuss your dreams again once you have finished reading this tome," Lady Valeria smiled softly, "Maybe together we can indeed restore the glory of House Everwinter and secure our family's legacy for generations to come."

As they stood together in the flickering candlelight, their hearts filled with hope and uncertainty, a newfound resolve bound them together. They were united by blood and ambition and would face the treacherous game of thrones as one.