Thread: A Rose in the Snow (heartlesskitten x Rivine)

Riyana watched from the back of her horse as the wagon load of prisoners soon to be Brothers unload. They were a motley lot, ranging from boys younger than she to men with eyes that were hard and ancient as stone. Perhaps her oddness would be overlooked among such variety. She gazed up at the Lord Commander, trying not to stare at his strange appearance. She knew about him, he was a southern bastard of royal blood and a man who did not come to the Wall by choice. Shifting in her saddle, she dropped her gaze when the single red eye touched her face and her skin crawled, she felt like he could see right through her. Gripping the reins in her leather gloved hands she looked over to the man standing beside him. He was rather handsome with frost touched dark curls and a scruffy beard. She wondered who he was, feeling a blush rise to her face as he looked down at her. Focusing on the speech, she shrugged off the thoughts of the man, it was not something she should concern herself with. The Lord Commanders words made her throat tighten, it certainly was a second beginning for her, a new life as a completely different person. She felt herself swell with pride, she would be one, a Brother and protect the lands south from the dangers of the wilds in the north. Let the lords squabble and fight, let the King rule she would be above it all, wearing the black upon the Wall. Casting a look at the boys and men who shuffled through the gates, she got the sense they held no pride in their hearts for what they were to become. Fear and resignation for the most part on their faces and a few envious and curious glances her way. Riyana dismounted and approached the inner court of Castle Black, leading her rough haired garron with the heavy saddle bags. Her sword was a rarity and none had a bow, she began to worry that her equipment would bring too much attention. One of the Brothers stood in front of them getting their names. Odd nicknames and peasant surnames were the most common and when he came to her, Riyana kept her gaze on the ground. The voice she practiced was low pitched, husky and throaty but soft, without the adolescent cracking and she spoke barely above a whisper, Brydan Rivers. The older man squinted at the youth he saw, bright red hair cut short but starting to grow out, smooth cheeked and fine featured, too pretty for his own good. Speak up, lad. Name and age? Riyana cleared her throat, speaking louder though controlling the timbre, her voice sounding slightly raspy and smoky, Brydan Rivers, sixteen. The man tongued the inside of his cheek at the name, raising an eyebrow, making a mark on his parchment,Well...another Riverland bastard. Sixteen my arse...shouldnt you be some hedge knights squire with all that gear? Assuming you can use any of it. He smirked, looking at the slightly built boy and the weapons, snorting derisively before moving onto the next. Riyana touched her sword on her hip, most would look at her as a boy and think he was too soft and small to ever be a knight, though some assumed she might grow a little. She was not incapable of fighting and was quite fierce and fast but the strength she would need to carry the armor and weapons of a full heavy knight would probably never develop. She rubbed the worn pommel and looked up as the man continued to speak with the others. Riyana breathed a sigh of relief, he had believed her to be a young man and nothing but the suspicion of his good gear had raised an eyebrow. Her attention was brought to the man who had stood with the Lord Commander as he approached the cluster of recruits. In a closer inspection, she could see he was rather worn, his handsome face weathered but what caught her gaze was the lavender shade of his eyes. Her lips parted slightly and she had to look away lest he catch her gawking.