┏━ tribulation.
( SCENE 8 ) ━┛

THE small Mandal presage was spotted by Stark guardsmen just over the short distance between Winterfell and the vast forest. The castle was alerted of the arrival of Lord Darren and his two daughters, which caused a flurry of activity. The Mandals hadn't visited Winterfell in a while, so their presence was greatly awaited.

The arrival of the vassal house signified that Ismene's marriage was only a day away. She felt utterly terrified that she would no longer be a Stark once the sun set the next day and that she would be leaving her home to live with a family she barely knew. She was conflicted by her feelings of excitement and dread.

When both the Starks and Estemores had been informed that the Mandals were near the gates, the noble families promptly made themselves ready to receive their friends. Once the two families were positioned in the courtyard just as they had been a few days prior, Ismene stood at Darik's side. The tension between them both was still evident by the way they stood rigidly and kept their eyes away from each other.

With her thoughts all over the place, Ismene manages to focus her worried mind on the thought of seeing her friend Aubrey again. She was the heir of House Mandal, the other family that the Starks were close to besides the Estemore's. Though they didn't get to see each other much, Ismene still cared deeply for her friend. It had been many moons since they'd last seen each other, and she was excited that Aubrey would attend her wedding. It was the only good news thing she'd received in what felt like forever.

Nearby, Lukas stood at his father's side, his steely grey gaze cast toward the gates. He and Ismene hadn't spoken since the feast the other night when they had officially become friends, and Ismene noticed that her mind began to be intruded upon by thoughts of him. 

Since then, she looked forward to talking to him whenever she could. To his side, a tired but exhilarated-looking Evolet stood with her back straight, and her mahogany eyes also turned toward the gates. Ismene, noticing that the girl didn't look nearly as upset as the day before, couldn't help but wonder why she looked so strange.

Suddenly, the gates began to creak open. Both the Estemores and the Starks excitedly waited until the first rider came into view. The Mandal banner of the archer brandishing a bow was proudly displayed in the air, and it caused a smirk to grace Lukas' lips. He hadn't seen his cousins in forever, particularly Aubrey. They had been close growing up, and Lukas was pleased that she could make it.

Behind the guardsmen holding the banners rode Darren Mandal, Lukas' uncle, and Lady Helen's brother. He didn't look particularly upset, but he didn't look as excited as the heir might have expected. He knew of his uncles' preference toward marriage and assumed that this union did not agree with him.

Behind his uncle, the blonde-headed Aubrey finally appeared atop her trotting horse. She flashed an excited smile at him once they met gazes, at which he returned it. Following her, the young Enith gazed around with hungry blue eyes that were always eager to take in a scene. Seeing both of them was a welcome site for both Lukas and Ismene.

Once the Mandals were inside the gates and dismounted, everyone interested came to greet them. Lukas made his way over to his cousin, where they met in a tight embrace. When they pulled apart, a light laugh escaped past her lips. He noted how different it was, deeper in a sense, meaning she'd definitely matured.

"Little Luke is finally being wedded, I see?" Aubrey jests, poking him in the chest with a grin. "For the longest time, I thought your father would never find a girl unlucky enough to marry you. And, best of all, she happens to be my friend!"

Lukas rolls his eyes playfully despite being reluctantly reminded he is about to partake in an arranged marriage. "You and I both know this wasn't my choice," he half-jokes. They both knew there was some truth to his words, which made the situation sad.

Aubrey looks past him, which causes him to turn. As he crossed the yard, his mother Helen greeted her brother Darren, Aubrey's father. Standing with them were Lady Catelyn and Lord Stark. Lukas easily noticed how his mother acted differently when Lord Stark was present. Rigid and mechanical, her green eyes looked away from Eddard in particular.

"How awkward it is seeing your mother around Lord Stark," Aubrey comments. Lukas rolls his eyes.

"Don't mention it," he half mutters as they both watch the lords and ladies greet each other. "My soon-to-be good father was originally my mother's intended. Tell me that isn't awkward."

Aubrey shrugs. "I suppose it would be," she agrees. His cousin's attention is suddenly diverted past him again, and he turns to see Ismene standing not far away with her brother. Lukas' grey eyes meet Darik's, which harden with resentment. Every time they met gazes, he seemed to feel the hatred radiating off his future brother-in-law. Flashing a smile back at him, Aubrey peels away to greet her friend.

As soon as Aubrey was close enough, Ismene met her in a tight and long-awaited hug. When they pulled apart, they rested their foreheads together like they had when they were children. A light laugh escaped Ismene's lips, and Aubrey did the same.

"Oh, how many moons has it been?" Aubrey begins as they pull apart, making Ismene reminisce about their precious time together many years ago. It felt as if it were yesterday. "It feels like it's been forever. We were but children the last time we were together, yet here we are to see you wed to my cousin."

Ismene half-frowns while trying to keep a somewhat pleased expression. She didn't dislike Lukas, but the thought of her not having a choice made her feel somewhat bitter about the situation. "I'm sure Lukas and I will have a happy marriage," she replies. Aubrey gives her a weak smirk before her gaze is directed at Darik. Remembering Darik's feelings about the Mandal girl, Ismene looks to her brother.

Darik's eyes seem to glimmer when he looks down at Aubrey. His entire expression lifted to a more pleased look when, just previously, he'd been in the most bitter of moods.

"It's good to see you, Darik," Aubrey murmurs, flashing him a kind smile. While standing in the midst of them both, Ismene could feel the evident tension that radiated off her twin, yet it wasn't angry. When Ismene glanced over, she saw that his breath was obviously being withheld.

"As it is you," Darik breathed with the beginnings of a smirk appearing on his lips. His gaze seems to linger moments longer than Aubrey's does.

"Perhaps we should retreat inside?" Ismene suggests. Aubrey happily agrees, wandering past them to follow the others inside. As she walks away, Ismene looks at Darik as if to say, 'What was that?' He returns the look with a shrug.

❆

LUKAS couldn't count how many feasts he and his family had been holding since he and his family stayed in Winterfell. As he made his way to the Great Hall, it seemed like there was one every night, which would have been expected if a family was being hosted. He must have made himself look presentable a thousand times, which wasn't easy for him considering he often wore but leather trousers and a cotton blouse when he was home in Lakewell.

At his side was Evolet, whom he had noticed had been acting strangely since last night. She walked with a straighter posture, and her brown eyes seemed to dart about as they walked. It was a major change from her normal, quiet self. Something must have happened, and Lukas was determined to find out.

"Why are you acting so strangely?" he mutters as they round a corner together. Just at the end of the hallway, the Great Hall is visible, with the splashed light of fires having crept its way toward the dimness of the hall.

"What do you mean?" she inquires immediately. She is fidgety, with a new sense of liveliness about her. It was true that she felt more open, relaxed, and far less melancholy than she normally did. She feels her heart leap just about any time someone speaks to her, as if someone somehow knows about her encounter with Robb Stark, even though they'd both agreed that not a soul would.

Lukas rolled his eyes, deciding he'd investigate further at another time. As they entered the hall, the smell of cooked food made his stomach rumble again. Just ahead, he spotted his cousins Aubrey and Enith seated at one of the tables with a few of the Stark children, including Robb, Ismene, and Arya. Subconsciously, he was thankful that Darik was seated elsewhere.

Lukas makes his way over, where all their attention is turned to his presence. He smirks a little in acknowledgment to take a seat next to Aubrey and a cross from Ismene. Evolet takes a seat next to Enith.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Aubrey enthusiastically asks Ismene and Lukas. Lukas busies himself, making a plate from the bountiful amounts of food that sat before them. He glances at Ismene quickly, hoping she'll be the one to answer the question. Unfortunately, she doesn't.

"As we'll ever be," he is forced to speak up, a sigh escaping his lips. He cuts a piece of meat and lifts it to his mouth in an attempt to not have to say anything further.

"Where is it going to be?" Enith speaks up. Ismene noted that it was the first time she'd said much of anything since supper began.

"I believe in the Godswood," Aubrey answers her sister's question. "I can only imagine how beautiful it will be. I've seen the garden once before; it was breathtaking."

Ismene giggles lightly, but her expression slightly falters. "I'm fortunate that it is taking place here, in my home. I will most definitely miss Winterfell when it is time for us to leave. I will most definitely miss Darik.."

Lukas stops momentarily, recalling how he'd spoken about Ismene just before they arrived at Winterfell. He had thought it wrong that he had to come to her for their wedding... he felt guilty for being so conceded. Ismene didn't want to leave her home just as much as he didn't. His resentful and contemptuous side told him he didn't care about how she felt because he was displaced by the marriage. When the thoughts plagued his mind, he quickly shoved them away. He was too conflicted.

He clears his throat, which draws their attention. "We'll make sure that Lakewell feels like home for you," he suddenly promises. He was saying, I'll make sure you're happy. He felt it was his duty to take care of her now despite his anger for the union. Even if they weren't close, they would be soon enough. They had no choice.

Ismene seems to notice as the slightest of grins pulls at her lips. Her brown eyes glimmer with gratitude. Lukas can feel the burning gazes of Aubrey, Enith, Evolet, and Kaela. He realizes they are looking at him strangely, most likely because he is actually being considerate and kind.

"What a wonderful union this will be," Aubrey smirks as she raises a chalice of wine to her lips. "It's as if the Gods intended it."

This is more of a filler chapter guys, next few are going to get things rolling.
Just so everyone knows, Ismene's name is pronounced
"IZ-MAY-KNEE" :)