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CHAPTER TWELVE; RIVERRUN

Rey felt a lot safer within the walls of Catelyn Stark's former home. Where the camp across the castle rivers was cold and dirty, the inside was cozy and filled with people far kinder than the Stark soldiers. 

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Catelyn," Rey bowed her head as she entered the former throne room, where Catelyn stood with an older man, whom she hadn't met yet. From the sigil on his clothing to the fading flecks of red hair in his beard, she assumed it was Catelyn's father, Hoster Tully. "And thank you, my lord. I am sorry to burden you."

"It is no burden at all, Lady Aurelia," Hoster smiled down at the woman as she approached. Catelyn held her hand out and lingered at Rey's elbow. Brienne stood guard beside the older woman, a softness to her face. "I will see to it personally that you are taken care of, and that you make it home to Dewacreage safely."

Rey smiled. She didn't know how genuine it seemed, but she tried her best. There had been a few people who had promised to get her home in one piece, and she wasn't there just yet. It was partly her fault, but that was besides the point. "I'm incredibly grateful."

Hoster waved his hand, and a young, tanned girl approached Rey with a beautiful headpiece. "A welcoming gift for you, my dear. This was Catelyn's when she was a young girl, but she never liked it all that much."

"Gods, I remember that thing," Catelyn chuckled, taking the piece of jewellery from the girl and holding it up to eye level. "It's beautiful, but not exactly for me."

It was a silver headband, one that was supposed to wrap around one's hair and hold it in place. Leaves with small insects climbed across the crown, creating a wreath of sorts that was crawling with life. Somehow, it seemed perfectly suited to Rey. 

She lowered her head and allowed Catelyn to place it on her head. It was a little tight, as Catelyn had a slightly slimmer shaped scalp, but it fit nonetheless. She looked up and met the Stark woman's blue eyes, feeling the same motherly comfort as she had before. Catelyn smiled, as if she were with one of her own daughters. "I think this was meant to be yours."

Rey felt tears welling up in her eyes, but she forced them down, instead choosing to give Catelyn a short embrace. It was unprofessional, but she felt it was necessary to show her gratitude to the woman who had given her so much over the last week. "Thank you."

Catelyn seemed to be getting slightly emotional as well, but both women pretended they were fine. Hoster stepped forward and placed his hand on Rey's shoulder. He nodded at the young girl behind them. "This is Keala Sand. A Dornish bastard. She found her way up here a few years ago, she was abandoned by her mother."

Rey looked over at the girl. Keala didn't seem too pleased with her introduction. "Hello, Keala. I'm Rey."

"She'll be your handmaiden during your stay," Hoster said, before clasping his hands in front of him. "Feel free to wander the castle, use the ravens, just don't get too greedy with our resources. There's an army on our doorstep."

"Yes, my lord," Rey couldn't help but smile. Hoster was clearly stern, but he reminded her slightly of Renly. Everyone did; she looked for his features in all those she came across. "Thank you, once again."

Hoster waved her off. "House Tully and House Marigot have been allies for hundreds of years. It's my pleasure to host an old friend."

Catelyn saw Rey light up a little out the corner of her eye. It was rare to be welcomed as a Marigot rather than poked fun of for her father's cowardice. 

"Now, run along. My brother will be roaming around, as will my son, Edmure. Don't get too intimidated by them, especially Edmure."

Catelyn chuckled softly. "Especially Edmure."

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Ser Hogarth,

I am writing to you to extend my deepest apologies for everything I said the last time we spoke. I was immature and didn't trust my most loyal friend. I wish I had listened to you, dear Hogarth. I am in Riverrun at present, and hopefully I will find myself in safe return to Dewacreage in the coming months. 

All my love, 

Aurelia

Rey attached the scroll to a messenger raven and sent it off, before sighing deeply. A moment of silence. She looked out of the window, staring out into the distance. The camp was still bustling with life, men laughing with each other, sparring and eating together. It looked nice, when she wasn't a part of it all. 

Her breath caught in her throat as she remembered how the soldiers had grabbed her with no regard for her personal space. She recalled how her collar had tightened around her neck, beginning to cut off her breathing; how intense the grip on her wrists had become as they dragged her to the Kingslayer's prison pen. Her eyes trailed down to her arms, and she ran her fingers down her sleeve, wincing at the pain from the remaining bruises. 

"Why are you up here by yourself?" a soft, accented voice appeared from the entrance. Rey turned around in fright, looking back to see Keala Sand watching with curious eyes. "I thought you people like to have an entire party following behind you."

Rey quirked an eyebrow. "Even 'us people' like to have some peace and quiet."

Keala stared for a moment. Rey stared back. There was a strange tension, as if both girls were trying to figure each other out. A raven cawed in the background, and Keala cleared her throat. "Are you going to make me wipe your ass after you take a shit?"

Rey couldn't help but smile at the forwardness of the question. "I can assure you that I'm more than capable of doing that myself."

Keala took a step forward, and stuck her hand out. "Then I think we'll get along just fine."

Rey shook the outstretched hand. "How old are you?"

"Eleven."

"Isn't that a little young to be using such language?" 

"How old are you?"

"Sixteen."

"Isn't that a little young to be acting like my mother?" Keala shot back, and Rey narrowed her eyes. Keala quickly shut her mouth, and tensed up slightly, but relaxed when Rey began to giggle. "Would you like me to bring you your supper, m'lady?"

"No, thank you," Rey shook her head, taking one last look at the campsite before walking towards Keala. "And there is no need to call me m'lady, Keala. Aurelia or Rey is fine."

"You remember my name?" Keala asked softly, looking up at the taller girl. Rey was far better dressed, in a beautiful gown with the gorgeous new headpiece, while she was in rags that had been found for her when she arrived. She didn't look much like a handmaiden, but then again, that wasn't what she was supposed to be. It wasn't what she wanted to be. 

Rey smiled. "Of course I remember your name. I don't know how long I will be staying here, but I hope we can become friends."

"I don't have many of those," Keala admitted. 

"Neither do I," Rey responded. She adored Catelyn and Brienne, but they weren't her friends so much as they were idols. There had been Renly and Margaery, and maybe Arya, but she didn't know where she stood with the latter two. For now, there was no one to laugh or waste time with. "So, what do you say?"

Keala was quiet for a moment, before shaking Rey's hand. "Okay. Friends."

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