All morning visitors had been arriving in High Garden, ready for the wedding festivities, so the Tyrells were all busy showing their guests around the grand castle, meaning that for once Eddmina was completely alone for the first time since her arrival nearly three weeks ago. She'd offered to help, but apparently as the bride-to-be it wasn't in-keeping with tradition if she helped, so she'd instead hidden herself away in the library.

The few times she'd been to High Garden's library had left her thoroughly impressed. It was much larger than Winterfell's, much grander and better organised, though that didn't stop her getting lost. There were more nooks scattered about, perfect for hiding with the purpose to get lost in a good book, which was exactly what Eddmina wanted to do that morning. Her mind was racing, a mixture of excitement to see her family and worry for the next day taking over her completely, and usually when she felt as though her head was so busy back home she would either go for a ride or do some archery, maybe even play her lute before her mother had confiscated it. She couldn't go riding, not knowing the Reach well enough, she couldn't go shooting either, still trying to hold up the pretence of a good little lady who didn't know her way around weapons, and she certainly couldn't play a non-existent lute, so she decided she would go to her usual last resort; reading.

Books had often been her company before. When she'd want to be ignored, or want to skip her lessons with the septa, she would simply go and find the maester and ask him to suggest a history book to her. It was how she had ended up so knowledgeable, never turning down his suggestions and not giving up on them until they were finished, so she planned to try and recreate that. There were clearly a lot more books in the Tyrell library compared to back home, so she wandered through the different sections, desperately searching for something, hopefully something long that would last her until she had to face the world eventually.

What surprised her was the lack of books about the North. There were a multitude of books on each of the other kingdoms, a plethora on each house's history, excluding the north. No wonder she was seen as such an outsider, the library's lack of her history clearly making her seem so unlike anything the Reach knew of. Maybe she was so used to seeing so many books about the northern houses, the Night's Watch and stories from beyond the Wall, maybe she was just too used to those sorts of books being the centre focus of her home library, but regardless, she knew she would have to ask Willas about the shortage. She decided to pick up a book on the royal families of house Targaryen, noting it was written before Robert's rebellion which made her assume it would be rather patriotic towards the dragon kings and queens.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been reading, curled up in one of the nooks by the window, offering her a perfect view of the courtyard. Every so often she would look up from her page and see another carriage arriving and her heart would always skip a beat in the hopes that it would be her family, only for it to sink in sad desperation when it turned out to be yet another southerner. She knew her family would arrive soon, though her father and brothers would probably ride through the castle gates rather than in a carriage, so she wasn't sure why she was so disappointed every time a newcomer wasn't them. She tried to keep herself distracted with her book, but after what was probably a good few hours, there came the noise of someone clearing their throat in front of her, and she looked up to see Garlan.

"I'm surprised you have the energy for such a long read, my Lady, considering what I heard you got up to last night," he teased in place of a greeting, and Eddmina felt herself flush pink even though what he was insinuating was a joke. "I hear you spent all night in my brother's room,"

"I was sizing it up for when move in," she responded dryly, looking back down at her book before gesturing for him to join her, and as he sat down across from her she sat up a little straighter, closing the book and looking at him properly. "We were only talking,"

Part of her was a little annoyed that Garlan knew all about her night in Willas' room, the two of them up late to the point that Eddmina had still been exhausted when she had to get up for the day. She was annoyed that such a defining moment in their relationship, where they finally began discussing their lives before the betrothal properly, had been shared with Willas' brother, until she remembered what their relationship was like. Willas and Garlan were like herself and Robb, and she knew if he'd have been in High Garden the night before she'd have gone straight to his room after she left Willas to tell him everything. When she realised that, she almost wanted to laugh, noting how similar they both were with their brothers, but she stayed serious, especially as Garlan was the one who was doing the grinning.

"Oh, I know, don't worry yourself, my brother is traditional to the end when it comes to things like that," he laughed quietly. "What are you doing hiding in here?"

"I wasn't hiding," she shrugged. "I just didn't know what to do with myself. There's nothing I can do to help and I didn't want to get in the way. I don't really have a proper place here for myself yet,"

"Well I for one can't wait until your place is as my sister-by-law," he attempted to reassure her, and it worked a little. "I can't wait for this whole farce to be over with and for you to be a proper part of the family rather than you having to hide away from Willas. It might mean I actually get to have dinner with my wife for once rather than my brother, who's much more boring than Leo, unfortunately for you,"

"I've been very thankful for Leonette's company," she told him, and at the mention of his wife his grin grew even bigger. "You're certainly a lucky man, Ser Garlan,"

"Oh, tell me about it, blessed beyond measure," he joked, and Eddmina struggled to hold back a laugh.

Garlan was truly blessed with Leonette, he knew that every time he looked at her. She was not only the most beautiful person he'd ever met but the kindest, with the warmest soul he'd ever encountered. Leonette truly struggled to know that someone was hurting or sad, hence her becoming such firm friends with Eddmina to try and stop her feeling so overwhelmed by her new life in the Reach. It was one of the reasons why he'd come to find her that day. Considering what Leonette had told him about Eddmina's badly concealed nerves, with everything else happening the day before the wedding, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to find Eddmina and make sure she was alright.

She seemed fine, just how she had been at Winterfell, but of course none of them really knew her before she became Willas' betrothed, so there was no real comparison. Even if she wasn't fine though, she didn't seem the sort of lady who would so easily jump into a conversation about her emotions, so he just hoped his company would be enough.

"I think you might have a point about this wedding being a bit of a farce," she said quietly, her gaze fixed out of the window as another carriage came through the gates, another group of blonde southerners getting out and being greeted by Lord and Lady Tyrell. "Is every event such a spectacle in the South?"

"No, this is practically a royal wedding compared to the effort put into mine and Leonette's," he laughed, rolling his eyes. "I always knew Willas was the favourite child,"

"In the north, a couple stand under a weirwood tree in the eyes of the old gods and simply say they take each other as man and wife," Eddmina said simply. "I didn't realise how big of an event weddings are until now,"

"Perhaps the north has the right idea," he agreed. "What with the feast tonight, the actual day tomorrow, and the hunt the day after, its quite a dramatic affair,"

"I didn't even realise there was a feast tonight," she laughed, stroking her long braided hair. "Or a hunt,"

"Traditionally it was for the bride's family to bond with the groom's, but now I think it's just an excuse for the men to go off and kill something," he explained, sounding tired of the traditions. "And I believe the feast tonight is to not only welcome all the visitors but probably show off that we're rich,"

Eddmina laughed, finding his dry honesty amusing, especially since his remark had been exactly what she was thinking. She'd found everything about the Tyrells overly decadent, even down to the first time she saw them upon their arrival into Winterfell. It was a harsh contrast to what she had been brought up with, her family never really boasting their wealth. There were more important things to life than money, like family and safety. She hoped that she'd be able to keep a hold of those particular morals even when she did become a Tyrell.

"Well, regardless, I actually came to find you for a reason rather than just to gossip," he told her, interrupting her thoughts as he stood up from where he'd been sat. "There's been a messenger arrive, apparently your family are close to arriving,"

In excitement she couldn't help but gasp, a grin immediately growing on her face. She quickly set the book aside as she jumped up from her seat, straightening her skirts down and stroking her hair, making sure she looked alright. She knew her family were arriving that day, but knowing she was going to see them soon was thrilling, after months apart from them she was finally going to see her parents and her siblings again. Seeing her joy at the news, Garlan couldn't help but laugh quietly, wondering if this was the happiest he'd seen her since their departure from Winterfell.

The two of them headed down to the courtyard together, though the rest of the Tyrells were nowhere to be seen, clearly off seeing to the other guests who'd arrived. That didn't matter to Eddmina though, it just meant she got more time with her family. They got there just in time for the northern arrival, the Stark guards carrying the Direwolf banners riding through first, the sight of her sidgil making her want to cry. The harsh contrast between the dark colours of their armour and the greys of their flags, not to mention the tired colours of the carriage that came through the gates, and the decadence of High Garden was yet another reminder of how out of place she was in the Reach. Upon seeing it all, seeing the reminders of Winterfell, she felt properly at home for the first time in a while, feeling as if she wasn't completely alone and an oddity for the first time since arriving.

Garlan graciously gestured for her to go on, standing to the side to let her have a moment alone, which she was grateful for as she saw four northern horses ride to the front of the procession, slowing to a stop. Without their furs and thick leathers they looked barely recognisable, but Eddmina would be able to recognise them in her sleep; Robb, Jon, Father, and Theon.

Lord Stark's horse was leading the rest of them, but before he could halt his, Robb had jumped off his mount and was running at her, calling her name excitedly. She grinned, thinking about how orderly the Tyrell procession had been when they visited the north, but the Stark twins didn't do orderly, not when they'd been separated for months. Before she knew it Robb was crashing into her, squeezing his arms so tightly around her that she could barely breathe, but she didn't care, hugging him right back, gripping him with every longing she'd tried to hold back. He was there, he was real, she wasn't alone anymore.

"Edd," he breathed out, not parting from their embrace as she rested her forehead on his shoulder. "Gods, it's really you,"

"Robb," she mumbled in relief. "I've missed you... I don't know how I've managed without you,"

"Are you alright?" he asked seriously, his voice full of concern as he pulled away slightly, looking her up and down protectively as if to check for harm.

"I'm okay, I promise," she nodded reassuringly, offering him a grin. "All the better for seeing you,"

That was when Jon approached them, cautious not to disturb their twin moment. He seemed almost nervous to be there, as if he felt like he was gatecrashing, not good enough to truly be in such a grand keep, which was something Eddmina could definitely relate to even if she wasn't a bastard. She was relieved to see him too, though in a different way, relieved that her mother had actually let him come, so she pulled out of her hug with Robb and instead threw her arms around Jon's shoulders.

"I'm so happy to see you, Jon," she told him sincerely, ruffling his hair a little as he laughed, squeezing her just as tight as Robb had done. "Thank you for coming,"

"Thank you for inviting me," he said quietly, pulling out of their hug to check over her protectively like Robb had done. "Seriously, Edd, thanks,"

"You're my brother, gods be damned if you're missing my wedding," she said firmly with a small laugh.

The next to dismount from his horse was Theon, though he looked as though he didn't want to talk to her, looking more out of place than the rest of them, a mixture of neres and disgust on his face. At the sight of him Eddmina immediately thought about all the subconcious thoughts she'd had in her head, embodied through his voice, and she thought about everything that had happened with him. After the conversation with Willas the night before, she'd put it all in the past, so she had no worries going over to him and offering her hand for him to shake.

"I didn't think you'd want me here, but I wasn't allowed to stay behind," he said simply in place of a proper greeting without shaking her hand, as if he thought she wanted justification for his presence.

"Of course I want you here," she shugged before taking his hand, pulling him close so she could whisper, "Whatever happened with us is over, but you're still my friend,"

"Good," he said, clearly trying to not sound as relieved as he was. "It's been quiet in Winterfell without you... We're alright then?"

She dropped her grip on his hand, standing back so it didn't look strange, but she instead gave him a nod and a small smile, and with that, their previous entanglement was officially over. There was no more time to dwell on their exchange, not as the carriage doors opened and Eddmina found herself nearly tackled to the ground by Arya.

"Gods, Arya, let her breathe!" Robb called, the others laughing, though Eddmina merely hugged her sister back just as tightly, ruffling her hair, laughing as she noticed her wild little sister was wearing a dress, her hair braided back in an attempt to be neat.

"Shut up, Robb, I've missed her!" Arya snapped at their brother before looking up at her sister. "I've missed you, Sansa's been really annoying ever since you left, especially since we've been travelling, and it's a long way to have to listen to her going on about princes and knights and pretty castles,"

"Yes, and I bet it was a long way for the others to listen to you complain about listening to Sansa," Eddmina joked, making Arya scowl a little.

"Edd!" Bran's voice called as he shoved Arya off her, hugging his sister in her place.

"Bran!" she grinned, ruffling his hair, noticing that even if he was hugging her, he was looking round the courtyard in amazement. "Wait till you see all the towers, I'll take you exploring later, I promise!"

"It's a bit different to home," he muttered quietly, making Eddmina let out a laugh.

"An understatement," Robb muttered to her, and she nodded in agreement.

The next Stark to greet her was Rickon, though her littlest brother didn't actually say anything. Instead he simply cried as she knelt to hug him, and she hoped his tears were because of him missing her, though as soon as he parted from their embrace he ran to Robb's side, who placed a protective hand on his shoulder. As soon as Eddmina rose she spotted Sansa come to greet her, but she seemed far too excited by High Garden to notice her.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Eddmina said, her voice getting her sister's attention.

"Oh, it is!" Sansa exclaimed in wonder, throwing herself at Eddmina in joy. "I'm so happy for you! It's all so wonderful,"

"You've only just got here," Arya muttered in annoyance, though Jon shushed her.

"She's right, it certainly is something," another voice called, and Eddmina looked up from her sister's embrace to see it was her mother who had spoken, both of her parents stood together, watching as their children reunited.

Eddmina might not have the best relationship with her mother, the tension being unavoidable sometimes, but she still loved her. She loved her father too, thinking of him as one of the greatest men in the whole of Westeros, and she'd not realised just how much she'd missed both of them until she saw them stood in front of her, smiling. Sansa quickly stepped away as Eddmina moved to hug their father first, finding it strange that for the first time in her life, hugging her father didn't mean burying her face into his fur cloak. He held her close, pushing a kiss to the top of her head, and she found the tears unavoidable, especially as she felt her mother wrapped her own arms around her, stroking her hair.

"Are you alright?" her father asked her carefully, just as Robb and Jon had done, and she smiled, pulling away to wipe her tears of happiness away quickly.

"Well I've not ran away back to the North just yet," she attempted to joke, and though her father let out a short laugh her mother stayed silent. "I'm perfectly fine, seriously. I'm a Stark, we've dealt with worse than me having to live among roses,"

***
The pre-wedding feast that night was apparently a bigger deal than Garlan had made it out to be. Apparently it was tradition, welcoming the wedding guests into the Groom's home, the parents of the betrothed eating together whilst the bride sat with her own family for the last time before joining her husband's house the next day at the wedding. As a northerner used to vows in the Godswood Eddmina found it all absurd, but she kept quiet, finding it as an excuse to at least be with her siblings.

It was her last night as a Stark, so she found it fitting that Robb called on her as he always did before a feast at home, though this time Leonette was still helping with her hair. She'd volunteered to help her get ready, knowing she'd probably be nervous, not just about that nights feast but what awaited her the next day. Robb didn't think she seemed nervous though, not as she was sat at the dressing table dressed in a snow-white gown, embroidered with little silver wolves. The dress had a plunging neckline like every dress in the south, but with trains of sheer grey tulle flowing down from the shoulders, covering her otherwise exposed arms. Seeing his twin dressed so grandly made Robb's stomach drop a little as he realised just how different the south was to their home. She'd begun fitting in rather well, but it was different all the same, not at all what they'd grown up with. He felt out of his depth just through not wearing his furs and less layers of leather, he couldn't imagine how Eddmina felt, dressing so beautifully with the expectation of her fitting in so perfectly.

"Am I interrupting? Shall I wait outside?" He asked, hovering in the doorway of her makeshift room, noticing it was invisible of any personal touches like her room in Winterfell was.

"No, come in," she shook her head, beckoning for him to enter, flashing him a smile. "This is Leonette, my future sister-by-law, Leo, this is my twin brother Robb,"

"Nice to meet you at last, Mina talks non-stop about you!" Leonette grinned at him, before stepping back, admiring the work she'd done on Eddmina's hair. "There. I left most of it down so you don't look too southern but I braided the top and put in a few roses so you look the part of a Tyrell. What do you think?"

"It's artwork," Eddmina grinned, and Robb couldn't help but notice how genuinely happy her smile was.

"Sansa would die for a hairstyle like that," Robb joked, making Eddmina laugh.

"Maybe I should offer to do your sister's hair tomorrow for the wedding?" Leonette suggested before giggling. "I saw her earlier, she's just as pretty as you said she was, and your brother, Jon, is it? Well, he's more handsome than you made out,"

"You're married," Eddmina pointed out. "What would Garlan think to you calling my brother handsome?"

"Garlan's not blind, he'd probably agree with me, though Margaery thinks that this one is the best looking," she said, gesturing to Robb, giggling again. "I'm going to go find Garlan, I'll see you at the feast!"

With that Leonette headed out of the room, stopping only to wink at Robb, who was baffled by the attention. That being said though, he was more confused by Eddmina's behaviour. Other than Sansa and Arya, she never interacted with other girls, not even the ones who were in her classes with the Septa, but she already seemed firm friends with Leonette.

"You're frowning," Eddmina pointed out, getting up from the dresser and moving closer to him. "Is it because she called you handsome?"

"Actually she called Jon handsome," he reminded her before sighing. "I didn't think you'd have settled in so quickly... she said your talk non-stop about me,"

"Of course I do, I've missed you," she shrugged, sitting back down on the bed, gesturing for him to sit next to her. "It's not been as terrible as I thought it would be, but it's been hard being so far away. Leonette's been really good company, and Willas has been very good at making me feel calm about the situation,"

"Is he the one who's come up with this new nickname?" Robb asked, recalling how Leonette had called his sister 'Mina'.

"Yes," she nodded, and even more confusing than the rest of her behaviour, she blushed at the mention of Willas.

"Do you like him?" Robb asked bluntly, finding it surprising that his sister may have already fallen for her betrothed.

Eddmina didn't get the chance to answer, not as another quiet knock came at the door. They both looked up and saw Jon, his hair combed back neatly, dressed smartly as if determined to fit in, as if he was a Stark and not a bastard. Eddmina, despite her mother's encouragements, had never thought of Jon as anything but her brother, but she knew how it felt to not fit in, so she got up from the bed and put her arm around his shoulder.

"Everyone else has already gone down to the feast," he said to them both. "Why does there need to be a feast if the wedding's tomorrow?"

"Oh, please, don't get me started," Eddmina rolled her eyes. "The South is full of stupid traditions that are just to flaunt wealth,"

"I never realised how different it all was," Robb mused. "Even with the Maester's lessons, I didn't think... We're Northern highborns yet compared to all this pomp I feel as though we're poor,"

"Bold of you both to feel overwhelmed, you've only been here a few hours," Eddmina muttered, crossing her arms across her chest. "Come on, we should go to the feast, we'll be late,"

"Edd, seriously, wait," Robb said before Eddmina could escape her room. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, Robb, I'm fine," she nodded before letting out a long sigh, meeting his eye with a serious look. "It's different, but I'm okay. It's not been as awful as I thought it'd be, it's still been hard but in truth... Willas is a good man. His family have been very kind and welcoming to me, especially Garlan and Leonette, and even if I hate the fact that I will be called a Tyrell and not a Stark after tomorrow, it will not be a terrible thing to be married to Willas. He's been good to me, and I believe he'll be a good husband. Now, please can we go to this feast? It wouldn't look very good it I was late, I am the bride after all,"

***
Word count: 4277

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