A New Gathering

The grand halls of White Harbor were abuzz with activity as Rosaline descended the stairs, her parents, Greatjon and Jocelyn Umber, by her side. The warm glow of candles and firelight illuminated the faces of the gathered guests, casting a golden light over the assembled crowd. As they made their way through the throng, Greatjon's booming voice echoed through the halls, greeting familiar faces and exchanging hearty claps on the back with the men of White Harbor. Jocelyn smiled and nodded, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she acknowledged the nods and curtsies from the ladies. As they entered the great hall, Rosaline's eyes widened in wonder. The long tables were laden with a feast fit for a king, and the air was thick with the scent of roasting meats and freshly baked bread. The sound of laughter and conversation filled the air, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of music from the gathered musicians. At the high table, Lord Manderly, the ruler of White Harbor, stood to greet them, a broad smile on his face. "Greatjon, it's been too long! I see you've brought your lovely daughter with you. Welcome, Rosaline, to White Harbor." Rosaline curtsied, her cheeks flushing with pleasure as Lord Manderly took her hand and kissed it. "The pleasure is mine, my lord," she replied, her voice steady. As they made their way to their seats, Rosaline caught sight of a group of young people gathered at a nearby table. They seemed to be a lively bunch, chatting and laughing together with an ease that made her feel a pang of curiosity. Among them, she spotted a girl with a striking resemblance to the stories she had heard about the Starks of Winterfell. "That is Sansa Stark, the daughter of the Warden of the North," a gentle voice whispered in her ear. "She and her siblings, Arya, Bran, and Robb, have been staying at White Harbor for some time now. It's a pleasure to see them again." Rosaline's eyes followed the speaker's nod, and she met Sansa's gaze across the room. The girl smiled, and Rosaline felt a spark of connection, wondering what the future might hold for her and the Starks, now that their paths had crossed in this way. As the evening progressed, Rosaline found herself swept up in the tide of conversation and laughter, her parents and Lord Manderly ensuring that she was introduced to the various guests and dignitaries in attendance. The Starks, it seemed, were an integral part of the White Harbor community, and Rosaline felt a sense of excitement at the prospect of getting to know them better. As the night drew to a close, Rosaline felt a sense of wonder and possibility, the events of the evening leaving her with a sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. The music and laughter seemed to swell around her, a joyful cacophony that echoed through the halls of White Harbor, a celebration of life and community that she felt grateful to be a part of.