who: @leolefford
where: set during the reach, specifically during the wedding festivities of king cedric tyrell and queen illya oakheart, following the cloaking ceremony.
the sound of the wedding flutes and the bards were ringing through the majority of the night, taking multiple courtiers of various realms onto the dance floor that seemed to stretch on endlessly: wherever she looked she saw dancing silhouettes and heard laughter. for years she felt as though she had been looking forward to such events again, royal weddings where people could find it within themselves to merely allow themselves the chance to be happy, even for the briefest of moments.
there was something beautiful about seeing people reunite, even for some moments: roars of laughter and giggling that resulted in hearty hugs.
only a few months ago brianna would have been one of the woman to be excited to see a companion of the heart, separated by distance. she had embraced her closest friend in the falling snow of white harbor, both of them wrapped up in furs, insisting that they both looked like bunnies.
the sight of a familiar pair of lilac eyes amongst the crowds of the crownlanders and stormlanders within this hall was enough to make her remain by the side of her brother for the majority of the night, feeling as though there was someone utterly missing from her side. she missed talking about poetry, she missed trying to understand the beauty of poetry and asking what writers meant. she missed a celtigar's laugh, telling her she was not being open minded enough.
she looked briefly at the sight of brightwater whiskey within her goblet, which none would truly know was not wine unless they peered into it; she took a sip, feeling the familiar fire run down her throat.
dark eyes looked around the room toward the feasting table, feeling her stomach rumble slightly: and the sight of the cheeses on the table were enough to capture her attention. her brother, lord ronan bracken, asked her to save him a seat beside her - she insisted she would as she made her way toward the feasting table, looking for an empty chair. and she saw it, directly opposite a pair of golden curls she recognised - a face she knew well. she felt her heart instantly begin to thump, taking another drink of the brightwater whiskey within her goblet.
why was she nervous? why was she like a bloody child, nervous over the sight of a man she found attractive once upon a time? was it because it had already been discussed within the family that they would prefer her to marry within the westerlands? and here was lord leo lefford, ruling lord of golden tooth: unmarried. she walked to the chair, putting her hand upon it, as though to steady her nerves. and yet on the outside, she seemed entirely confident and relaxed.
"seat taken, my lord?" she asked, her riverlands thick as her gaze met his own for a moment. striking emerald. she suddenly felt the urge to clear her throat. he indicated for her to sit, and she took a seat, putting down the goblet of whiskey. what was she supposed to say now? why was she so nervous? what was she supposed to say that would leave an impression?
"you'll only find me on the floor for group dances. 'till then, seems cheese'll do." she realised the cheese tray was right next to him, as was the large basket of breads. shit. did she have to lean forward to take it? he didn't ask. he didn't care. brianna bracken, get a damned grip. "which lord lefford am i speaking with?" she asked, a slight smile coming over; the question was forward.