Everyone turned toward the voice.

When they saw it was Lady Lyanna Stark, all bowed except Benjen.

Levi, seeing her again, he thought she was beautiful. Give it a few more years, he mused, and she'll be a beauty that could melt winter snow.

Lyanna stepped forward, arms crossed. "Have you learned anything else besides your swordsmanship?"

Benjen, quick to answer, said, "He's picked up archery and spearmanship, from what I've seen."

Ser Rodrik Cassel nodded, stroking his whiskers. "Knowledge from the crannogmen, I wager."

Lyanna tilted her head. "Then let's see his archery."

Ser Rodrik, curious himself, agreed.

Levi stepped forward, retrieving his bow. "Where should I aim?"

Rodrik pointed to a straw dummy at the far end of the field. "Three arrows. Let's see your grouping."

Levi took his stance. He calmed his breath, shoulders relaxed. One after the other, the arrows struck dead center.

Ser Rodrik Cassel grunted, clearly impressed. "Not bad at all. You've skill and control." He waved a hand. "We'll skip spearmanship. Against bandits, you'd hold your own well enough."

Levi nodded in agreement.

Lyanna wasn't finished. "How about horse riding?"

Levi hesitated, then said, "I only started two moons ago, when we left Bogwater. I've been learning on the road."

Lyanna smiled. "Then we ride."

Benjen groaned. "Sister, not another race—"

"Best to end it here," Ser Rodrik interjected. "The day's wearing down."

But Lyanna, willful as always, grinned. "Prepare two horses. I want to see what he can do."

Benjen shook his head. "Good luck."

Rodrik muttered, "Ride close, my lady. And don't go far, if you're not back by sundown, I'll send riders."

Lyanna waved them off. "We won't be long. Come on, Levi."

Levi bowed slightly to the others and followed her to the stables just off the yard.

By the time they arrived, Lyanna was already mounted. She pointed at the second horse. "Ride her. She's stubborn but quick."

Levi mounted as best he could, hoping this wouldn't turn into a full gallop. He was wrong.

Lyanna urged her horse forward and shouted, "Don't be slow! Ride like you mean it!"

Levi held on, urging his horse after her. It neighed and fought a bit, but settled. He kicked gently and followed her through the gates.

She looked back at him once they were on the road. "If you can't ride beside me, you'll never outrun anything."

She spurred forward again.

Every bounce rattled Levi's insides. The saddle punished him, and every thump near his groin made him grit his teeth.

Lyanna laughed. "Balance, Levi! Straighten your back! Hold the reins with purpose and use the stirrups!"

He adjusted slowly, following her advice. It got easier but not perfect, but enough to stop feeling like he'd fall off.

Still, she kept ahead of him.

Eventually, the trees thickened, and she vanished from sight. Panic stirred in Levi as the road narrowed, but he followed her trail carefully.

When he caught up, she was waiting by a clearing in the woods.

"Try not to get lost," she said with a smirk.

They rode slower now, the horses calm beneath them. The quiet between the trees softened everything.

Levi glanced at her. In the quiet of the woods, the light catching her face willful, sharp-eyed, beautiful it struck him again. She would one day be a great beautiful lady. She already is.

She caught him staring.

She smiled. "Alright. That's enough. Let's get back before Rodrik sends half of Winterfell after us."

They turned their horses around.

On the ride back, Lyanna said, "You're not bad. But you need more work. Riding, swordsmanship, it's not just about drills. You need someone to train with. Someone who pushes you."

She looked ahead. "Learn that now before you're forced to learn it on a battlefield."

Levi nodded. "Thank you for your advice, my lady."

As they reached the gates of Winterfell, the sun dipping low, she dismounted and handed her reins to a guard. Levi did the same.

"It was good to see you again, Levi," she said.

He bowed slightly. "And you, my lady. I'm glad to see you in good health."

She smiled at that and disappeared into the castle.

Levi stood at the gate for a moment, watching her go. How do people here grow so tall, so fast… even their beauty feels unnatural…

He shook the thought away and walked back to the caravan.

Inside, Jory and Lyle were waiting, half-grinning, curious.

"Where'd you go?" Jory asked.

Levi shook his head. "Nowhere."

He lay down, tired, eyes already closing. "Tomorrow, we stop by the smithy… then we move on."

Winterfell was behind him now.