[Semi-limited Open Post] Lenten observations...

[weristdas_graal]

The days are growing longer and the sun is growing stronger each day. Snow still covers the ground and the trees, but winter is slowly yielding to the signs of spring. It's getting easier for Parsifal to sweep the snow from the steps of the chapel and to clear the path from the house to it

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[firstbornoflot]

Gawain wasn’t quite on his way to the chapel, though he realizes upon seeing its familiar silhouette that he probably should be more assiduous at matins and vespers, and sighs to himself. The place was a haven to him and his kin in their time of need, and his brother knight has been indeed a brother, as many have, when others perhaps would have turned away the sinners that Orkneys are.

And so admitting this to himself, the knight turns his stride, off towards the chapel, and might wander in, crowding the entrance and casting a shadow on Parsifal’s breviary.

“Ever pious, Sir Parsifal,” he says, by way of greeting.

[weristdas_graal]

He looks up, smiling to his brother knight. "And may the Lord be with you, my brother Gawain, in this Lenten season," he replies. "How goes it with you since last we spoke?" he asks, cheerful, despite the penitential season that they have entered.

[firstbornoflot]

“It goes,” Gawain replies, though the very bare limp may be a hint that aught has occurred since they last spoke in the aftermath of the quake. “Though come the merry season, in truth, I will be relieved, aye.”

[weristdas_graal]

"Aye, and it shall be most welcome: this has been a long and hard winter," he admits. Then hopefully, he adds, "Though perhaps a message from our lady Queen shall help to pass the time: there is a man whom she would bestow knighthood, for his valor during the time when the earth shook the manse from its foundations."

[winterfell_lady]

[weristdas_graal]

She may find him in the middle of his sword form: exercising his body as much as he does his soul. But on seeing Catelyn, he pauses, raising his blade in a salute before lowering it and sheathing it. "My Lady Stark, a blessed day to you," he says, bowing to her. "And what brings you here to the chapel?" he asks.

[winterfell_lady]

[weristdas_graal]

"Aye, the linens for the altar were damaged when the wild winds and the quaking of the earth shattered the windows: the winter snows were blown inside as well," he says, glancing to the boarded up windows. "Shall I escort you inside?" he offers.

[fairy_fingers]

Here comes young Angelique. She's come to pray, for her and for her baby, for Robb, for Arya, for all of those lost souls in this house who seem gone, for Felix Harrowgate, too, whom she hasn't seen in so long, for Oberyn who gave her the life she now has.

She'll be at the pew, praying softly, but she is so lost and confused, so fearful, too, that she may be also crying softly into her joined hands.

[weristdas_graal]

She might hear a sturdy but gentle footstep and Parsifal will kneel beside her. "My lady Angelique, may I ask what troubles your heart?" he asks, concerned.

[fairy_fingers]

She's done praying for now, and she turns to Parsifal, and her lips trembles.

After that, she'll just crumble into his chest.

“Oh, ser,” Angelique weeps, “I am so unhappy.”

[weristdas_graal]

He looks on her, concerned. "What is it that troubles you so, my lady?" he asks. "You may unburden your heart and soul to me, if you so wish."