Inspired by The Wicked Earl by Margaret McPhee and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (set in that time period and following a mix of both storylines – a few twists here and there to fit the characters).

Characters all belong to the wonderful Game of Thrones series by GRRM, I'm just playing with them.

this isn't posted as a crossover because i dont concider it as one since it is a inspiration of both storylines and mostly made up.

V

First Impressions

Sansa

A sharp gasp and a huff of annoyance was all the warning Sansa received before the handkerchief Arya had been attempting to embroider was thrown at her feet, the needle following a moment after.

Sansa sighed and looked to her younger sister who sat sucking on her finger where she had received yet another stab from the sewing needle.

"Gods damn whoever came up with embroidery!" the younger Stark daughter yelled, crossing her arms and bringing her knees up to her chest, slouching messily in the chair across Sansa's.

"You have too little patience," Sansa remarked, gently laying down her own sewing and leaned forwards to pick up Arya's. She smoothed it out on her lap and frowned at the haphazard sewing. Where the stitches were to be small and neat and orderly, Arya had impatiently sewed all over the place, making it look like someone has scribbled with thread all over the delicate silk.

"This is dreadful, Governess Mordane will not be pleased" she said, Arya laughed in reply.

"That old hag is never pleased with anything I do!"

"That is because you never try! And don't use such language, you are a lady"

"Gods you sound just like her"

Sansa ignored her younger sibling and went back to her sewing, smiling fondly at her neat work, her stitches small and perfect, forming the shape of a swallow sitting in a white tree with leaves as red as blood.

Arya huffed again and moved to the window, glaring out at the heavy rain. Usually, Arya would be out in the sun and wind, running in the fields, climbing trees, or play fighting with their older brother Robb and their cousin Jon. But on a day such as this, when the rain threatened anyone who ventured in it with illness, they remained inside.

Sansa never minded, as much as she enjoyed long walks in the sun and flowers, she was perfectly content sitting in their drawing room sewing a new dress or playing and singing at the piano. Arya however, hated it.

The door opened and their mother came in, holding a book. She smiled to them both and leaned over to admire Sansa's work.

"You improve every day, everything is always so perfect and beautiful, Sansa" her mother told her fondly.

"Arya, where is yours?" she asked, looking pointedly at the small brunette slouching at the window.

"I gave up, mother I hate sewing! Can't I do something else?"

Catelyn laughed at that and sat on the chair beside the fireplace, "Arya all you don't hate are things that are for boys to do."

"They're much more fun!" Arya complained, moving to sit next to her mother, leaning against her.

"Oh grow up, Arya" Sansa snapped at her, it always annoyed her how her sister would do nothing but complain and didn't even try to be a proper lady.

"Sansa, don't shout at your sister."

"She started it with her stubbornness!-"

They were interrupted by to door opening and their father entered.

"Bickering as usual, always good to be home" he said, going to mother and kissing her softly.

"I have news for you all, Robb! Jon! Come here please!" he called loudly.

The two entered soon after. Robb was 19 years old, tall and handsome with dark auburn hair and blue eyes of their mother's side of the family, but many would say he had the Stark mannerism, seeming solemn and quiet but those who knew him well knew his smile and laugh and easy manner which made him very well liked and sought after.

Jon on the other hand took after the Stark's completely. This was of course because he was their cousin; his father had died while fighting in the regiment and his mother in giving birth to him. Father had taken him in as one of their own and he was treated as a brother and son. His hair was dark as his eyes and he was younger than Robb, 20 years old but almost as tall as him.

Their father spoke; "I have some news for you all. The great house in Kingsland Park has been purchased at last."

The news was indeed surprising, no one had lived in that house for some time; mainly due to how expensive it was to keep. Whoever was moving there now must be of substantial fortune.

"It has been bought by a family by the name of Baratheon, they moved in about a week past."

"Oh how exciting" Sansa breathed, mother smiled at her and she saw Robb and Jon exchange excited looks.

Father continued, "I called upon them this morning – Sansa noticed their mother raise her eyebrows in surprise and lean forwards -"they are quite amiable people. The owner, Robert Lannister is quite a man," father said smiling. "He is married, her name is Cersei I believe, and they have three children; a boy of 19 years named Joffrey, a daughter named Mycrella and another boy, Tomen. I am not sure but I think they are of ages with Bran and Rikon. Cersei's brothers are also with them – Jamie her twin and Tyrion though I didn't have the pleasure of meeting them"

"My, this sounds wonderful" her mother breathed, smiling at Sansa. The mention of Joffrey had lightened Sansa's spirits, he was only a year or so older than Sansa, and being of a family of such fortune he could present as a possible suitor for her. She wondered what he looked like, probably like the handsome, golden haired knights in the stories mother would read her as a child.

"Will we meet them, father?" Robb asked

Ned Stark smiled as all eyes were on him, he was a handsome man, and age had not taken that from him. He looked every bit a Stark; a heavy, solemn face and dark features. But he was a loving husband and father, put his family before all else and loved them all dearly. He was a wise man, wisdom that Catelyn had often said sparkles in his eyes. He was honest and well liked by all.

"They are holding a ball in 3 days, you will all meet them then."

Robb and Jon grinned at each other and Sansa, Catelyn laughed and went to her husband, hugging him, "oh how wonderful, isn't your father wonderful for calling upon them?" she said, kissing his head.

"Bran and Rikon will stay with Governess Mordane, of course, they are still too young for their first balls" father continued. Bran and Rikon were the youngest sons of the Stark family, Bran only 8 years and Rikon but 6.

"Of course, Arya you will come too".

"Father must I? I hate balls, they are so boring and I loathe dancing"

"Arya don't spoil it!"

"Hush, Sansa, Arya you will come, you were not present at the ball the Tyrells held, it would be rude for you not to be present at this one" her mother said.

"I don't care, I hate them! Why -"

"Arya, enough." He father said. His voice was quiet but full of steel.

Arya huffed but said no more.