[ Courtesy dictates that she should tell him not to worry, that there is no need for it. But the Southern Stark seems to offer the words with a kind of awkwardness, as if such earnestness does not readily come to him; as such, Alayne does not wish to rebuff such heart-felt attempts at sincerity and so simply smiles in her tired way and dips her head in quiet thanks. ] We are still counted as acquaintances newly-made and already you offer your concern for me, Anthony. [ There is something secretive in her smile, easily dismissed or overlooked by someone who doesn't know any better. But now that Tony does know Alayne's secret, it shows clearly to him, the love she holds for all Starks — hidden in plain sight. ] You grow to be a Northern Stark by the day. [ It is the greatest compliment she knows how to give.

She reaches to brush a dark brown lock of hair from the side of her face. Of all the Stark children — hidden and revealed — the dye in her hair makes her look more related to Tony than any of the others, save perhaps Jon Snow. ]

I am better, thank you, though tiredness lingers where others seem to have made quicker recovery. It is— frustrating. To say the least.