[Lore] Death Before, well, anything really

Leo sat upright in his seat, overlooking the Great Hall. He had a determined look on his face, but seemed a little too small for his seat, and a little uncomfortable. The maester stood behind him on one side, his Master-at-Arms on the other. Their previous argument had been completely forgotten and he was resting one hand on the young lord's shoulder.

Leo cleared his throat and stood to address the servants, captains, and others from around the castle.

"My father, your lord..." he paused for a moment, locking eyes with Alys, and took a breath. "He has died of an infection. He was injured by a boar while hunting, and despite the maester's efforts..." Leo stopped again.

"I am now Lord. It is a title I hoped I would not have for many years, but I am afraid that sometimes the Gods... They test us. Nothing much should change, but I thought it best for everyone to know, for there not to be rumours flying around these halls."

He sat down again heavily, a frown on his face as the people slowly filtered out, a low murmur being all the sound they made as if they feared they could wake the dead. If only they could.

Leo was among the last to leave, climbing the stairs towards his father's study. Alys was waiting for him. "How are you?"

She was concerned, but Leo had more important things to do. "I'm fine, just... Busy."

"Your father died, Leo." They had known it was coming for some time, but as his twin stepped forward into the light, Leo could see her red eyes, the tears still running down her cheeks. "I'd hope you weren't fine. You can take a moment, talk to me."

He brushed past her, not allowing her to see his face. "I'm fine enough, and I don't have a moment. Like I said, I'm busy."

Alys looked at her brother in confusion for a moment. "Fine. I only wanted to help." She span on her heel and walked away, hearing the slam of the study door behind her.