Serena Hornwood

Serena Hornwood is the Lady of the Hornwood. Her lands include the forest of the Hornwood, which extends between the holdings of House Dreadstark and House Manderly.

Lady Serena assumed the position as head of her household following the unexpected death of her father and brother. With Lord Hornwood now gone, Serena was thrusted into leadership. Never having been prepared for such a position, she now has to learn fast how to lead her house and care for its holdings. However, what she lacks in experience she makes up for in diligence and remains fierce whilst protecting her beloved family.

Appearance and Character
The Lady of Hornwood is in the score of her years. She stands with elegant presence, at the height of 5’8. Her features are comely, with rose-toned lips and eyes of bright sky-blue. Her complexion is milky pale, a stark contrast to her raven hair which falls down to her elbows. She oft chooses to adorn it woven, into a sleek braid down her back. Her figure is slim, softened by feminine curves and wide hips. Most of the time, Serena is seen dressed with soft furs to warm her shoulders and favours gowns which are darker in colour. Sometimes, she adorns a black ribbon tied into a choker around her throat.

Lady Serena carries herself with the unyielding grace of a Northwoman – dignified, poised, and proud. She is soft-spoken by nature and kind-hearted, holding duty close to her heart. However, some may also describe her as stoic, sometimes coming off as a bit quiet and seemingly pensive to those whom she does not know well. Despite her gentle-nature, Serena has a will of resilience. She is staunchly loyal and unforgiving when it comes to protecting her loved ones. Lady Hornwood values keeping to tradition and is very observant of the Old Gods. She is oft spied in the Godswood, in the company of a heart tree.

Biography
Born in 419 AC, Lady Serena is the second child and eldest daughter of Lord Brandon Hornwood and Lady Alyssa Hornwood Née Glover.

For much of Serena’s young life she was raised behind the walls of her father’s castle, alongside her older brother Daryn and younger sister Sarra. The family had always been close and from an early age Serena and Sarra became inseparable. The two girls would often spend time in the Hornwood forest, exploring the woodlands and collecting wildflowers. The bond of sisters would only grow through the years, Serena often coddling over the younger, dainty Sarra. Both sisters felt the protection of their older brother, looking up to him as the future of their family.

Whilst Daryn was raised to follow their father’s footsteps as the Lord of the Hornwood, Serena and her sister were both brought up as traditional Northern women, to revere the old ways. This was encouraged by their mother, who was quite a religious woman and often would bring the girls to pray in the Godswood. Their lives would be quiet and peaceful, filled with much love and joy. However, in 426 AC tragedy would struck upon the Hornwood, changing Serena’s life forever.

When Serena was only 7, Lady Alyssa would fall very ill with consumption and pass away shortly after. From then on, the Hornwood girls would fall under the guidance of their great aunt, Arya, who came to see them like daughters. Arya was renowned across the North for her years working as a midwife, delivering many of the children. She was also known for her knowledge of plants and studied their properties. Patients would often seek out the older Hornwood woman and Serena would watch her treat them. Noticing her niece's interest, Arya soon began to educate her in the calling and Serena excelled. Serena learned all about the healing properties of plants, how to brew poultices and tonics. As her studies were well-rounded, Serena of course would not only learn the beneficial properties of plants but also which ones could be harmful. As such, the young Hornwood grew to make use of what grew around her. Soon enough, she began to serve alongside her great-aunt as an assistant, discovering for healing to be her passion.

As the years passed and Serena grew into womanhood, she began to possess a still-calmness, just as her late-lady mother once had. Though Serena remained modest, often dressing in simple gowns and shoulders lined in furs. She would have many suitors and proposals for marriage through the years. However, all would be refused, for Serena remained stubborn in not yet wishing to leave her family and wanting to marry for love.

In the year 438 AC, tragedy would once more bestow the Hornwood family. Lord Hornwood and his son Daryn would be tragically killed, whilst out on a hunting trip in the forest. It was said they were ambushed and attacked by bandits, though it was difficult to determine exactly by whom. Despite efforts of trying to locate the culprits, they still remain yet to be found. With Lord Hornwood and his son now gone, Serena was then-on thrusted into leadership – now made the Lady of the Hornwood. Never having been prepared for such a position, Serena now has to learn fast. Though the clever lady so far has been fairing well, true to her natural diligence, in addition to the support of her family.