Unfortunately for Aaralyn, her own father does not seem to be in the mood to keep anything civil at the moment.
"I will not be silenced by anyone, even you. Your friend is dead, my knight is sorely wounded, Lord Havish here has lost men of his own, and all while we sup at the table of a man who can not keep his own lands in order. What southern weakness is this? A guest should be safe, that is the law and the custom."
Lord Roote stands up straight and squares his jaw to the northerner, anger flashes in his own eyes. "You think to blame me for these events? Am I to take guilt for every illness and misfortune that befalls the lands? Every lord in the seven kingdoms comes parading about through my lands without so much as a by your leave and now if you slip off your horse in a drunken stupor I am at fault?"
Karstark hands go to Karstark blades, Naelareon guards move in front of Naelareon family, and Roote seems ready to finish anything that is started...
...and in through the door walks Lothar with a badly beaten Tele in tow, her face a mess of cuts and bruises nearly as bad as that which Ser Savaric currently suffers. The gathered nobility stop and stare at the newly entered pair.
"Please please, calm down!" Aaralyn called when she her kin going for their blades, though fell silent and pale as a ghost when she saw Tele and Lothar walk in. Really she didn't care about the younger Naelareon brother, no it was Tele she cared about.
"TELE!!!" Aaralyn cried over joyed to see her friend alive even if injured. She ran to her friend and threw her arms around the young woman crying into Tele's shoulder. "You're alive! I hoped, I begged, when they didn't find your body, that what they said couldn't be true." She declared. She let go of her friend and looked at her face. "Look at you, what happened? Where have you been all morning? Nan is in such a state!" Aaralyn told her, and in a small moment of clarity, she remembered Tele's broach. Unpinning it from her skirt she held it up to Tele, cheeks still stained from crying though for once happy reason, returning it to its proper owner. "I kept a hold of it" Aaralyn told her softly. "Even when I fell into the river, because... I was scared it was all I had left of you." She admitted a bit shamefully.
Tele throws her arms around Aaralyn weakly and begins sobbing. Through tears and the shaking of her voice she exclaims. "I was attacked, and there were some men, and they were attacked... and Lothar saved me... and I don't remember but he must have carried me away... and when I woke up he had stayed with me through the night. He brought me back to his room so I could get clean and wear something that wasn't tatters and rags. I didn't think I was ever going to see you again, I didn't want to die without saying I'm sorry...." And with that Tele has spent the last of her strength, her weight collapsing into Aaralyn as she faints from exhaustion.
Aaralyn, having no real strength of her own, falls to the ground with Tele holding her friend close. Looking back to some of their guards, "Help me, get her up to my room and lay her on my bed. Nan is there to take care of her and I will be swift to follow." She comanded of the guards of the house and she reluctantly handed her friend off to them. She was just so happy Tele was alive.
Aaralyn reached up and squeezed Lothar's hand before standing and turning to him. She had ignored him before now, as he soul focus had been Tele, but now she couldn't. "Thank you." Aaralyn said offering the younger brother a smile. "It seems coming to the rescue of others is a family trait." she commented as she looked back to Darne for a moment. "But because of you, she's alive and home. I will be glad to call you brother." Aaralyn finished letting go of his and turned to the Lords in the room.
"So, Tele was attack by people. Not an animal." Aaralyn stated as she crossed her arms. "Now, Lord Roote, it is your fault. Your guards failed, which means you failed." She stated calmly, though her silver eyes where a raging storm. "Legally, no. You've done nothing wrong. Yet when it comes to standards of Lords and honor..." Aaralyn sucked in a breath between her teeth and shook her head. "It doesn't look good. Especially for a town on the Kingsroad." She pointed out. "After all, who would want to stay here when they know they're not safe?" Aaralyn rhetorically asked.
Next she looked to Lord Naelareon and her face softened a bit. "Your youngest does your house proud. It must be a gift this house has, to step in and help save others. First yourself with the horse for Sir Selmy, now your youngest son with saving my friend, and finally your heir with saving me. I wonder if my own will get this trait." Aaralyn praised. "If I might ask, could I borrow your Maester? I'd like to he sure that Tele's wounds are nothing to be worried about." She requested.
Lastly she looked to her own father and said "I will leave the rest to you father, I will return to my room to tend to Tele. Should you need me just send for me, but I am sure you have this in hand. Just please, no punching, no kicking, no swords, spears, you get the point. There has been enough of that today. Lord Roote already has a stain on his reputation he doesn't need you beating him in a sword fight on top of that. It's just insult to injury and we're better than that." Aaralyn reminded him.
"Now if you all will excuse me." Aaralyn began as she turned, "I have a friend to see to." She stepped forth and felt something hit her shoes. The broach was on the ground from when the two clasped there. She reached down and picked it up, a small smile upon her faces as she said "After every night the sun will rise...no matter how dark." it was more for herself than anyone else. With that she exited the room and made her way to her own room. Stepping in she dismissed the guards to return to her father, and waited to see if the maester was on the way or not.
Lothar enters the noisy hall, the familiar sound of blades being drawn ringing overloud in his ears. His own battleaxe and dagger are at his side.
Not a moment too bloody soon! Hopefully I will not need my own steel!
He says nothing, and has no chance to say anything else with the clamour and the speech of the Northwomen.
Oh thank the Gods! Tele knows what words to say, even collapsing!
When Aralyn squeezes his hand, he can do little but return an awkward but warm smile and utter:
"I would not see anyone come to an end if I can help it. Look after her."
He cannot help but throw a look at Tele as she is carried away, with meaning that others may pick up on. At least, if they were not variously flabbergasted or still arguing.
He turns to Darne and their father.
"I did what I could.", he adds simply.
Darne watched the waves of emotion go over the room as the two made their grand entrance.
He bowed his head to his brother and let Lady Karstark take the wheel and spotlight.
Once she was done chastising the lords, praising his brother, and whisking off with a few of the Karstark men and a request for their Maester...he finally turned his attention to the Lords present.
He sat his drink down that he had been sipping on. "It is wonderful that the girl has been found...but that does not excuse the dangers of this town. That bear wasn't too far from town and your own men ran like cowards. Had I not stalled the animal, it's likely that it would've followed them back into the town itself looking for a meal." he said rather angrily.
He looked around "Those men were chewed on by other predators. Doubtful it was this same bear we found. Forget the fact that your town isn't protected well! You should have at least warned us of the dangers! I would dare you to say those words again that it's not your responsibility in front of your own people. Those you swore to protect, those that uplift your House and provide you your power." he said slamming his fist down.
He stared daggers at the man across the table from the Naelareons and the Karstarks.
Lothar steps up, now shoulder to shoulder with his brother.
"My brother speaks true - and bearing injury. The town should be safe. Are you washing your hands of that?"
He folds his arms, awaiting Roote's response.
8
Knowing that it is not his place to speak up, Maester Anders takes a step back. He was convinced that the men of Naelareon were mauled by a beast, but now he isn't sure anymore... The young woman claims she was attacked, then the warriors were attacked, and then Lothar saved her. And Lady Karstark now suggests that her handmaiden was attacked by people. The whole story is confusing, to say the least!
More importantly, why make an enemy of Lord Roote? In all of this, the bear seems the likely culprit, and the cowardice of Roote's men is a small and easily forgiven offence!
He looks to Lord Naelareon for his leave to go tend to Tele...
Aaralyn head towards her room, and the Maester finds reason to follow after. This leaves the men folk to settle their disagreement... "peacefully".
Lord Karstark seem ready to tear Lord Roote's head off, Lord Naelareon sits back and leaves the other two to verbally assail one another, and the two brothers are stuck in the room as anger and defensiveness meet one another head to head.
Lord Roote attempts to head off the conversation "Well, now that the lady has been found, there is one less worry. Mayhaps we can put this sorry incident behind and move on. While I do not accept blame for the doings of animals, I will concede that these things happened to you on my lands. I will gladly take your bannerman under my Maester's care until he recovers, and will send word if he does not survive his wounds. We should not have anger between our houses, not over such as this."
Lord Karstak listens to the words, and fumes silently as he mulls the offer over.
Lord Naelareon looks to Darne and nods, as if waiting to see if his heir will rise to the occasion and intercede in these negotiations.
"Will you allow me to tend to your wounds? Perhaps I might inquire about something to calm your nerves?" Maester Anders asks Tele directly, his demeanour suggesting only right and proper intentions. Lady Karstark requested his assistance to do just that, but a good bedside manner always helps in such situations, he reminds himself.
I would push Roote further!
Lothar glances at his brother expectantly, then returns to staring at Roote.
"She still seems to be unconscious." Aaralyn stated as she set the broach down on the nightstand. "But she's alive." She said as she took a seat next to Tele, taking her hand. "This is Lord Naelareon's Maester, he helped save my life earlier so I trust him to take care of Tele." Aaralyn told Nan.
Seeing the young woman still unconscious despite his efforts to allow her an occasion to give consent, Maester Anders proceeds with his examination.
"A good night's rest and she will be fine," he prescribes when he is done. "She escaped the attack unscathed, which seems a miracle. Perhaps I can be advised when she awakens so that I might continue my evaluation?"
He speaks to Lady Karstark with care for fear of insulting her anew. He is polite and proper, but cold and distant.
Despite his obvious antipathy, which he attempts to veil in vain, Maester Anders cannot but be mollified by Lady Karstark's praise and appreciation. The attractive young woman is impossible arrogant, but she seems honourable and dutiful. And, to be truthful, she is charming.
House Naelareon would be blessed to have her, he thinks to himself.
"I was not young when I entered the Citadel," he answers, "but I was eager to acquire these Chains and come home."
He makes to leave, then stops. "I am concerned about what is going on in the hall," he speaks before turning to face Lady Karstark. "A woman was hurt, men died, and Sir Savaric near saw the light himself because Lord Roote, it seems, cannot guarantee the safety of his guests in his own lands. However, he is Naelareon's neighbour and poor relations would make for bad business for everyone. I believe that your father listens to you and I am confident that Lord Naelareon will want to avoid bad blood. Perhaps you could intervene and ensure the peace between all?"
"You are right, many men of the Stark and Karstark family can be hot headed. Wolf blood they call it. You find it more in the Starks than us, but they do say 'Scratch a Karstark and you'll find a Stark' for a reason. Let us go ensure my father doesn't lose his composure."
Maester Anders opens the door, ready to follow Lady Karstark...
Darne stared at Lord Roote for a while, seeing his brother and his father seemingly behind him. He paused and finally seemed to lose much of the anger that shown on his face. "I am not an unreasonable man, those animals were not under your influence. I don't expect you to do anything further for my house or men beyond what you should for the duration of our stay." he said sounding a bit tired from his day.
He looked at Lord Roote "I only ask that you reflect on what's happened here. Your town is in danger of animals with them being so close to home. Your people run in fear instead of protecting those assigned. These are two worrisome things for your House to deal with. Don't let your hubris blind you to these being problems." he said staring at the man.
"I'm retiring, I've said my piece. I am not a Lord yet, so my word may carry little in this meeting. If you have anything to say, I'll hear it but afterwards I must do as my Maester says and take it easy and I'll admit, I've had my share of excitement for the day." he said nodding to Lord Roote and waiting for if he has anything to say before he would get up and leave.
Lord Roote considers Darne's words for a moment. "I will agree that these beasts being so bold is worrisome, but no different than if a starving wolf started attacking farmers. My men will hunt them down and deal with them if they continue to stray close. As to the matter with the bear, the young Lady and her knight asked to follow along, the men were not armed for such a beast as they were only meant to track for the lost servant's body. I do not blame the lightly armed men for running just as I would not blame you in your bed clothes if you did not stand and fight Ser Dayne coming at you in his white cloak and bearing his great sword. Two of mine were torn apart before the beast moved on the rest, the lot losing their lives would not have slowed the bear down long enough to save anyone, and neither would it have saved her if I had thrown my flesh between... it does not matter. What is done is done, and now we must pick up the pieces and continue on. To better and brighter things I do hope, what with the new spring upon us." With that, Lord Roote sits back and allows his words to have their desired effect. Though he will well remember the things said at this meeting.
Better.
Lothar nods unconsciously, before glancing at Darne.
Anders and Aaralyn will reenter, finding that the conversation has broken out in acceptable pleasantries. Darne has retired to his chamber, Lothar stands by his father, Karstark and Naelareon discuss the pending wedding arrangements, and Roote has quietly excused himself from the proceedings.
Lothar will seek out news of Tele's condition. And over the month, he will look for any opportunity or excuse to be with her. If alone, he will bring up the topic of marriage. Lothar is keen to get a wedding sorted but does not want to step on Darne's.
With the now ever-present crow pecking at seeds on the table, Maesters Anders pens a letter by candlelight...
Dear Maester,
I hope that this message finds you well. As you may know, I have been appointed to counsel the Lord Naelareon in the Riverlands. I have found the man to be fair and wise, and his generous contributions to the Citadel have placed him in high regards.
I am writing to you about ships – more specifically, to ask your aid in finding a shipwright who could travel to the Riverlands to construct riverworthy ships as only the Ironmen can. As you can well imagine, having a direct access to the Narrow Sea through the Bay of Crabs would be of some advantage to a house that relies on trade for its fortune.
Do you know of any skilled shipbuilder who could be convinced to leave Ironman's Bay? Perhaps a craftsman in need of a new beginning in sunnier climes? Or a man in search of new opportunities?
Respectfully,
Maester Anders of House Naelareon, Master of Ravens
With the nasty business behind you, the mass of nobles makes there way to the home of the Naelareons. A modest, but growing, realm of industrious laborers and sharp merchants. After Lord Naelareon finishes giving guest right to the Karstarks, Tele a Aaralyn are pulled aside by Tandi, the servant to Lady Naelareon, in order to meet with her Ladyship. The two are brought to a small packed room off to the south. A frail woman of slowly advancing years lies in bed, her body seeming much older than her years. She smiles, a thin warm line barely interrupted by her cough. "I hear you will be marrying our little Ducky."
"Lady Naelareon." Aaralyn breathed out when she saw the state of the frail woman. Slowly she makes her way to the side of the bed and nods at the ill woman's question. "My father has agreed to the marriage between Darne and myself so, yes it would seem so." Aaralyn said with a small smile. "He seems a good man. A courageous one as well. He saved my life, I don't know if you've been told yet."
Lothar approaches his brother at a quiet moment, should he find one.
"Darne, I need a word with you.", he says, clearly pensive.
Darne nodded to his brother and motioned him to follow. He led the two of them into the "library" where they would be unlikely to be eavesdropped upon.
"What troubles you, dear brother? Our House is beginning to become quite lively and I doubt we have very many chances to speak privately like this for some time to come."
"Oh my, no one told me. How did he save you dear?" Lady Naelareon waits to hear the tale while Tandi pulls Tele aside to show her the Hall.
Lord Naelareon sits in his study chambers with his Maester and his eldest son, waiting to hear the Maester's proposal.
"Pulled me from the river." Aaralyn explained. "A misstep sent me right into the waters." She said, not wanting to tell the ill woman the whole thing else be more of a harm than a help "Your Maester jumped in with a rope but could not pulled me in, it was Darne who pulled myself and the Maester back to the sore." Aaralyn said with a smile. "I take it he himself is fond of water? Hints the name little duck?" She asked.
"I know, I have not had chance to speak with Tele. I know I have little head for planning, but...I did promise to wed her. I know not how to proceed."
He shakes his head with the look of a man out of his depth.
Anders stands before Lord Naelareon and his son. "While the wedding proposal was marred by the attack on our men and on Lady Karstark's lady-in-waiting, I believe that the event was a success. Lord Karstark has agreed to the marriage, as was our intent, and his daughter has warmed to her suitor."
The Maester smiles, bowing his head to acknowledge Darne's courage.
"Now... The events at Harrenhal have convinced me that we must prepare for the worst. I cannot guess what the Southerners and the Northerners will do, but they will assuredly act decisively. And so must we. We must avoid getting caught between stronger forces, and we must ensure that our trade routes are strong and secure. To this end, I propose an unorthodox strategy: we should build river-worthy ships. These will allow us to move troops swiftly in the Riverlands when needed, and to trade with our new northern allies without having to embark on long, arduous, and expensive voyages on the King's road."
He allows the men before him to consider a moment before continuing.
"With your leave, I would write to Maesters in the Iron Islands to ask for their help in finding a shipbuilder and captains..."
Darne looked at his brother and scratched his head at the question he asked. This was outside of his knowledge spectrum for sure. It was one thing for a smallfolk would wed another smallfolk but he wasn't sure how someone from a family of nobles would marry a smallfolk.
He looked up after several moments trying to think if he knew anything before he finally just shrugged. "Brother, this is a bit out of my realm. I'm not even the one handling my own wedding. Perhaps it's best to ask mother this or even the Maester? After all, he is here for advising us when we are unsure of what to do." he said admitting he wasn't the one for the job this time.
Darne felt a bit out of place, while he was preparing to become the lord of their House eventually, he wasn't sure it was time for this level of responsibility. Still, he listened to what the Maester had to say and scratched his chin.
There were several good reasons to consider this though the cost might be great...the potential rewards both in status and in increasing their House's fortunes would be potentially worth the risk. All in all, it wasn't a bad idea. He looked at his father for a moment before looking back to the Maester "I worry about asking for Captains outside our own realm...Perhaps it might be more practical and help create a better bond with our people if we were to look for such personage amongst our own fishermen and merchants?" he asked looking solidly at the Maester to judge his appraisal of the idea.
Lothar goes silent for a spell, then nods.
"Aye, that makes sense. I will see if mother is well. If she is not, I will the Maester. Thank you, Darne."
He then turns to leave.
Lothar speaks to the servants to find out how mother is. He does not want to upset her if she is poorly.
Lothar will go immediately to his mother's room.
"I shall try to find good and brave captains among our people," Maester Anders promised, nodding. "Indeed, better to trust in our own than in foreigners. We may also find suitable candidates in Saltpans or in Maidenpool..."
He thinks upon it for a moment before continuing. "In any case, this all depends on finding a willing shipwright. Do I have your leave?" he asks both father and son.
Darne pauses, considering if he should seek his father's advice for a brief moment before he shakes off the uncertainty. This was a challenge by his father to prove himself, it'd do him no good to rely on his father's advice in this situation.
He nodded to the Maester "Speak with the Maesters and be prepared to offer a gift to the lord that the Shipwright serves once we've decided who it is will be building our ships. I wish no ill will between us and the Iron Islands for borrowing their resources. Especially one so valuable as an artisan."
Damn! I need to speak with her alone!
Lothar backs away from the door and walks further down the corridor. He waits, able to see comings and goings. Certainly not hiding.
Anders nods, pleased. He'll make a fine Lord. Unless there are other matters to discuss, he takes his leave to tend to the affairs of the estate and, more importantly, promptly send ravens to Maesters in the Iron Isles.
Darne scratched his chin a bit as he tried to think of the things that he knew the Iron Islands lacked. The biggest issue they ran into was lack of land to farm and that meant having to outsource much of their food needs. "Perhaps we can look at offering a discount in trading with us for when trading for food for a a year once the ships have been built? While it may look more like a simple gift, it would also secure us another potential client and source of trade. Outside that, I'd offer a tribute of a shipment of cattle, pigs, and dried fruits. Things that would be a welcome feast and alternative to the fish and grain they have to rely on on a constant basis." he said trying to think of more than a single option.
Lothar smiles, and waits.
Leaving the hall and sensing that something is wrong, Anders rushes to his quarters. To be safe, he calls a few guards to his side, on his way... When he hears the crow caw, he fears the worst and hastens his step.