eachdraidh | CALLING A MEETING | LOCKED TO SEELIE

Lords, ladies, knights, and other honoured guests of the castle... I am Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, who joined your company as of the feast day which passed only days prior.

[ He looks a little haggard, dark circles grown under his clear eyes; but much improved from the worry-pinched figure who had spent much of the feast hunting for his family. ]

We have been brought from many disparate worlds for the purpose of this war, the War of the Shards; expected to cast our lots in the fighting at the behest of generous but poorly-evidenced monarchs. And the castle staff itself, while similarly generous and no doubt goodhearted, can offer us only so much information or direction. I have requisitioned the library and some of the attached study-rooms to hold a great conference of us, beginning at midday tomorrow. At this conference, I mean to make an accurate and detailed accounting of:

Our names, talents, and intentions regarding residence at the castle and regarding the war. It's my aim that all of this be made public knowledge, so that those of like mind can easier meet and plan with each other. Some of the study-rooms in the library will be marked for this purpose; for those wanting to remain in the castle but abstain in the war, those willing to make war all together, and also a room for those wanting to depart the castle.

[ He exhales a breath, frowning a little. ]

I've commissioned a clerk who I will be posted with at the door, who will record the information of those willing to give it as they enter. By no means is anyone obligated to breathe a word about themselves, or to attend. Those who desire a copy of the final manuscript may request one at their leisure.

For myself, I distrust this place and its people; what manner of monarchs call upon untested children, even girls, to battle in a war they have no stake in? Pulls them sleeping from their beds?

[ His jaw clenches, but he'll tamp back on the tirade in the interest of efficiency. ]

Having been brought to the castle in the manner as I have, am for a short while reliant upon its goodwill. Given our shared circumstance, I believe that there are none we can afford to trust as much as each other. So, if you're willing, I beg you attend, if only to add your name and intentions to the lists, that others who intend likewise may reach out to you-- and you to them. There are few men or beasts that live long or successfully relying only upon themselves.

Good day to you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ His expression softens, brightens with gladness to see this familiar face. He perceives her worry, at least a little, and nods shallowly. ]

I expect it should be. And if you should like, perhaps the results might be transcribed for you.

I would like to look over them. [ her inhalation is audible. ] And perhaps offer some thoughts -- likely nothing useful. Nothing important. But...I've been her a little longer than you, my lord.

[ i want to help. she's grown accustomed to taking some parts in a father's machinations. after all, petyr had ever put her to good use--- ]

Of course I'd welcome any insight you might be able to offer.

[ He says it fondly; but he's never been good at deception, at secrecy. His eyes and features divulge all that his words do not.

Are you safe? Is all well? Is the road hard? How much closer have you come? ]

It will be something to do during the less interesting stretches of road. I'd forgotten how boring long journeys could be.

[ boring. dull. safe -- safe enough, really. if there are any concerns then they are not large enough for her to share them. she doesn't want to worry him unduly. she's done it enough -- home and here. ]

Oh, and by the sound of it you have many weeks yet of them! But go at an easy pace, and stop where you can; many here might find a great value in the stories of your travels so far abroad into a strange land.

[ Nope, he's not even gonna try to hide his relief. ]

If I had the means to record my observations then I would -- oh. But of course! [ and in this lightning moment, she nearly utterly sansa. a bright blue eye and a striking thought. but then alayne takes over and her gaze averts and she is someone else's daughter all over again. ] The lockets. If they can be used as letters then they can be used as other things. If I see anything of importance, I'll make note of it.

[ she longs to be so simply useful. a comfort to ned stark and a source of pride. even if in the end her notations were likely to include such fascinating things as bird species and whether the clouds looked quite like castles on this or that afternoon. the more things change; the more they stay the same. ]

[ Oh, his eyes light up at that! And he leans forward, brightly. ]
Indeed, they can! Please, journal your account of things; the quality of the roads, the manner of the folk, the sorts of cities and villages you pass; which inns are good, which are poor, and so on.

And of course, if you have a reliable map on your person, inform me a few days' time before you come to settlements or cities, and by bird I will arrange accommodation for yourself and your guardian.

You could do that? Truly...?

[ here is a daughter's voice. too sweet and too hopeful and far too much in love with the man to whom she speaks. and so she must quieten. she must withdraw: ] You are too kind, my lord.

[ His smile is broad and earnest, and he nods, hand dipping quill back to ink. ]

Happy to assist, of course. May the journey go well- every step of it.

[ this giddy thrill makes her so happy she might actually be nauseous. drunk on relief that her father is here and paying attention to her needs and wants. taking a powerful hand to the court and...

and the last time he did so-- no. she cannot allow herself such worries and pains. she must focus on getting back, and from there she might protect him against those who do not deal as honestly or as fairly as him. ]

And may your grand parley meet with much the same success, Lord Stark.

CALLING A MEETING | LOCKED TO SEELIE | FORWARD TO 6/02

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