eachdraidh | (fifth lemon cake) video ✧ open to both courts

Fellow Shardholders. [ what follows is a rehearsed speech, likely written beforehand and committed to memory. sansa stark (better known by most as alayne stone) sits before her locket in troichean beinn. she has, pinned to the shoulder of her fine silk dress, a direwolf. every instinct in her body tells her she should not say what must be said. should not announce what must be announced. but before his absence, her father had been giving her gentle instruction in how to meet these responsibilities. it makes her weep to imagine disappointing him -- yet she is far out of her depth. she needs help. but the speech she must do on her own. ]

With a heavy heart I tell you that Lord Eddard of House Stark -- Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and a Keeper of Cothromach -- has left these lands. H-he is gone. [ she does not elaborate upon the very grief of his absence, but the cause cannot be too difficult to surmise: else why should anyone's heart be heavy for a man returned to his own world? ]

Yet if Lord Stark has made you promises or oaths of any sort, no matter your court, I wish to see them honoured and fulfilled. [ it takes tremendous will not to beg for the opportunity. she swallows hard. ] And if any have in turn have sworn service to him, I tell you now that I am his eldest daughter and the noble city of Cothromach has deemed me heir to his title. And to his duties. I would be humbled if those sworn to him would consider entrusting me with those same vows -- though I understand asking you to put your trust in a daughter of his house is not a thing easily done.

Likewise, if any in these lands wish to take refuge or make their homes in Cothromach, I would speak to you. My Lord Father wanted to see the city built up to its proper glory, and any Shardholder willing to join us in the task will be welcomed within its walls. For now, Lady Meera Reed sits as castellan while my family travels. Once my efforts in Troichaen Beinn are finished, I look forward to to returning as Sansa of House Stark.

[ by now her voice is shaking and it was a challenge merely to say her true name. it had been a lie, of course: she does not look forward to being herself once more. she knows such honesty runs against every lesson taught to her in the south. honesty leaves her open. vulnerable. but in the south she'd not had jon. nor arya, really. nor any manner of true ally -- none like those allies who have helped her in these lands.

it is for those sweet supportive souls that she speaks her final piece. it is the most difficult thing to ask, and it isn’t hidden behind rehearsal. it is not courtly. ] To those who knew and cared for the girl Alayne Stone: I apologize for my falsehoods. I swear I meant no harm. Please -- forgive me.

[ this confession is done. and so too was alayne stone. ]

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I pray you're right. It is time I do better by him.

You are now, and that is all you can do.

He left me well-versed in his vision for the city. And yet now I realise that was always his aim -- to prepare me for this day.

Then I welcome the day you come to Cothromach. [And she means it. Meera is merely holding the city for Sansa until she can make her way back.]

You will always have me, my Lady.

It will not be long now. I have conversations that must be held with the Dwarven King. And then--

[ no. if anyone needs to know, it's meera. ] I have heard rumours. Well-substantiated ones about the Unseelie High Queen's designs upon Cothromach.

The Unseelie plan to take over a city so close to Caer Glaem. Do the king and queen know? Should I call any bannermen, prepare troops?

Not yet. My informant tells me any attempt on the city depends upon an Unseelie shardholder's quest for something they call a vampire. It may be we can disrupt that quest and buy ourselves a better chance for the next attempt.

What do you advise I should do?

Jon would have you take stock of the city's defences. Count its guard and give a careful eye to its walls. Not a pretty task--

[ but she does not doubt meera's dedication. ]

I will see that the efforts are doubled, my lady.

You do the North such credit with your care and fealty. [ she sounds tired. grateful, but tired. ]

That is kind, my lady, but I am just doing my duty as your bannerman and as your castellan. If there isn't anything else, I shall try and do as you asked.

I would send maybe-allies of ours to you. A page named Anthony, for one. My Lord Father saw strength in convincing Shardholders to his side. I aim to do the same.

Whatever you feel must be done, my lady.

Thank you.

If you have any other need, please do call on me, my lady.

(fifth lemon cake) video ✧ open to both courts

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