The Great Hall

[Erik]

For receiving guests, the great hall of Winterfell can seat up to 500.

[Marie]

Lord Arthur Karstark arrives at the Great Hall. He is a tall, well-built man in his forties, with a wild black beard and long hair past his shoulders, flecked with grey. He has a harsh face with strong cheekbones and jaw. The greatsword he wears at his shoulder is almost as tall as him.

[Erik]

A servant ushered Karstark into the hall, which was being prepared for the rest of the guests. He was given a place near the fire, food, and drink, while someone went off to find Eirek.

Eirek Stark made his way to the hall as soon as he heard his distant kinsman had arrived. "Lord Karstark! First to arrive, besides Bolton, and it seems he's taken rooms in the village. How fares Karhold?"

[Marie]

"Well enough. The years turn, but little changes at Karhold, thankfully. We had some snows, and some trouble with outlaws, but nothing else. And nothing our men can't handle." He grinned at Eirik. "My men are tough. They can handle anything. Even the women are tougher than most southron men."

[Erik]

Eirek laughed at that. "Good, good. I can attest to the quality of the men you sent to the Stepstones - fine warriors all. As for snows and outlaws, well, those are two of the constants in life, after all."

[Marie]

"Aye. I met a southron lordling once who said he thought snow was pretty. Pretty! I'd wager a man like that never found himself pushing through waist deep snow in a badwinter, nor heard tales of his smallfolk being trapped in their home. Andals! Hah! They know nothing."

Karstark's hands were big and callused with a scar running across the left hand from some long ago battle. He reached for his meat, biting deep, and chewing hard before he continued to speak.

"Never thought this business of the Stepstones was any concern of mine, though I know well that it wouldn't have done not to send men. Best keep those dragons happy, after all. I hear it went well, though?"

[Erik]

Eirek rose when Hornwood appeared, gesturing to some servants to bring the man some refreshments. "Lord Hornwood. Make yourself at home. Lord Karstark here only just arrived, as well."

He turned back to Karstark and replied to his question, "It did, I suppose. Bloody affair in the end, and we lost more men than I'd like. And the keep we were fighting for, even gave it back to the Lyseni in the end. But I was granted one of the islands that were won to administer ourselves. That'll be going to my brother, Damin."

[Marie]

Karstark acknowledged Hornwood with a nod. "A man of good sense, as ever. Feasting is bloody better than meagre keeps on shitty little islands nobody gives a damn about. Though 'tis good for Damin, of course. Though a pity he will be far from his home. I never like leaving the North, myself. Their gods are bloody wrong, and they know nothing of winter."

[Marie]

"Manderly's not a proper Northman, not like us. I don't mind him, myself, but his blood runs warmer than ours. I'll leave him be as long as he does me the same courtesy," Karstark murmured as he reached for his horn of ale, before taking a huge swing. "But you're right, old friend. Meat is better than fish, any day."

[Marie]

Lord Karstark glanced over at Lord Stark to see how he took that remark. For himself he preferred to keep out of the conflicts between the lords, unless he was personally inconvenienced, but he knew that Hornwood had a point.

"Nobody likes spending money on anything other than their own pleasure. Even wealthy lords like Manderly. I daresay they are so used to being wealthy they can't bear to part with their gold," Karstark scoffed.

[Erik]

Eirek looked concerned at Hornwood's comment, though he was pleased that another lord was angry at the Manderlys. "I will do all I can to see that Lord Manderly is held accountable for his encroachments. He will not be attending our gathering, here, but his two eldest sons will."

[Erik]

"I made him an offer. He spurned me. He'll find out what comes of that."

[Erik]

"My ancestors were too lenient on those who fought against them. It will not happen again."

[Marie]

Karstark looked from one to the other.

"What of Manderly's sons? Do either of them favour House Stark? Or do any of his other kinsmen? Seems to me we could use a friend among the Manderlys. Someone to replace the walrus if he missteps. A threat to his power is like to keep him in line if he wishes to keep it."

[Erik]

"Timmet would be easier to control, I think. Not the sharpest, that one. Balthazar, on the other hand, is too clever by half."