The Great Hall

[Erik]

"Yes, but few are like to make a deal for Hightower's cousin. He's not a bad lad. Just follows the wrong Gods." Eirek paused for a moment, considering. "Although if you think that Hightower would be more interested in a match with you, it's simple enough to find you some lands."

[Edric Stark]

Edric looked at the chest and quirked an eyebrow at Eirek, quite amused. "Striking deals with the Lannisters now, brother?" he inquired.

[Erik]

"What's some Westerner doing here?" Eirek muttered to Edric. But he ordered the staff to allow them entrance, telling his brother, "We'll talk more later. Let's see what this ass has to say."

[Edric Stark]

"If he has nothing of interest to say, we could just seize him and demand ransom for him as well," Edric quipped, quietly enough so that the approaching servants would not hear him. He threw another piece of meat to his wolf, who tore it in half and snarled at the guests.

[Erik]

Eirek did not bother rising from his seat.

"Will you be wanting his fellow rabble-rousers as well?"

[Erik]

"As you wish. The boy will be freed forthwith. I shall find some way for his fellows to be...gainfully employed." Eirek stroked his beard while he thought on that. "Please, join us for dinner and stay with us for the night, at least, Ashby. I would not send men out thinking ill of Winterfell's hospitality."

[Edric Stark]

Edric smiled at the man's suspecting look. "Not at all, sers. We would love to have you over for dinner." He reached out his arm and patted his direwolf. "Isn't that right, boy?"

Havoc seemed content as he meticulously finished off everything on the tray in front of Edric, who then waved him away.

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Ser Leyton arrived in the hall moments later, accompanied by a pair of guards. From the looks of things he head refused to attend the feast, and looked thoroughly unhappy to have been escorted in by the Stark guardsmen. He noted Ser Forrester with surprise, not expecting to see a southerner among stark's revelers.

Despite looking comprehensively unhappy, Hightower appeared to be in fine physical condition, as far as Forrester could tell from across the room. "For what purpose have I been brought here?" he loudly asked the two Starks in what was a haughty tone for a man who had been a prisoner for some time.

[Erik]

"Your ransom has been paid by the Lannisters," Eirek told Leyton, "You are free to go. I do hope you have enjoyed your stay."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"My ransom?" Leyton frowned, well aware of the implications of Stark's word choice. He proceeded with rare caution. "And what of my men? Are their ransoms payed as well?"

[Edric Stark]

"None of the Lannisters' concern, I believe it was?" Edric said, looking to Ser Forrester for confirmation.

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"My men may not be your concern, Ser, but they are mine." Ser Leyton said grimly to the Lannister envoy. "I will not leave without them; their fate is my responsibility."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

"As I have no further business here, may I return myself to my chambers, my Lord?" Leyton asked Stark, bitterness evident in his voice. He deliberately avoided any eye contact with the Lannister man.

[Edric Stark]

Edric broke some bread from the new tray a servant had just carried over and chuckled, shaking his head. "What do you think this is, boy, a tavern you can just walk in and out of whenever you like?"

His smile faded. "I believe you have overstayed your welcome as it is."

[Ser Leyton Hightower]

Leyton turned to face the arrogant Stark. "If you want me to leave, release my men. If you do not do so, I will not leave, and no amount of rude comments on your part will change that." He said in a cold tone, clearly not appreciating the nature of Edric's comments.