Scalton

[The Smith]

Scalton is a small village deep in the swamps of the much. In such a improbable spot that most say it is only there because the Children wanted to punish the crannogmen.

It's only other notable characteristic is that it holds the residence of Tech Reed, a well-known Greenseer

[Deleted]

Aranya walked in with Tech, Fallon and Perra following behind them.

[The Smith]

There was another feast be prepared in their honor, at this one Aranya is introduced to Miala Reed, one of Lord Reed's daughters. Miala is obviously heavy with child and smiles at Aranya as she is sitted, "I hear you are from the Vale I have never left the Neck what is it like in your home?" Even though fat with child Miala is still a pretty, young, dark-haired lass.

[Deleted]

"Very beautiful," Aranya replied. "When the sun sets over the mountains, the peaks look like solid gold. You've never seen mountains, of course...the size would stun you. Especially the Giant's Lance and Great Tette." Her eyes dulled for a moment, but she continued speaking. "The valley is lush and green fertile, with long rivers snaking through it. Gulltown is a great port, with ships calling from everywhere...and we have some beautiful castles." Aranya paused. She knew the crannogmen built no castles. "Castles are nothing though. My home is beautiful, but just now yours seems more secure, and you have nothing but your spears and your swamps to protect you. There is something admirable in that."

"I'm going to have a child too," Aranya said abruptly.

[The Smith]

Maila smiled warmly, "That sounds wonderful. Do you know if it will be a boy or a girl. Tech told me I bear a strong boy, who will be a strong warrior. I was hoping for a girl, but I am still so happy."

[Deleted]

"I don't know. I hope it's a boy, so I can name him Selwyn." She had avoided saying his name since his death, but now her throat had tightened. "What would you name your boy? And who is your husband?"

[The Smith]

"I want to name him Jojen or Yayen, those are traditional Reed names, but his father wants to name him Adam. That is such an unusual name though." Maila laughs.

Tech leaned forward and whispered to Aranya. He leaned back with a small frown.

[Deleted]

Aranya listened to him with an immobile face. She gazed deep into Miala's eyes, but she did not seemed to be looking at Miala. Her eyes seemed to see far away. She put a hand on Miala's swollen belly, the fingertips pressing gently. Her eyes held Miala captivated.

"It's a boy after all," Aranya said, her voice blank and deep. "Your baby is a boy."

Then she looked within her own womb, and said nothing.

[The Smith]

Maila looked on in wonder, "So you know. That is amazing. So you are a greenseer too."

[Deleted]

"I am," Aranya replied. "But it has helped me little." She forced a smile to take the bitterness out of her voice. "So, who is your lucky husband, Maila?"

[The Smith]

Maila blushed, "I am not actually married. My father sent me here when he realized I was pregnant to get me out of the court. They are fairly accepting of suce things, but my mother was a Karstark and she was deeply embaressed."

[Deleted]

"That's bullshit," Aranya said. "Just because you were pregnant? There's no shame in it. For a father, his daughter should come before his honor. And there is small honor is banishing your girl from court."

"Your mother's a Karstark? You're indirectly linked to the Starks of Winterfell now. Tell me - is House Reed behind Benjen Stark or Lancel Wull?" Aranya endeavored to keep her tone friendly and casual.

[The Smith]

"We were avoiding the war completely, until we were approached by some men. So we sent men to infiltrate Moat Cailin as allies and attacked Callen's supply train. We are going to open the gates of Moat Cailin as the King attacks. So I guess we stand with House Stark." She smiles.

[Deleted]

Aranya nodded slowly. "If you stand with Benjen Stark, attacking Callen's supply lines doesn't add up...who were these men who approached you, Maila?"

[The Smith]

"They work for the Master of Whispers. We attacked Callen so Lord Tallheart would trust us. It was beautifully devious." Maila smiled and laughed, "My man helped plan it, he is a genius of military matters."