Winterfell

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

Gariss favored a small smile to his wife as she left, then raised his hand slightly. "Please, give us privacy," he said, not loudly, but loud enough for the servants around to hear. As they left, he turned back to the large Northman. "Greeting to Winterfell, brothers of the Night's Watch. You are always welcome in Winterfell," he said calmly.

[Sam]

"Thank you, Lord Stark, your House have always been a friend to the Night's Watch. You are well aware of the replanting and infrastructure building that has been taking place within Brandon's Gift and the New Gift since your lord father died, however the Lord Commander has a mix of a request and a proposition for you, my lord," Ironsmith added.

"Lord Commander Farman believes that enough people live in the two Gifts now, to sustain small fiefs there, so long as the people work hard." Ironsmith paused, thinking of the correct words, before continuing. "The Lord Commander's idea was that two castles could be built and two lordships granted to worthy men, one in the east and the other in the west, and would each rule over their respective halves of the Gifts. These lords and their banners would of course be sworn to Winterfell, however if they paid their taxes instead to Castle Black it would greatly improve the capabilities of the Night's Watch. It would allow us to build our Wall higher and perhaps even repopulate some of the empty castles along its length. It is summer now, but I am sure I do not need to tell you that winter is coming." Ironsmith stopped speaking abruptly, as he had told the Lord Commander's plan to the Lord Stark and did not know what else to say.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"Yes, I am well acquainted with the words," Gariss mused, clearly in a happy mood. "Before I agree, however, to this proposal, I would ask: from who's resources would these castles be built? And who would build them? Tell me more of the matter."

[Sam]

"The Lord Commander had intended it to be a joint effort between the North and the Night's Watch. Our Builders and Engineers will oversee the construction, and our trainees will do their part doing the manual labor. The Black Brotherhood is not wealthy, neither in coin nor stone for building, which is why we come to you here to ask for your help in this project, Lord Stark," Ironsmith replied.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

"Very well," Lord Stark said, closing his eyes, his face unemotional now. "It will take time, though it will be done. I will talk personally with the Lord Commander concerning the finer details."

[Ollie]

Lord Olander Reed arrives early at dawn, accompanied by several severe looking crannogmen. As the sun soars in the sky, reaching its zenith, and proceeds to plunge into the west, the several lords of the North arrive. They gather in the great hall, awaiting Lord Gariss Stark.

[House Lefford]

Lord Edmure Karstark arrives at Winterfell's great hall supported by a crutch but under his own power.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

Gariss arrives in the great hall, clad in a fine tunic with an emotionless, hard look upon his face. He favored Olander a quick glance before looking back at the rest of the company.

Standing at the head of the table, he observed the lords before him. To his right was Lord Reed, and to his left was Lord Umber. He looked around to be sure that all major and minor lords were in attendance. He stood for a moment, to be sure he had everybody's attention.

"The Great Council of the North has commenced," he began. "We have gethered here this night to come upon a decision to our predicament. A critical time is upon us, as our realm has found itself thrown into chaos and turmoil, while kingdoms oppose the crown, and clash against each other. Even within these kingdoms, civil war breaks out, as lords strike against their liege, breaking their strengths. I ask you, my loyal lords and bannermen, what course of action are we to take? As one, as a whole kingdom. As the North."

He stood still, while his heart leapt in his chest. He was not accustomed to making such speeches, though Olander had taught him well, and he was confident in his introduction. He stood, breath held, looking over the lords who listened.

[Horas]

Young Lucas Blackwood stands near the back, where the knights and minor lordlings listen intently to catch every word that passes from Lord Stark's lips. Lucas listens as intently as the rest, eager to hear any news of the brewing conflict.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

Zach stood nearby Lucas, as befit his station. He stood, listening to what he could, though knew Gariss would fill him in on whatever he had missed later.

[Ollie]

Olander sat silently, watching his young liege lord speak to his bannermen. Gariss had spoken well, with a conviction that he carried well, as the Lord of the North.

After allowing plenty time for any other man to speak up, cleared his throat "Strength," he began, looking briefly out across his fellow lords, but focusing his attention on nothing in particular, "is a virtue that comes from unity, not dissent. " The statement was a simple one, but left something unsaid hanging in the air.

[Lord Rhaegar Targaryen]

Gariss looked to Olander when he spoke. The silence was long both before and after, as it seemed the lords had nothing to say, but only needed direction. This was good, though he would have liked some support or challenge.

"Indeed," Gariss said, a long moment after Olander spoke. "Which is why I bring you all to my council this night so that we may not have any disputes or clashes when we direct our force in this conflict."

He paused a moment, letting what he said sink. He looked each man in the eye before continuing. "I propose we go south. We fight. We prove the strength of the North, and we show the men of the south why we live up here. Because nobody else can; because nobody else has the strength or endurance to live in our beloved land. We will not stand by idly, like cowards in the shadow. We choose a side, and we fight with that side until the last battle is decided.

"By the Old Gods, we will show them why the Kings of the North used to be feared, and why their kingdom had held stalwart for thousands of years before the dragons came. We will show them why the North is above the rest of Westeros!"

[House Lefford]

"But with which side My lord? Do we stay loyal to the King or declare for the rebels." said Edmure to Gariss and the collected lords.

[Lord Lester Merryweather]

"I believe we must calculate before doing anything. It seems to me that the rebels have a larger force, considering that they are lords Dondarrion, Hightower, Royce and Harlaw. However, we mustn't rush, as our decision may be the one that will change the course of this war." Said Jon seriously. He looked at other lords and then at lord Stark, waiting for his answer

[House Lefford]

"If we oppose the side in which my brothers fight on I can not take part my lord, I can't fight against my family if it is the will of the council to go with the other side I will not stop it but neither will I add the cause against my brothers."