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Post by mel on Dec 13, 2007 11:04:23 GMT -5
Damn, it really way cold up here atop the Wall and the march had been exhausting, mainly caused be the unsure footing on ice and gravel. But they would probably get used to that as to many others things.
Only to that view one couldn't get used to. It was terrific. The densely forested hills of the Haunted Forest were looming in the distance and on a clearer day it must be possible to look even farther.
The old Lord seemed to do quite well, even though this could not be what he had hoped for his life on the Wall. Well neither did he.
"So, what were you thinking you could do to help the Black Brothers defend the realm? You certainly hadn't in mind walking the Wall for the rest of your days and I hope it wasn't cooking either, since as a Lordling you wouldn't be much good at it I'll bet."
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 13, 2007 11:23:10 GMT -5
Alester grinned and whispered to Jared.
"I was thinking of becoming a steward, as a Lord, I've ran my house, and running the Watch can't be that different, except for all the ex-criminals of course. But now, I'm not so sure anymore, even if it would be fun to make life hard for the bastard that goes by the name of M.. And you, young Jared"
He winked at Jared as he saw Morden staring at them.
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Post by mel on Dec 13, 2007 11:33:45 GMT -5
"Well, I hoped to become a ranger and have a look at what lies beyond the Wall. But right now I think good Morden will wait till our feet are frozen and we fall of the wall by ourselfs.
I would really like to know why he is so ahhhmmmmm 'welcoming' towards new recruits, especially since the two of us are willingly here. One could almost suspects there's something he or them don't want us to know.....
Have you heard the rumours about the disappearance of the late Lord Commander?"
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 13, 2007 12:34:57 GMT -5
Alester looked so that Morden didn't listen.
"No, tell me"
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Post by mel on Dec 13, 2007 12:48:10 GMT -5
OCC: I hope I got that right from an older thread
Well, I've heared rumours about the late Lord Commander Wendwater. It is said that he took more than 300 men on a ranging and most of them haven't returned. But some tell the tale of undead brothers walking the night.... I'm telling you this because I judge you as a man with more sense the most up here and well I have other surces, but I can't tell you about them here and now.
And I probably don't have to tell you what that would mean for the realm and winter coming.....
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 13, 2007 17:13:22 GMT -5
Alester didn't know what to believe, he had heard rumors about the Watch for years, so he had stopped listening to most of them. So if this had happened now or several years ago, Alester didn't know.
"I can't say, Jared. I've had so many rumors whispered in my ear during my years as a Lord, I've stopped listening to them. But I also find it strange as I sent a raven here, telling the commander of my arrival."
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Post by Ellinda on Dec 13, 2007 22:44:36 GMT -5
The snow continued to fall until the conditions were total white out.
"One by one!" Mordon barked, "Put your left hand on the shoulder of the man before you." Going began to be very slow indeed.
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 14, 2007 6:47:45 GMT -5
Alester walked behind Jared, holding his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"So, you want to be a ranger. That is a dangerous way to spend your time, why would you want to risk your life like that?"
He was beginning to like this kid, he wasn't afraid to do things that might put him in danger and he took responsabilty for his life. Nothing like his sons.
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Post by mel on Dec 14, 2007 16:22:00 GMT -5
" I hope you won't think me an utter fool, but I've the feeling that there is something out there, waiting........I.......well, it's hard to explain, but perhaps you know the feeling that you sometimes know that you have to do something. And I think for me this something is here in the North.
Although I start having my doubts, since right know all I want is a fire and some good red. Perhaps I should tell Morden, he'll be delighted...."
He simield to himself, thinking other things he would like to tell, Morden. Perhaps in time.
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 15, 2007 9:23:59 GMT -5
"I know the feeling, Jared. I felt that I have something to do up here too. But travelling beyond the Wall is nothing for me, I would freeze to death after two minutes." He chuckled "But that might happen here too. No, I've come here for a reason, maybe to learn something I suppose, but what I'm still waiting to find."
He wasn't exactly lying to the boy, he had come up here, but not to learn himself, no he had come here to teach his son a lesson that might force him into taking responsibility for his actions and make a lord of him too.
"I did just that, and I got some whipping for it, but pain is just another kind of pleasure, as I promise I'll show Morden someday"
'Even lords have bloodlust. And I'll repay that debt I owe you, Morden' Alester thought to himself and glanced at the bastard that was Steward.
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Post by mel on Dec 15, 2007 10:15:52 GMT -5
They kept their silence for a while, since they needed all their concentration for the perilous walk atop the Wall. The snow still fell heavy and the wind was getting stronger too, if that was possible.
But at least they were heading back to Castle Black.
"So when do you think they'll let us take our vows? Cause right now we are no real Brothers of the Night's Watch, only some have frozen figures atop an ice wall. "
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Post by facelessmaester on Dec 15, 2007 10:48:32 GMT -5
"I don't know really, I think they'll decide when we're ready I'm afraid, but hopefully the Lord Commander will be able to see me tonight, and I might have a talk with him then and find out. Tonight even the food that they serve here will taste better than everything I've ever tasted at feasts and banquest, as I'm too tired to care"
Alester was still fit for his age, so he kept up with a lot of those half his age, even if his joints ached as they returned to their room.
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Post by Ellinda on Dec 16, 2007 9:13:05 GMT -5
No rest for the weary. Despite crawling into their beds late and very cold (although slightly revived by cups of hot mead waiting for them when they got back), they were woken once again at the crack of dawn.
"Today," barked Morden, "You will learn how to survive the snow, we have enough of it to do the proper exercises."
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Post by mel on Dec 16, 2007 11:36:40 GMT -5
Jared had to suppress a groan and asked himself again if this life really was what he wanted. But at least it could hardly become any worse.
He winked at some of his brother's whos faces showed a similar expression as his own must have.
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Post by mel on Dec 16, 2007 15:11:40 GMT -5
Outside it looked even worse than it had been a few hours earlier. As Morden had promised there were loads of thick snowflakes falling from a steel grey sky, covering everything in a thick white blanket.
"Looks like winter is finally coming." one of the older brothers could be heard saying.
Jared saw Alester hurrying a few yards ahead of him towards the door of the dining hall. He lengthened his strides to catch up with him.
"Lovely morning, isn't it? I haven't seen you last night in the common hall. Did you have a chance to speak to the Lord Commander?"
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Hope you all are well and happy.