The Dun Fort

[Deleted]

Her weariness overcome by curiosity, Aranya leaned forward. "Did he give a name? Send him in."

[Percy Rivers]

A boy of fifteen entered in. Two grey eyes studied her from a long, solemn face. "My lady, I am Roose Stark."

[Deleted]

She looked at him for what seemed a long time, and then said, "Well, you have grown since I last saw you. What brings you to Duskendale? Have a seat."

[Percy Rivers]

Roose shook his head. "No, I leave within the hour. I just wanted to ask you a few questions."

[Deleted]

Aranya raised an eyebrow. "Questions that couldn't be asked by a raven? Still, ask away." She leaned back on the high seat, and he knew he had her attention.

[Percy Rivers]

"I am heading back north from King's Landing." Roose said, brushing the long dark hair out of his eyes. "I was wondering if you would perhaps like a chance at revenge against the red priest that was responsible for holding your town in fear for almost a year."

[Deleted]

Aranya raised an eyebrow. "Well, what would you suggest I do for vengeance, then?"

[Percy Rivers]

Roose allowed himself a small smile. "Perhaps you would like to join me up north? The Priest has been spreading his creed in White Harbour, and rumour has it that he had Lord Manderly killed." He leaned in. "There is another thing, the Skagosi have been acting a bit antsy as of late, and though they are sworn to me, from what I've read they've never been squemish about attacking Umber lands."

"They fight more like wildlings than anything else. And from what I've heard you've had ample experience in fighting men like them."

[Deleted]

Aranya considered him. "I am about to march tomorrow to meet my cousin on the Kingsroad, and after that I must come back and see to other matters here. My cousin has purged Duskendale of the last remnants of the red priest's madness, and I have a duty to stay and fortify this city again, and raise my wards. Chasing after some madcap halfway up Westeros is madness right now. Vengeance can just as easily turn to folly. I am sorry he killed Lord Manderly, if indeed that is true, but I do not know the man at all.

"I do not wish to abandon you utterly. Give me time. I cannot come north right now, but when I can, I will see what I can do to help you. For now, I am already called to war in Dorne." Aranya snorted at that, for some reason.

[Percy Rivers]

"Fair enough." Roose said, choosing to not ask her about her apparent contempt for the war in Dorne. "There was another matter....would your son, Brynden is it? Would he like to come to Winterfell as a ward of mine?" He gave a slightly wolfish smile. "No...that doesn't sound right...would he like to come and stay at Winterfell for a while?"

[Deleted]

Aranya looked thoughtful. "He is squiring to Ser Benfry in King's Landing for now, but you are most generous to offer to foster him. Or are you merely suggesting a visit? A visit would be easier to arrange, I think. I would be glad to ask Ser Benfry to release him for a visit to the north."

[Percy Rivers]

"Approach King Rickon about it, he was interested in coming north as well once Dorne has been pacified and the small rebellion in the north has ended." Roose bowed, "Until then Lady Royce."

[Deleted]

"It was a pleasure meeting you," Aranya bowed her head.

[Deleted]

After stabling his horse, Marq follows Rhae to a yard where archery butts have been set up for practice.

[Fel]

Marq grabs a couple of bows and a quiver of arrows.

"This is a bow," he said holding up the bow, "and this is an arrow," he said, pulling out an arrow fromthe quiver.

"How are we doing so far?"