The Holy Motherhouse of Maidhollow

[The Smith]

Ten armed men ride out of the falling night. The leader motions for the men to stop and then rides up to the gates alone. He remains silent, examining the front of the walls.

[The Smith]

"I am Rickon." He replied, "I wish to speak to Jeyne..." He hesitated at the end, before simply stopping.

[The Smith]

"Milady, the woman of this Motherhouse are known for their wisdom. Do not put my men and I to the test. I am afraid terrible things would happen to the local men." Rickon sighed, "If I must wait until morning I will. If I must wait until winter I will."

[The Smith]

"He went North, and has lived there happily for fifteen years." Rickon snorted, "And now he has come to see his wife. I have a banner man down the road, but he carries a new banner, a Horned Wolf."

[The Smith]

Rickon nodded, and dismounted smoothly. He motioned for one of his men to come take the leather cords, and waited patiently while the soldier rode forward. Then Rickon turned and followed the women.

[The Smith]

Rickon nodded, and studied his surroundings. He could not help but plot his escape routes, and just that chain of thoughts amused him.

[The Smith]

Rickon ignored her completely, and walked up the stairs. Reaching the top he opened the door quietly, and looked about for his wife.

[The Smith]

Rickon walked in steadily, "Milday," He replied easily looking about the room, "I prefer the Godswood. Gods are not meant to be locked inside of stone." He moves closer to her, but stops just out of reach.

He offers her a small smile, and then he bows deeply to her.

[The Smith]

Rickon raised an eyebrow, "I know who the seven are. It was not hard to find the former queen." He sighed, "If you are concerned about this woman, we could take a walk outside the walls. She can not harm me, only you."

[The Smith]

Rickon looked at the floor, and then sprawled down on the ground, "I still do. It is the life I would have picked for myself. I help the people. With the Wildlings, With Bandits, even with the harvest. It is beautiful up there." He brushed some of his shaggy hair out of his eye, and then added, "I would ask the same of you, but I know."

[The Smith]

Rickon nodded hollowly, and restrained a shiver. He was horrified by what she described, but he must not show it. "It sounds a full life. Are you happy here?"

[The Smith]

"I love it. I have true friends, who love me. None of who kiss my ass to gain power over others. I have found a cause that I am perfectly suited to filling." Rickon smiled slightly, "I have regrets, but I also have a full life. I am happy. Do you not want to be happy?"

[The Smith]

Rickon chuckled, "Aye, I have. Fifteen years should change a person." He focused on her with a hint of concern in his eyes, "In fact, if you met some one after fifteen years of absence, you should only be concerned if they are the same. If they had not changed at all."

[The Smith]

Rickon looked at her, "No you have definitely changed since I knew you." He reached out and turned over her hands. He ran a finger down the calloused skin, "Your hands were a lot softer."

[The Smith]

"Dream, surely you mean Nightmare?" Then Rodrick shook his head, "Not me, every moment of my childhood is as clear to me as my own face." He sighed, "I owe you an apology. When we married I was not ready, I made many mistakes, and I think you were my main victim."