10th Month of 286 A.C. Farwynd Hall
Lord Triston Farwynd
Winter was firmly put, and refused to move. It could been seen in how the snow stubbornly clung to the ground and refused to truly go. The temperatures were damn near Baltic, and as such Triston wondered how anyone could get anything done. And then he would look around his keep and think that was how. Pure determination that was what kept the people of the north going, a desire to not be curtailed by the elements, work continued as normal throughout the winter no matter what weather was thrown their way. His own keep, a simple stone keep had been built and repaired from its near ruined state within two years, using the materials available and the materials that came from the Westerlands. It was nice and homely, if not on the grand scale Sealskin Point had been on. That did not matter to Triston though, all that mattered was that he now had a home to call his own and he did not have to remain within Flint's Finger for any longer. It was not that he did not appreciate being able to have a roof over his head whilst his own home was being built, it was simply that he and Lady Flint did not get along. She thought him too much of a barbarian and he found her too oppressive. The other northmen seemed to have gotten along with him fine, his exploits in battle seemingly enough to show that he was worthy of their respect and trust.
This was not shown by any outward displays, but rather in silent gestures, as it would have been on the islands. That they had come to his wedding was a big sign of respect. He and Lady Denora Flint had gotten married two days ago, in a simple ceremony in the godswood of the keep and later in the ritual of the Grey King Nereus, where they were doused in water and then said their vows to remain clean and pure and faithful. The lords had cheered and done many a thing during the feast and the ceremony, and many a time had someone come up to him to congratulate him on his marriage and how fortunate he was to be marrying a beauty such as Denora. It was true, Denora with her curly brown hair and her doe eyes was extremely beautiful and whilst that had been one of the things that had drawn him to her, it was also the fact that she was very smart and witty that had really gotten him hooked to her. They could share many a detailed conversation on history and had done so, that she had expressed an interest in the Grey King had only furthered his attraction, it had been at her suggestion that they had married in sight of the Grey King. He truly thought he loved her and he was happy she was his wife.
The Grey King had come to see him once more, in visions that were growing ever more confusing and hard to interpret. Something about an axe and the bears coming south in greater number. It made no sense to him for the Mormonts were the only bears he could think of, and they were the ones he got on the best with out of all the northern lords. And then there was the whole issue with the horned things that the Grey King kept showing him, by the gods he did not know what they were but they terrified him. The Grey King kept whispering that they should terrify him, for they were growing more powerful and the white things that were dead would soon be coming as well. All of this made no sense to him, and he said as much but the Grey King remained silent and only said that he had his role.
Of course pondering over such things would do him no good, especially now he had been asked to meet with Lord Eddard. He found the man in the godswood looking at one of the tress, in silent thought. Though he hated to disturb the man whom he had so much respect for he did so nonetheless clearing his throat and saying. "You wished to speak with me my lord?"
The man blinks once and then turns and says. "Yes my lord I did. Firstly congratulations on your marriage to the Lady Denora. She is a true beauty and will make a good lady." Triston nods his thanks knowing that this is not what the man is wanting to speak to him about. "Secondly I must speak to you of an issue that Lady Flint herself brought before me. She has been worried over your worship of this Grey King as you call it. She wonders if you are going to try and do as Balon Greyjoy did and try to spread worship."
Silence follows this statement and then Triston says. "I fear Lady Flint does not like me all that much. I am not the man she wished for her daughter to marry, and yet we are wed. She does not see me as much of a Northman, and in truth I am not. Nor have I ever tried to be one. All I have done is to repay the debt I feel I owe you and your father, for accepting me and not questioning my motives. I hope to be a good lord to the people here and I wish to bring them peace during winter and afterward. I have no intention of converting anyone to the Grey King lest they wish to."
Lord Eddard nods. "I had thought that the case my lord. And I trust you know that the north thanks you for your efforts in aiding the building of this keep as well as in the building of Wolf's Port and the western northern fleet. You and Ser Davos have been most invaluable to the construction of all of these things. I merely thought to raise the matter with you so that you were aware of the concerns some might have."
Triston nods and then says. "I know there has been some murmuring of something occurring at the Wall my lord. I was speaking of it with Robin and Willam during the feast and I was wondering if you knew anything more of it? I do have an uncle, though distant he might be on the wall and was concerned that something might be going wrong there."
Lord Eddard takes some time to respond and then says. "I know not exactly what is happening at the wall. All I know is what Lord Umber tells me he hears from the tradesmen who go there. There is a lot of talk of strange goings on, but then such talk has often pervaded throughout Lord Commander Qorgyle's tenure as Lord Commander. I would not think anything of it."
Triston considers this and then asks. "And what of the sightings of goat's heads as well as goat skulls lining the way from Castle Black all the way to Last Hearth? No matter how many times Lord Umber removes them from the pathway they always reappear in greater number. Furthermore traders are reporting seeing them in Castle Black as well. We all know the rumours of the man who is Lord Commander. Surely something could be done to remove the man and have him brought in for questioning?"
Lord Eddard is silent, and when he does respond his response is slow as if he is trying to figure out himself was he wishes to say. "I… I do not think that would be such a good idea Triston. The Watch takes no part in the affairs of the realm, and we promise not to take part in their affairs. Jeor Mormont serves on the Wall, and should anything truly pressing arise he will notify Winterfell. As he has not done so, I believe that now is not the time to do anything."
Triston wishes to push the matter but one look at Lord Eddard's face tells him that he will not get anywhere on the matter, and so ignoring everything inside of him that is screaming that this is what the Grey King was on about, he instead asks. "Has there been much correspondence between yourself and Lord Rodrik Harlaw my lord?"
At this Lord Eddard's face goes from torn to guarded but that is just how the man is and so he says. "There has been some communication yes. Mainly discussing the opening of trade routes between our two kingdoms once Wolf's Port is finished and completed. He has also asked about his nephew Theon fairly regularly, and as such I have given him updates on how the lad is doing."
Triston nods and then asks. "Has he ever asked about me or said anything about my cousins?"
Eddard is silent and then responds. "He has yes. He says that he regrets what his goodbrother's actions have cost you and that Sealskin Point has become a memorial for all that was lost due to Greyjoy folly. Lord Rodrik has asked if you would ever consent to returning to the islands at some point to serve as an ambassador or if you would wish to become the Islands ambassador to the north."
Triston considers this and then says. "I never wish to return to the Islands ever again. I will not stand for that culture or its principles either. I cannot abide that request my lord. And I would ask that you do not ask it of me. There are some things that should never be opened, some wounds that must not be picked at and this is one of them."
Lord Eddard merely nods and then says. "I knew something like this would be the case. It was a mere suggestion Triston, but I can understand your reluctance. As to your other question, there has been some mention of the Farwynds of Lonely Light. There has been talk that they are harbouring Euron Greyjoy, though no proof of this has been offered and every time Lord Rodrik sends ravens asking them, they continue to deny it. Soon enough he says, either they will bend and offer the man up or they will not."
Triston snorts then. "Oh I know this much about my cousins, they will bark and they will deny all knowledge of wrongdoing when it suits them. And then when it all comes to light they shall turn on one another. In the past they used to turn on my own family, it was them that sold the Iron Islands out to Maekar the Mace, and as such it was them who has caused endless streams of grief for us. If anyone has Euron Greyjoy or his sons then it will most definitely be them. Though of course Greyjoy could well be dead, and his sons could be alive."
His friend and lord nods and says. "Aye that is something we have considered but as the sea next to the Lonely Light is so damn inhospitable, none know the truth of the matter. It is very possible that there is nothing there, but also very possible that there is something there. We shall not know for sure."
Triston gets an idea then. "Well my lord, the other Ironborn have not been to Lonely Light for they are not as brave as they would admit, but I and my brothers went often to lonely light when we were children. I could go and find out the truth simply enough."
"I had thought you did not wish to return to the Iron Islands Triston. Besides you are newly married. You and your wife must get to know one another." Eddard responds.
Triston feels torn, he wants Greyjoy dead but he also wants to know his wife more. "I will do whatever is necessary to end the threat posed by the Greyjoys my lord. Anything."
Lord Eddard looks at him and says. "Consider it and discuss it with your wife before making any final preparations."