[center][h1]A Mummer’s Farce, A Reunion & A Dance Part II[/h1][/center][hr]

There was a cough and rustle nearby, as Ashe Stark stepped out from the shadows. [color=D3D3D3]“Alright, alright I believe that’s enough of the things Gryff sings about in long laments and whines. Howling Wolf he is... Ashton! Gwendolyn! We have a party to get to. I've got more beer than you could drink in a Dornish desert. Not to mention Gwen, it’s time to introduce you to Raelith... Also the She-bears have already gotten into the beer and started arm wrestling. We should hurry before they break everything."[/color] He explained rather quickly walking up and clasping both on the shoulders. [color=D3D3D3]“After all... Father should know about your betrothed dear Gwendolyn~” Ashe gave in a sing-song tone, his bow traded for a lute trailing behind Beylee with a violin skipped in, she could hear Gryff picking at his Viola in the distance.

Clasping Ashton’s hand Gwen narrowed her eyes at Ashe. [color=DCD0FF]“Your wife will need to repeat herself often for you to absorb anything she says. You have selective hearing and it only gets worse with your decrepitude. I’d love to see you tell Uncle Bran about it and see how far he tosses you. Shall we place bets?"[/color]

Gwen pulled Ashton along and motioned Bennifer to sit with them at the table she indicated. She pushed Ashton down into a chair and sat next to him so close that her right side pressed to his left.

Ashton followed along dutifully, his attention almost entirely on Gwen. He did chuckle a bit when she addressed Ashe but for the most part he didn't do a ton. The closeness was intoxicating to the young man and instead of awkwardly sitting shoulder to shoulder his arm moved around her to side hug and he smiled over to her. 

Rolling her head toward Ashton as he moved his arm around her more comfortably Gwen grinned at Ashton. [color=DCD0FF]“They’re about to play and you still owe me a dance, Hightower. What say you can you keep up? Cause I will wear those shoes out."[/color] She leaned in and tapped him lightly on the nose, winking at him.

Ashe chuckled as he took a seat across from them, with a grin as he stretched. Faiel came over placing mugs of beer on the table for the boys. As from behind Ashe appeared two She-Bears eyeing Gwen’s suitor. Ashe for his part had drawn his knife playing a game of jamming it between his splayed out fingers getting faster and faster,  passing time of his looking away from it as he spoke at Ashton. [color=D3D3D3]“So I heard Hightower here is a Squire?"[/color] Ah the Knight’s Bane was at it again, she could hear a snicker of laughter from Junara, one of the She-Bears. [color=D3D3D3]“You fight any campaigns for Hightower or them Dornish bastards?"[/color]

The Stark tent was massive; laid out with rows and rows of tables. Each one had a keg of beer servers, sometimes even highborn helped bring out platters of food. Feasts of meat, chickens roasted with veggies, boar haunches cooked whole in their own fat, and even fried sheep stomachs stuffed with a mix of veggies. All of it would make you fat... Or keep you alive through harsh winter with calories to burn. The northern diet it seemed was different from the southern by a wide margin, few greens were even noticeable among it all.

Ashton for the most part ignored the looks and chuckles. He had heard them a lot growing up in court. He wasn't the best at making friends and he was whispered about and teased quite often. Though it usually stopped when his sister found out. As such, he just kept his eyes on Gwen and smiled at her, enjoying the time he had. Even when he was addressed directly by Ashe, Ashton simply shrugged and nodded. [color=B0C4DE]"Still a Squire, yeah. I could have gotten it after a raid a year ago but I don't mind it, plus the more actual experience the better Knight you'll be. No sense in rushing it, and I want whatever action I do to get Knighted to mean something."[/color]

He finally averted his gaze to peer at the woman, unimpressed really. I mean, certainly they were large women but to Ashton they were simply fellow warriors. If anything it made it easier. [color=B0C4DE]"I've had plenty of practical experience if that's what you're asking."[/color]

[color=D3D3D3]“Knighthood bah! Never needed a title to kill a man. Only thing it does is tie you to that damn church of the seven."[/color] Ashe muttered as he buried the knife in the table hard. [color=D3D3D3]“I never understood that idea of virtues, honor, and holier-than-thou shite. Knight’s a title for a man who murders bunch a folk for their lord. Why should we honor a man for doing what’s expected of them, loyalty is loyalty and shouldn't have to bribe and lay gifts at their feet to get it."[/color] He answered leaving the knife there in the table as he leaned back taking up a mug of beer taking a long deep drink. [color=D3D3D3]“I’ve been dealing with wildling raids and organizing the troops for my uncle. I would have liked to stay, meet this ‘Skag King’ myself sounds like a right proper bastard. I put arrows in bastard's eyes, and can even hit the slit in a helmet... Or when it comes to wildlings, split their cock down the middle with an arrow."[/color] He chuckled.

[color=D3D3D3]“You know, you want proper practice for the tourney and ought to find Gryff! Little brother’s swordplay is unmatched by North men, could even be a match for your Sword of the Morning."[/color] Ashe knew far more and played far dumber, [color=D3D3D3]“He’ll be in soon... Got your blade with you lad? I’ll make the introduction then you can let some steel sing us a few ballads!"[/color] He spoke adding a cheer, what Ashton didn’t notice was the crowd that had gathered when he cheered plenty of the Northmen cheered too clearly enthralled by the idea of seeing the two duel.

Gwen narrowed her eyes at Ashe. [color=DCD0FF]“I swear… you know what no."[/color] She had prepared to launch into a speech and instead reached over and popped the bottom of Ashe’s mug spilling the ale all over him. [color=DCD0FF]“Back off. He’s got guest privileges."[/color]

The room burst with laughter then went silent as Ashe was soaked. [color=D3D3D3]“...Alright that’s it Gwendolyn Carmyne."[/color] Ashe stood up and stared. [color=D3D3D3]“I challenge you!"[/color] Ashe yelled in over dramatic fashion tossing down one of his leather gloves onto the table. [color=D3D3D3]“For I demand satisfaction!"[/color] Gwen knew the tone, as serious as it sounded she had played this game many times at Winterfell. It was mocking Southern traditions of how to ask for duels, of course only the Starks knew that. [color=D3D3D3]“I shall choose the weapons, for you have mocked me the last time!"[/color] He dramatically pointed the finger at her, something dawned on her... Ashe wasn’t doing this to be mean, he was doing this to get Ashton accepted in with the rest of the northerners here to try and get everyone feeling more open and talkative. For ale to flow you need good entertainment after all.

Gwen smirked. [color=DCD0FF]“There are plenty of women here who can attest to the fact that you always get yours but they very, very rarely do when it comes to you."[/color] She knew he was kidding and being dramatic. The laughter made her grin all the more. [color=DCD0FF]“However I accept."[/color]

Turning her face up to Ashton she batted her eyelashes. [color=DCD0FF]“Be my champion?"[/color]

From the crowd they heard one of the She-Bears yell. [color=D3D3D3]“That is if Gwen knew what was satisfying heard she got her first taste of man today!"[/color]

Gwen’s head snapped to She-Bear, her eyes on fire. [color=DCD0FF]“Or maybe my source was just jealous because she can’t seem to give as good as she gets? He walk away from you one too many times for someone else, humm?"[/color]

The Ursa Major, Eyrna Ord, herself stood up throwing back her entire tankard then looking at her charges then Gwen. [color=D3D3D3]“Gwen... You cut with words, it's true... We cut with fucking steel and I can’t stop them all."[/color] She added glaring at the other bears who suddenly found interest in their mugs. [color=D3D3D3]“Now... Ladies, leave the little river twerp to her man or I’ll wipe the floor with the lot of ya!"[/color] She snarled and threw her tin mug into the ground hard enough to break the base of it. They all had their warning from the Ursa Major herself... Who stalked over to stand next to Ashe taking his mostly empty mug for herself as he smiled at her. 

[color=D3D3D3]“Thank you darling, do drop by later to meet my betrothed."[/color] Ashe’s teasing got a single middle finger back as she walked away, the resident babysitter for Sylvara and Brandon’s brats... Even the adopted ones.

Gwen inclined her head to the Ursa Major as if she had asked Gwen something casually conversational. She was nipping at Ashe. They should know better than to get involved. With anyone else blood would flow. With Ashe they might bruise each other but they stopped shy of real blood. Besides, any rumors like that would ruin any more chances of her getting a good match, including Ashton. She smirked good naturedly at Ashe but her heart wasn’t in it anymore.

Ashton sighed, keeping his calm and simply giving Ashe a smile and shrug. [color=B0C4DE]"I have yet to insult your ways and beliefs. Why did you presume to insult mine own? Worship who you want, fight who you want, but who is anyone here to tell anyone else what they should do or judge them because of it."[/color] Ashton didn't raise his voice whatsoever, his tone more questioning and curious. [color=B0C4DE]"Like with any other type of person there will be terrible Knights but also very good ones. They're supposed to be more than a simple soldier or butcher, and the ones that are tend to be well remembered and spoken of. Empathy, understanding, and understanding why you draw a sword is far better than drawing it without cause. Something even I am struggling with."[/color]

He nodded to Ashe, the heir of House Stark and then to the she-bear who spoke. [color=B0C4DE]"Regardless, I have no desire to fight anyone tonight. If someone wishes to cross blades with me then tomorrow would be the best time, I will be looking forward to it. Until then I will be sitting here enjoying good company, a truly amazing person sitting beside me, and good food."[/color] He then watched the rest of the back and forth and sat contended, though his eyes took everything in. Every voice was assigned a mental picture of their appearance and more important people were even given some extra details. He learned quickly, and he was finding attributing things to sword lessons made things a lot easier. Too bad the Maesters didn't know this back when he was growing up. 

When things settled down, Ashton squeezed Gwen a bit and chuckled. [color=B0C4DE]"Hopefully meeting my family will go a bit easier and with less threats of violence."[/color]

Gwen looked up at Ashton. She had noticed that he was even taller sitting than she was. She’d never realized that she had most of her height in the length of her legs. [color=DCD0FF]“It’s a compliment in the North. Plus it is a game. One that Ashe and I excel at. A mummer's farce if you will. It is entertaining."[/color]

She looked out at the crowd. [color=DCD0FF]“Well we have an answer, no blades but perhaps some dancing? Will that do?"[/color] Looking back at Ashton. “Does that satisfy?"[/color]

[color=B0C4DE]"I see, well I suppose I should be thankful for the compliment then. And I am, it will just take me some time to adjust to these things. But I guess it's sort of nice in a strange 'I never know when I should be ready to fight or laugh' kind of way."[/color] Ashton chuckled and then sighed, closing his eyes and wondering just how all of this had happened. The night prior Ashton would have never expected such a thing could ever happen, except in the stories that he had heard. But here he was, sitting beside a truly amazing girl who seemed to like him as much as he liked her. Suddenly even the tourney didn't matter anymore… Oh!

Suddenly all of the past year spent training came rushing back to him. He had been dead set on some day joining the Kingsguard and serving as best as he could. But even the realization didn't spoil Ashtons mood and if anything he was able to move on quickly, so what he wouldn't be a Kingsguard, he could still strive to be like Aemon without that title. Who knows maybe he could form a group of Knights that wished to do things the right way and form his own thing. He chuckled to himself, anything was possible if the last ten hours were any judge.

[color=DCD0FF]“I’d offer a groat for your thoughts but I don’t currently have one on me. Any idea what I could offer?"[/color] Gwen blushed prettily and bit her lip laughing silently; the shake of her shoulders gave it away.

Realizing he had zoned out Ashton looked to her and shook his head. [color=B0C4DE]"I was thinking about how quickly life tends to change. This morning I was laying in the grass, staring up at the sky and dreaming of becoming a Knight of the Kingsguard and now I'm sitting beside the most amazing person in Westeros. Now, you owe me a dance. Come on! And sorry in advance for any toes stepped upon. I'm a fighter, not a dancer. You have been warned."[/color]

Gwen grinned. [color=DCD0FF]“I’m quite light on my feet. You won’t step on me."[/color] She pulled him onto the floor and when the musicians decided to play a reel she almost rolled her eyes. They wanted to see the Southerner try to keep up. 

The song had started out slow with the fiddle in a cyclical melody which Gwen led Ashton in a back and forth easy step and was rather romantic. Then the fiddler started ad libbing and flying over the strings. The claps and stamps of feet kept time as the pace quickened. She grinned as he kept up with her.

Tossing her hair Gwen grinned and had Ashton spin her and as the music ended he bent her low, leaning over her with his hand supporting her off the ground. Gwen had never had someone do something so daring during a dance. She clung to him as he held her suspended and off balance.

The dance was exhilarating, Ashton had never been big on it since it usually required a partner and well… Either way he wasn't an experienced dancer. But what he was, was a very good fighter and his footwork was just as good as a dancer, perhaps even better in some aspects. And so he watched Gwen for cues and let her lead him. 

The start was nice, Ash clinging to the Carmyne and shifting occasionally as he rested his head against hers and stared into her eyes. And then things got faster, and it took all of Ashton's perception and dexterity to keep up. His sword cranked against his thigh as he moved and by the end of the song he was out of breath. But still he held Gwen suspended and as he stared down at her he suddenly didn't care who was watching. He leaned himself down and moved in for a proper kiss.

They were both excited hearts pounding and his eyes deepened and Gewn’s breath caught. He was looking at her a bit differently, no this was very different. An exciting difference. His eyes went to her mouth and she started to say his name when he kissed her.

Gwen was still off balance so she clung to him with her eyes closed. Her hands slowly shifted from clinging to his shoulders to behind his neck. Her finger curled into his hair. His hair was soft. Softer than she expected and she sighed contentedly.

Did it suddenly get hot? The winds of Dorne blow into Summerhall? It certainly felt like there was suddenly a fire raging right beside him, enveloping him, making his breathing erratic and quick. His kiss was by all extents a quick affair as he needed to breathe and so as he came up for air he opened his eyes and smiled that smile that you can only see when a person has had their first real kiss. He was practically glowing, his tanned skin now looking like some sort of God like energy was being emanated from it. His eyes somehow shone brighter and his smile widened. 

[color=B0C4DE]"Wow."[/color] Was the only word he breathed out.

It was over too soon. Gwen made a small whimper as his lips left and she opened her eyes. Ashton’s smile made her heart skip and she felt a flame with a tingle as if she had lain on her whole body and it was waking up. She knew she was blushing and ducked her head into Ashton’s neck. Her breath quick soft puffs across his skin.

[color=FFD700]"And the proof proves out truth!"[/color] Perhaps there was some philosophy in the great bull of a man's words, as he laughed in a fairly victorious fashion. [color=FFD700]“Let all the North see this man was favored by their ward and who was to gain say an honest youth and his lady love?"[/color] Bennifer's own marriage had been something less than pleasant at the start, now? He held a fondness for his wife, though perhaps it was more their son that had brought them together. [color=FFD700]"Hah, I'll speak for the Blackwood cousins to support you lad if you have to take them to duels one and all under the weirwoods!"[/color] He slapped a measure fist on the back of a she-bear speaking of the Starks.

Ashe would have raised concern if not a moment later entered Brandon Stark, causing silence to spill across the room. As he glanced at Gwen, then at Ashe then jerked his head towards the table at the back of the tent. Where the Starks would sit along with their honored guests, they both knew what this meant. The Bannerlords, their children, and the many houses who had made the long journey were all going to be here in a moment. They needed to be united as a family together at the table. Sylvara enters with roasted boar freshly made on a serving tray... Two of them, one each supported by a single hand. Behind her Mathias with two full size kegs the runt barely strained as he supported them. 

Finally Gryffith entered with a stunning variety of flowers from the glass gardens he began to lay out in vases across the tables to decorate the room. The smells reminding the northmen of their homeland... And on the Starks table a small bundle of Winter roses.

Pulling back from Ashton to look into his eyes Gwen saw the movement of Uncle Bran and was distracted from Ashton. She saw the head jerk and swallowed. [color=DCD0FF]“Set me upright. I have to attend my Uncle."[/color] If there was an inopportune moment it was now. As Ashton set her upright Gwen smiled at him. [color=DCD0FF]“Did you want to stay a while or did you need to leave?"[/color]

Having been lost in such a nice world it was almost a case of whiplash to be brought back to the real. His eyes followed Gwen's own and he noted the various Starks all congregating. His curiosity had been piqued and he gave a smile and nod to Gwen when she asked her question. [color=B0C4DE]"I don't have to go anywhere quite yet, but I'll need to head back to the Palace here in a bit to rest for tomorrow."[/color]

Gwen’s eyes lit up at Ashton’s response. [color=DCD0FF]"Well this is fate working it's magic. My Aunties and I are staying at Summerhall as well. I'm sure we'd be in need of an escort."[/color] She squeezed his hand and smiled warmly.

Making sure Ashton knew that she was reluctant to move away Gwen’s hands lingered and she sighed as she had to let go.

The She-bears formed a guard for the Starks and the Ursa-Major walked up to Gwen. [color=D3D3D3]“Gwendolyn you're expected at the table... And for the rest of the trip myself and two bears will guard you round the clock. What shit did you step in, girl?”[/color] Asked the veteran She-bear as she moved to walk Gwen up to the tables. To escort her up as the announcements came from the many lords arriving, Gwen realized she’d be meeting the Bolton girl Ashe had been betrothed to and the Mormonts family through her aunt.

[color=B0C4DE]"Then an escort you shall have My Lady. It will be as you wish."[/color] He gave her a quick smile, loosening it as she let go and moved to walk off. He followed behind, glancing at the woman who had formed a protective formation around her, a sort of awkward triangle. He said nothing, did nothing, other than walk politely, arms crossed behind his back and away from the pommel of Vigilance. He seemed quite at ease at this point, and didn't seem like he was going to leave Gwen's side unless she asked him.

Raising an eyebrow at the Ursa and smiling, Gwen tipped her head. [color=DCD0FF]“I did no more than what you or any other She Bear does when they need to make themselves understood. Rather than a point of a blade, a fist or spilling blood my weapons were words. Sadly for us, rather than send out a single shepard for a lost lamb they sent out the whole of Winterfell to find a single lamb."[/color] Gwen tried to express how it wasn’t exactly her fault but she stopped and shook her head. No one would believe her anyway. All the guard was going to do was draw more attention to her. [color=DCD0FF]“Never mind. You’ll refuse to see it anyway but your own way. And that’s not your fault."[/color]

Turning toward Ashton she smiled and shook her head. [color=DCD0FF]“If we wish any sort of illusion of privacy then we cannot push my Uncle farther than this. I will be the good little girl he doubts I still am. I would appreciate it if you kept mine kinsman Bennifer company until I come to you. If that is alright?"[/color]

Ashton gives her a soft smile and then bows. [color=B0C4DE]"As you wish. I am yours. Until you are finished I shall remain here and await your return so that I may accompany you to the Palace. And until I see you again my heart will ache for just a glance of you."[/color]

Gracing Ashton with a smile that would warm and thaw the most frozen hall of the North. Turning Gwen made her way to the table and sat in her normal seat next to Mathias.