[color=8493ca][center][h1]The Accords of Wolves and Wyne[/h1][/center][/color] [i]Just before the Stark Feast...[/i] [hr] Brandon Stark waited until his kin departed then withdrew a flask from cloak. [color=8493ca]“Gods what I wouldn’t give to have a more normal family. My apologies for my... Wife’s less than adequate courtesy Lady Redwyne.”[/color] He spoke, taking a long drink from the flask and passing it to Gryff who knocked back some himself. “[color=8493ca]I’ve come to make an offer... Two actually to present your father, one if my son has championed himself in the melee. The other if he has not... I know you two are fond of one another, I’ve spent time ensuring our coffers can pay a Redwynes bride price and survive our winters... We are not the richest of houses but we are proud and honorable.”[/color] He explained as he smiled at Honora. [color=8493ca]“And any price is worth it for the way my son speaks of you. I'd think he’d found true love by song alone."[/color] Gryff blushing next to his father as the young man turned his head lightly scratching the back of his head. [color=b8c0ca]“I... I told you I wasn’t just wasting all that time I had to get what I needed... I won’t dare to dishonor you... Hope you know we might not have the wonderful weather and wealth you are used to here...”[/color] He explained nervously it seemed fiddling with practice sword hilt. Honora listened in silence, her eyes moving from Lord Brandon before they settled on Gryffith’s. [color=92278f]“No need to apologize.”[/color] She offered. [color=92278f]“I wasn’t exactly at my best either. I beg your pardon for my own rude behavior in return.”[/color] Honora asked as she bowed in reverence and honor. She dared not interrupt the compliments, as she felt a blush rise to her cheeks once more. [color=92278f]“I fear your son cannot be trusted as a reliable source my lord. For I fear he is not impartial, but then again neither am I. My heart has been wholly his since the night he sang for me, I must confess he spoiled me rotten. For no man could compare thereafter.”[/color] She spoke praisingly, before smiling at the dowry offer. [color=92278f]“I dare not make such demands, nor would my father protest I believe. We are a lower but wealthy house. Father always was more pleased with prestige, a noble house and lineage such as your own would certainly lift his spirits, regardless of the distance.”[/color] She turned to Gryffith and took his hands in hers, demanding he’d look at her. [color=92278f]“You would never be able to dishonor me. For all my coldness, truly can you blame me… waiting for three years without a word of comfort?”[/color] She asked with a slight smile before stating. [color=92278f]“If I was afraid of the cold, I would not marry a wolf. Besides, the bear pelt you gave me back then has kept me warm through the biting licks of frost that do venture South.”[/color] She smiled warmly at him. [color=92278f]“You shall simply have to see to it I don’t wither from the cold.”[/color] She teased. Brandon nodded, then produced formal letters with personal seals on them. [color=8493ca]“One is for should Gryffith win, the other should he not both be generous terms. I know how he feels... Same way I did when first met Sylvara and when found ourselves beset by brigands.”[/color] He chuckled thinking back on as he stepped forward putting a hand on her shoulder. [color=8493ca]“Besides, no need to bow you were good to my boy and him to you Lady Honora you will always have my care and respect even if my pack isn't the best at showing it.”[/color] He smiles at her, turning to Gryffith. [color=8493ca]“You want a moment alone before we go off to feast and revel with our fellow men of the north? You know Ashe will start to suspect something soon.”[/color] [color=92278f]“I heard your eldest was a troublemaker, I fear, we do not lack in those either.”[/color] Honora remarked. [color=92278f]“All good families seem to produce at least one.”[/color] Gryffith stepped forward taking her hands. [color=b8c0ca]“I wasn’t fast I admit... But I promise this time next year you’ll be with me in Winterfell. You’ll love the glass gardens and the hearths.”[/color] [color=92278f]“Maybe I should set up our chamber there. In the hothouses.”[/color] She joked feeling relief wash over her. [color=92278f]“You’re really sure about this…a deal struck is a deal made and this time in front of your father. I would hate for you to regret marrying a dainty Southern flower.”[/color] [color=92278f]“Also whatever may happen know that I hold you dear, dearer still than my own life, regardless of who will stand against us, I’d rather not uproot unnecessarily.”[/color] The light that reflected in her eyes was slightly fractured, due to the smallest of tears starting to form at the thought of their future happiness. Brandon nodded. [color=8493ca]“Aye, he didn’t stop hounding me for three years to marry. I think the lad knows what he wants.”[/color] Griffith blushed but nodded and hugged Honora. [color=b8c0ca]“Yes... You are what I always want.”[/color] He spoke, stepping forward to hold her hands then leaned down kissing her sweetly. [color=92278f]“Good.”[/color] Honora managed to say before he hugged her and took hold of her before robbing her of her breath and any restraint or struggle she might have felt was necessary to maintain some dignity. But as his lips touched hers she concluded dignity could go hang itself. She was too preoccupied to care. [color=92278f]“You’re cruel.”[/color] She stated softly giving him the lightest of punches. [color=92278f]“How am I supposed to get a good night’s rest after all that? I’ll be sitting in that box all puffy eyed tomorrow and it will all be your fault, for haunting my dreams.”[/color] She proclaimed with a slight pout as her eyes couldn’t help but trail downwards and instantly make her flush bright red again. [color=92278f]“You’ll be the death of me.”[/color] She scolded. [color=92278f]“It is a good thing I love you, otherwise I would be horribly frustrated.”[/color] Griffith laughed. [color=b8c0ca]“Could be worse Mathias is infamous for forgetting a shirt after training.”[/color] He sighed as he shook his head. [color=b8c0ca]“And Ashe doesn’t use doors very well. He once climbed up the side of the Eryie.”[/color] He shook his head. [color=b8c0ca]“My older brother, the trouble maker. I wonder what sort of Warden he’ll make one day.”[/color] He added before hugging Honora. [color=b8c0ca]“I have to go pretend to be happy without you awhile, think you can manage?”[/color] Honora sighed remembering. [color=92278f]“Don’t remind me, Serenei was ready to jump him, poor boy. She’d ravage him. You might be wolves, but from what I’ve seen he seemed more like a duckling and she was the hungry vixen ready to devour him.”[/color] She rubbed her temple in a tired manner. [color=92278f]“Make a mental note to always bring a shirt for Mathias and to put a bell on your brother.”[/color] She said. [color=92278f]“I will not have him scare the death out of me with his antics. I had to deal with Arystide and Finnegan. He shall find me no easy victim.”[/color] She reminded him before she smiled at his embrace. [color=92278f]“I have managed these past few years, I think I can manage those extra few days. Go and be a good son, but if I hear of you flirting with any of these Northern girls I will show you exactly why you don’t mess with a Redwyne.”[/color] She added with slight jealousy for good measure. Griffith blushed.[color=b8c0ca] “Please like any northern woman could-” Brandon coughed. “Could... Compete with you in my heart, even drunk I have only eyes for you.”[/color] Gryffith squeezed her hand and smiled at her. [color=92278f]“All right then, go on. The Seven know I loathe to watch you go, but I would hate myself more if I caused you harm or damage your reputation. I know the North expects its men to be tough and whilst the women of Bear Island may be excused for their She-bear behavior, I doubt they would approve of a Southern Lady chewing out her husband to be.”[/color] She curtsied again for the both of them, taking her distance and turning more stiff again for appearances sake. [color=92278f]“Please be careful.”[/color] She pleaded. [color=92278f]“I may not be able to keep you from ‘proving yourself’ but remember it is you I want instead of that flower crown.”[/color] Honora reminded him, before wishing him and his father goodnight. [hr] [i]Meanwhile in the feasting hall...[/i] With the festivities now over and the hours progressing later and later in the evening, long after other Lord's had taken their leave, the Redwyne sisters had been on the prowl again for some merriment and finer specimens of men to spend the evening with. As the crowd had grown larger the twins had eventually even split up, with Rowenna enjoying a turn about on the dancefloor only to bump straight into a familiar sigil. She managed to catch hold of the man's arm only to laugh mischievously offering the man an apologetic wide smile. Cregard had been crossing the floor having just finished his book. He was about to go put it away, maybe take in a proper meal and then see about some training. However when she caught hold of his arm he turned, looking her over he didn't apologize or try to move as he looked down. [color=a0410d]"Best be careful, wolves bite."[/color] He spoke not with a smile or a wink but a warning most ladies didn't much care for rough and tumble north men who wed easily before a tree and took them off to bed. She laughed wider at that. [color=92278f]"Do you promise?"[/color] She chuckled, offering a slight bump with her hip as her smile turned wicked. [color=92278f]"But only after a dance and a glass of wine surely?"[/color] She offered, wondering if the man wanted to play. He shook his head and then paused. [color=a0410d]"I don't dance but I do drink if that is your game. Happy to drink."[/color] He offered with a shrug. [color=a0410d]"I always bite, it's why my brother and I are my father's Fang's. He talks and we bite."[/color] [color=92278f]"Well, dear Ser Wolf, I do hope you tend to keep that promise. We'll see whether I can convince you to drink our wine, rather than our blood, how is that for a start, Ser Wolf?"[/color] She suggested. [color=a0410d]"Fine to me, though it's Cregard. Just call me that." [/color]He spoke, clasping his book and turning to walk with her. [color=a0410d]"I only want blood in a fight... You're not really the type to fight, are you Lady?"[/color] He added not even knowing her name. [color=92278f]"Cregard... A powerful name Ser Wolf and no I do not fight....well not the usual type of fighting."[/color] She laughed as she pulled him along to one of the bars and merely needed to signal before one of the barmaids came running. "The usual Lady Rowenna?" Asked the maid. [color=92278f]"The usual."[/color] She nodded with a smile watching as the wench took two goblets and poured them from a different casket than the other Arbor Reds before planting them before them. Rowenna turned to Cregard and handed him a goblet before saying. [color=92278f]"Enjoy... and don't immediately toss it backwards like one of the other vintages. This one is to be tasted and allow your palate to savour all the Summersun that lies within it."[/color] She instructed with a lower voice, before doing so herself. [color=92278f]"Oh and I am Lady Rowenna Redwyne, my lord...at your service."[/color] Cregard had already reached for it to toss back and drink like so many beers before but he listened... Curious to learn about wine a bit at least if he was to marry into one of these families he should learn about their customs and drinks. [color=a0410d]"Fair enough. I admit it's different from the beers back home."[/color] He added taking a long slow drink nodding his through scrunching his face a bit. [color=a0410d]"It's sweet... So sweet."[/color] He muttered, seeming a bit off put by the nature of it. [color=a0410d]"Your wine is certainly interesting, my uncle has brought beer. Maybe you ought to try our deep black drinks?"[/color] He was curious about her reaction to the idea of drinking it. [color=a0410d]"It's more filling but stronger than wine. Though it's bitter not for the faint of heart."[/color] He added carefully trying not to discourage her from it. Rowenna put a hand on his, which seemed tiny in comparison. [color=92278f]"Aren't all Summer's sweet?"[/color] She asked in return. [color=92278f]"Of those long, warm nights, simmering with the cool sea breeze and smelling of the various sweet blossoms."[/color] She turned to watch him carefully through her long lashes. Making sure she would keep his attention. [color=92278f]"Is Ser Wolf inviting me? Then how would I be able to object to such an invitation?"[/color] She asked. [color=92278f]"Whilst I perhaps shouldn't, as the saying goes, you have piqued my interest. I certainly am willing to taste this deep black drink...I imagine it is brewed by Winter itself."[/color] She said, taking another swig from her granite red. [color=a0410d]"Mhmm nothing like that but the waters are from fresh mountain snow... As for Summer nights... I help the smallfolk. We prepare constantly... Winter is coming and if we do not have years of grain, food, and drink readily stored we will starve."[/color] He spoke then thought a moment before turning his hand to take her own in his rough and strong hand. [color=a0410d]"Summer nights are strange to me... Too warm and bright. Summer in the north is cooler, sometimes gets warm enough the wall weeps yet never melts... You know some cut the ice from it? It never melts so you can cool anything without weakening the drink."[/color] [color=92278f]"Sounds appetizing under the right circumstances."[/color] She stated. [color=92278f]"And I am sure you're a tremendous help, how could they starve when they have men such as yourself to rely on."[/color] She played. [color=92278f]"I am certain one needs to be warm blooded to survive those cold northern nights. Aren't you lonely, Ser Wolf?"[/color] [color=a0410d]"It's why we are so contentious: cold weather breeds hot blood and desire to stay close to kin. Northern families grow so big because men and women spend months and months in doors in winter so close together bundled in furs for warmth."[/color] He added with a pause then sighed. "[color=a0410d]I've never been the most keen for the company of women. Good conversation is more important, learning and understanding that makes things worth doing. My brother has a vice for women."[/color] He then paused for a moment. [color=a0410d]"I am not adverse to female charm just... Different I crave battle and blood or knowledge and companionship, I do mean good company and conversation first before anything else."[/color] He spoke letting her know he wasn't as uneducated and unrefined as many might think to look at the man. Rowenna's expression instantly changed. [color=92278f]"I did not mean to offend you, Ser Wolf."[/color] She smiled wryly. [color=92278f]"I am a problem child, my sister doesn't approve of me, claims I am too promiscuous, but that is because I seek the right type of man. One cannot but test them and see how they fare without a little risk."[/color] She claimed. [color=92278f]"I want a man that fights for me, would kill for me and would rather spend himself out on me."[/color] [color=92278f]"Perhaps I was wrong to presume you would be up for that task."[/color] She stated. [color=92278f]"I beg your pardon."[/color] [color=a0410d]"They call me bloodied for a reason. I fight when blood needs to be spilled only."[/color] He took a long drink. [color=a0410d]"Mine or theirs matters not to me. If you took me a yours, I'd cave I'd skulls and rip out hearts."[/color] He spoke simply with a shrug. [color=a0410d]"Wolves will fight an Ice bear to protect what is their own, even if they'd lose their tears and fight till it's done."[/color] He simply finished the wine and grabbed her arm light and was careful not to hurt her. [color=a0410d]"If you're looking for someone to kill, die, and fight for you. I would do it all but you have to be mine and mine alone. Wolves mate for life when they choose one."[/color] He spoke staring into her eyes a wildness in them, he was a man who did the things he had described to men before. [color=a0410d]"I won't fight tourney's in your honor or talk shit to little men with tiny cocks. If they harm you, if they hurt you, I bring an ax down upon the helm and split it then ask who else needs a lesson."[/color] He let her hand go. [color=a0410d]"That the right type or are you looking for something more refined?"[/color] Rowenna raised a sculpted eyebrow, putting a hand on her side. [color=92278f]"Listen, my lord. Not every lady here goes weak in the knees for flower crowns and tourneys."[/color] She stated with a proud look in her eyes. [color=92278f]"I'd chain myself to the bed for a man that would promise me that he would ravage only me."[/color] She replied boldly. [color=92278f]"So Ser Wolf, do we have an accord?"[/color] She asked as a wicked grin slowly crept on her face. [color=92278f]"I am yours and you're only mine."[/color] [color=a0410d]"Aye, I'll be true if you do. My eyes will never wander. I want only love, a warm bed, and good conversation each day with the woman who I share my life with. As for chained to the bed... When winter comes, we probably won't leave it weeks at a time during the blizzards anyway."[/color] He spoke reaching an arm to pull her towards him, so open and eager not worrying about decorum or station. She easily slid into his embrace. [color=92278f]"You'd better find me Septon... Oh that's right...you Northerners marry differently do you not? Well whatever you do, I suggest we do it quick, before you can change your mind."[/color] She teased with a warm smile. [color=a0410d]"Before weirwood trees... Perhaps we might find a grove. All we need is a tree and then to consummate it … Your family alright with you taking up with a Wolf?"[/color] He stared into her eyes holding her close as he was curious he'd never met a woman southern born who spoke like this. [color=92278f]"I am the least of my family's concerns... They would be thrilled to hear I made an honorable match."[/color] She stated with light annoyance. [color=92278f]"Keep sweet talking to me and we won't even get to your precious tree."[/color] She smiled, turning her attention back to the man in front of her. [color=92278f]"I do hope you keep your promise, the one of you biting me."[/color] Rowenna grinned, before dragging him with her towards the exit of the tent. [color=92278f]"No turning back now, Ser Wolf. I am not letting you escape."[/color] [color=a0410d]"Please, like I'd run now... I wanna see if you tumble as well as you talk."[/color] He spoke reaching down and grabbing her up to carry as he looked down into her eyes. [color=a0410d]"You're the prey tonight."[/color] He whispered as took her quickly off to find a spot and show her how they kept warm in the worst of Winters.