011 -- video;

[northerner]

[ like so many of robb's network addresses, he appears with grey wind at his side. he's in the gardens, sweat sticking his curls to his skin as grey wind huffs beside him, for once not pacing impatiently as robb speaks. ]

It seems the ship has seen fit to save the strange temperatures for those who slumbered through them last month. I suppose there are few left who remember the ship growing cold once? Perhaps it feels the heat suits us better.

[ robb's tone suggests that is most certainly doesn't suit him, but is that really a surprise? starks have ever been more suited to the cold. ]

If you would all permit me, I would ask to speak with any who slumbered, this month or prior, for last month was not the first that has seen people remaining trapped within their pods. I dreamed, and I would know if they were shared, or if any recognize that which I saw. Time has passed, and yet I've still not made sense of all that happened within those dreams.

[ grey wind makes a soft noise, almost a whine. robb doesn't reach a hand to soothe him, as if it's important neither of them seem unsettled. ]

Lastly, I would speak with Erik Lensherr, who I hear has returned once more, and Cesare Borgia, if he will indulge me with an audience. And my family, those of my House and those who carry my banner, I've news to share with you.

[ robb takes a breath, and grey wind gets to his feet, shakes out his coat, and paces off camera. robb chuckles, and cuts the feed on a murmur too quiet to be heard. ]

Comments

video;

[bullshead]

[ seven hells, another direwolf? does everyone in this family have one? ]

What's his name? [ yup. this is what gendry is taking from this post, the direwolf. ]

[northerner]

I call him Grey Wind.

[ you bet your ass it's a direwolf!! ]

You needn't fear him. He'll not harm you.

[bullshead]

I'm not scared. [ baratheon stubbornness ahoy!!! no seriously, not scared. just respectably wary. ]

[northerner]

[ there's a beat, then robb visibly decides to drop it. ]

I've something to speak to you about. Privately. If you'll allow it.

[bullshead]

[ that doesn't sound encouraging, yet he thinks he knows what it is about. ]

Alright.

encrypted, 30%

[northerner]

[ this is 75% arya's fault thank her!! ]

I wish to ask if you'd swear to my house, carry the Stark banner and swear fealty to me.

[ no point in beating around the bust here, right ]

encrypted, 30%

[bullshead]

What?

[northerner]

I asked if you would carry my banner.

[bullshead]

[ his brow furrows. ]

Why do you want me? [ this is no kindness nor honor if his answer is that arya desired it. ]

[northerner]

If you're to bear a banner, I'd wish it to be mine. You're a good man, and I've need of that, should the time ever come.

[ also, if you are hanging around with his sister there is going to be a sworn oath of some kind involved. ]

[bullshead]

[ what would lord beric say? or the lady? or thoros? he thinks thoros would encourage him, it would be a better life. but that isn't true, how can it be when the young wolf is dead and his banners all but torn between a stag and a flayed man.

it won't last in the end, but this is what arya wants. ]

If that is what Your Grace wants.

[northerner]

Is it what you wish?

[ because lbr, that's robb's concern here. ]

[bullshead]

[ fuck you robb, don't bring his wants into this!

he is silent for a time before nodding. they wouldn't punish or berate him, he thinks, especially the lady. (she cannot talk, but she remembers. she has his crown made of iron and bronze.) ]

Aye. [ his answer would be different were he truly honest. but he has his reasons. ones he keeps so close to his chest that none will ever see. ]

[northerner]

Do you swear to protect my House and my family?

[ because robb needs to hear the words, as if they're binding, as if they're all that's necessary to seal this. ]

[bullshead]

I swear. [ he remembers the orphans and it makes him think of bran and arya. and the other one that isn't here, the youngest, rickon. yes he would protect them. as he protected arya, as he protects the orphans. there is no question in that. ]

[northerner]

I swear, in turn, to protect your interests, to claim your actions as my own, and protect you as my own, should you have need.

[ to swear, and to receive such an oath in turn, that was ever how this worked with robb. ]

[bullshead]

[ gendry visibly stiffens, his jaw and muscles locking up tight. arya was right. she was right and it leaves a sick feeling in his stomach. everything she told him was right. i never believed her.

words all but flee him there, leaving the boy in an awkward silence. ]