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This article is a script for Iron From Ice.

The Twins, The Red Wedding - Gared[]

The Red Wedding is commencing, Stark allied houses are camped outside of the Twins, drunk, happy and singing in celebration of the wedding. One house in particular is the vanguard; House Forrester, is gathered around a fire, being admired by the Lord of the house's squire; Gared Tuttle, as they are drinking and listening to stories by Norren.

Norren: The 'great' Jaime Lannister… Kingslayer… Oathbreaker… Brought to his knees by the men of the North.

Norren's squire; Bowen, whispers to Gared regarding Norren's story as he is cleaning a gorget.

Bowen: And set free by the women. You'd think he'd done it himself the way he tells it.

Gared smiles and continues admiring the camp's joy.

Bowen: Lord Forrester's sword won't clean itself, y'know.

Gared turns around to the bloodied Forrester greatsword on the bench. He picks it up to clean it.

Bowen: Make sure it's spotless this time. Lord Forrester won't be happy with blood and brains all over it. Go on… It's only blood.

Gared pulls out a hankerchief and wipes the blood clean off the sword. He puts it back in it's place.

Bowen: Now that is a proper sword.

Gared: I'll have one like it myself some day.

Bowen: You…? You'll never have a sword like that. And I say that as a friend. And if we're being honest… You are just a squire.

Gared: I will. You'll see.

Bowen: Of course, your lordship. After you take your rightful place on the Iron Throne.

Gared: Why not…?

Bowen: They don't give swords like that to pig farmers.

Gared: Don't be an arse, Bowen.

Bowen: Apologies, your lordship.

Gared awkwardly remains silent and Bowen returns to cleaning the gorget.

Norren: I had a hand in it, y'know.

Gared turns to listen to more of the campfire talk as Thermund, the Lord's Sentinel, throws Norren's story into question.

Thermund: A hand in what…?

Norren: Capturing him.

Bowen: He was nowhere near the Kingslayer at the Whispering Wood. He was so drunk he barely made it out of his tent. Next he'll tell us he caught Tyrion too. *chuckles*

Gared: So what really happened…?

Bowen: Someone caught him, I suppose. Ask any man here and they'll say it was them.

Gared: You think he's lying…?

Bowen: Norren never lets the truth stand in the way of a good story.

Gared: Shh. Let him finish.

Bowen: Oh, he'll talk all night if you let him.

Gared turns his attention back to Norren

Bowen: Norren never lets the truth stand in the way of a good story.

Thermund: You captured the Kingslayer…?

Norren: Aye. Well… I had a hand in it.

Thermund: Aye. A hand round his ankle as ten others took him down.

Everyone laughs at Thermund's joke.

Bowen: See? What'd I tell you.

The Lord himself; Gregor Forrester, steps out of his tent next to the squires and walk over to join in the crowd.

Norren: I brought him to his knees.

Bowen: Lord Forrester.

Thermund: Not before he dragged you halfway cross the battlefield on your face.

Gregor: You're questioning Norren's honor…?

Gregor reaches down to get a cup as Thermund responds.

Thermund: I'm questioning Norren's story, which grows more far fetched every time he tells it.

The crowd laughs and Bowen notices Gregor's cup is empty and points it out to Gared, being his squire.

Bowen: Get your liege lord some wine! Go on… It's your job.

Gared: I don't take orders from you.

Bowen: No, but you take orders from him. You idiot, you're his squire. Now fetch him some wine.

Bowen will remember that.

Gared: You do it.

Bowen: You're his squire. It's your job, not mine.

Bowen will remember that.

Gared: Right. Thanks.

Bowen: *bows* You're welcome.

Bowen will remember that.

Gared looks at Bowen, saying nothing.

Bowen: You're his squire, you idiot. Fetch him some wine.

Bowen noticed your silence.

Gared walks over and picks up a pitcher of wine. Gregor notices him and takes over.

Gregor: Thank you, Gared. I'll do it.

Gregor takes the pitcher from Gared, surprising him. He walks over to pour wine for everyone.

Gregor: Norren's family has faithfully served House Forrester for centuries.

He fills Thermund's cup, whom looks over at Norren with a questioning look.

Gregor: His honor is beyond reproach. And House Tully is forever in his debt.

He fills Norren's cup as he speaks. Norren looks over at Thermund with a happy look, proud that he is being supported by the Lord.

Gregor: They've never seen a field plowed so well as the day the Kingslayer dragged poor Norren across the battlefield.

Everyone laughs hysterically as Gregor pours wine into a Forrester soldier; Errold's cup. He then walks over to Gared.

Gregor: Fetch your cup. Tonight we celebrate.

Gared is surprised by this gesture and happily obliges. He grabs a cup and goes over to Gregor who is pouring himself a drink, and then pours Gared one. Gregor then toasts to the Stark's name.

Gregor: To Robb Stark… the King in the North.

Everyone raises their cups and shouts.

Everyone: The King in the North!

Gregor: Tomorrow we march on Casterly Rock and House Forrester has been given the greatest honor -- to lead the Young Wolf's army and ride as the vanguard.

Thermund: The gods have favored us… Onward to Casterly Rock!

Everyone: Aye!

Norren: Death to the Lannisters!

Everyone: Aye!

Gared: The North remembers!

Everyone: Aye!

Everyone: The North remembers!

Gared: Winter is coming!

Everyone: Winter is coming!

Thermund: Let's hope it waits 'til this bloody war is over.

Gared: Iron from ice!

Everyone: Aye!

Everyone: Iron from ice!

Thermund: Iron from ice!

Everyone: Aye!

Everyone: Iron from ice!

Gregor finishes his drink and turns to Gared.

Gregor: Gared.

He walks off, signaling his arm for Gared to follow. They walk and talk, Gregor's hand on Gared's shoulder.

Gared: Yes, m'lord…?

Gregor: I need you to keep an eye out for Rodrik. As his father I could not be more proud of the man he's become. On a night like this, men find false courage at the bottom of their cups. I'd rather he were here.

Gared: Yes, m'lord.

Gregor: There's also the question of what's to be done with you. It's been on my mind for a while now. Something must be done.

Gared: With me, m'lord…?

Gared: I-I've done nothing wrong, m'lord.

Gregor: Right or wrong, that is for the gods to decide.

Gared: What do you mean…?

Gared continues staring at his Lord with a concerned expression.

Gregor: You've served House Forrester well for several years now. But I can't expect you to squire forever.

They stop walking.

Gregor: How shall I reward your loyalty…? What can I offer you…? You've served me well.

Gared: To bring honor to House Forrester, m'lord.

Gregor: You have more honor than those who were born to it.

Lord Forrester will remember that.

Gared: Let me fight for you, m'lord.

Gregor: You've more than proven your ability on the battlefield. No man would question that.

Lord Forrester will remember that.

Gared: I seek nothing, m'lord. Serving a noble house such as yours is reward enough.

Gregor: Ah, you're far too modest, Gared.

Lord Forrester will remember that.

Gared: Whatever you believe is best, m'lord.

Gregor: There must be something you want.

Lord Forrester noticed your silence.

Gregor: There were those who had their doubts when your uncle put forth your name as my squire, but you've erased those doubts entirely.

He puts his hand on Gared's shoulder.

Gregor: It would be an honor to see you riding by Rodrik's side in the vanguard tomorrow. Not as a squire, but as the equal of any man who serves House Forrester. It's well-deserved, Gared. Your hard work has paid off.

Gared scratches his head.

Gared: Begging your pardon, m'lord. But it's long overdue.

Gregor crosses his arms with a disappointed look.

Lord Forrester will remember that.

Gregor: Arrogance doesn't become you, Gared. Perhaps I misjudged your readiness for this honor.

Gared's expression saddens, noticing his mistake in words.

Gared: Thank you, m'lord. I promise -- I won't let you down.

Gregor: That I don't doubt. But for now keep this between us. We're celebrating tonight and I wouldn't want the other squires to feel discouraged.

Gared: Yes, m'lord.

Gared: So I'm no longer a squire…?

Gregor: As of tomorrow, no. But for now keep this between us. We're celebrating tonight and I wouldn't want the other squires to feel discouraged.

Gared: Yes, m'lord.

Gared continues smiling at his Lord.

Gregor: For now keep this between us. We're celebrating tonight and I wouldn't want the other squires to feel discouraged.

Gregor looks back at his men.

Gregor: Now go. And find Rodrik if you can.

Gared: I will, m'lord. Thank you.

Gared walks off to locate Rodrik, however as he does so, Norren goes to pour himself another drink, only to find that the pitcher is empty.

Norren: Bloody hell. Empty.

Norren tosses the pitcher aside and calls over to Bowen, who is still cleaning the gorget.

Norren: Squire! Fetch us more wine.

Bowen gets up from cleaning and notices Gared still walking past and calls out to him.

Bowen: Can you give me a hand?

Gared notices his Lord walk up behind him to speak to a soldier and considers Bowen's request.

Bowen: C'mon. I'll make it up to you.

Gared: Fine. But you owe me.

Bowen: Owe you? I've been a squire longer than you have. I outrank you.

Lord Forrester walks up to Gared smiling at his assistance.

Gared: Do it yourself.

Bowen: I've been a squire longer than you, which means I outrank you.

Gared: So? He told you, not me.

Lord Forrester interrupts.

Gregor: Go with Bowen.

Lord Forrester took note…

Gared: Yeah. No problem.

Bowen: I have been a squire longer than you.

Gared: So…?

Bowen: I outrank you. You should help me.

Lord Forrester walks up to Gared smiling at his assistance.

Gared looks at the flagons.

Bowen: These things are fucking heavy…

Lord Forrester notices Gared's predicament and walks up to him.

Gregor: Go with Bowen.

Lord Forrester took note…

They pick up a flagon and begin walking to the wine dispensers. Lord Forrester watches them leave and goes back to join in the morale.

Bowen: Fetch more wine… scrub my armor… clean my boots… Just my luck to end up with Norren while you serve the lord. Let him fetch his own wine for once. He's a drunk, a liar, and an arrogant prick!

Gared: Shut up, Bowen.

Bowen looks on glumly.

Gared: You'd better watch your tongue, Bowen. It could be much worse.

Bowen: What the fuck do you know about it? Nothing is worse than Norren.

Gared: It's your job. So do the work and stop complaining.

Bowen: You try squiring for Norren and see how much you like it.

Bowen: You'd think he was the lord the way he hands out orders.

Shakes his head glumly.

Bowen: See, that's where you're lucky. Low expectations. If I'd grown up covered in pig shit shoveling slop, well, maybe I'd think saddling his horse was the greatest honor in the Seven Kingdoms. I suppose this beats pig farming. But not by much.

Gared: Who doesn't love bacon…?

Bowen: *sigh* Pig farmers…

Gared: Just shut your mouth.

Bowen: It's the truth. It's not like I'm making it up.

Gared: Don't get angry with me. We're no different, you and I.

Bowen: Aye. But I'm not the son of a pig farmer. My father had dignity.

Bowen: This is a job for a pig farmer.

The camps littered with drunken men can be heard laughing hysterically as Bowen and Gared continue walking.

Bowen: All I'm saying is… at this rate we'll never be more than this, which is nothing. The lowest of the low. For all I know we could be squires for life. Hauling wine around a fucking wedding. What a waste of fucking time.

Gared: Not me.

Bowen: What…?

Gared: Tomorrow I ride with Rodrik and Lord Forrester.

You told him the truth.

Bowen: Ser Gared the fucking Great. Unbelievable. Maybe if my uncle were Castellan I'd be getting promoted too.

Gared: Who my uncle is has nothing to do with it.

Bowen: He's got Lord Forrester's ear, doesn't he? I'm sure it didn't hurt.

Gared: Give it time. You'll get there.

Bowen: Easy for you to say. Maybe if my uncle were Castellan at House Forrester I'd feel different.

Gared: Who my uncle is has nothing to do with it.

Gared: I'm sick of listening to you whine. With that attitude you'll never be more than this.

Bowen: Easy for you to say. Maybe if my uncle were Castellan I'd feel different.

Gared: Who my uncle is has nothing to do with it.

Bowen: Maybe if my uncle were Castellan at House Forrester I'd feel different.

Gared: How much further…?

Bowen: It's right over there…

Bowen and Gared arrive at the wine dispensers and put their flagons down. A Frey soldier is already filling another flagon.

Bowen: Take your time.

Frey Soldier: You lot have drunk your share…

The soldier places the filled up flagon alongside Gared and Bowen's. He takes Bowen's flagon.

Frey Soldier: Good thing Lord Walder's in a generous mood.

Bowen: Fucking Freys…

Frey Soldier: Nice night for a wedding.

Gared takes suspicion to the soldier's words and demeanor, and as such, begins to observe the soldiers sat at the benches, noticing that they have more weapons than necessary beside them at the ready.

Frey Soldier: Not often he finds a willing husband for one of his daughters.

Gared then watches one of the soldiers walk into a tent, and as the flap opens, he sees it filled with weapons and a soldier loading a crossbow. Gared takes shock to this and begins to get very suspicious. Bowen picks up his filled up flagon and calls out to Gared.

Bowen: Don't expect me to carry it for you, Ser Gared.

Gared is unresponsive to what he just witnessed.

Bowen: What…? What's wrong…?

The Frey soldier attempts to give Gared his flagon back, but he looks up at the castle, frightened as to what may really be ensuing. More soldiers then rush into the tent where Gared saw the weapons, indicating that something very bad is about to commence.

Bowen: What's gotten into you…? You're acting rather odd. You've had too much wine.

Gared: We need to get back. Now.

Bowen: They're fine. They can wait.

Gared: No. You don't understand. We need to GO.

Bowen: Then take the fucking flagon already.

Gared: We have enough wine.

Bowen: Then take the fucking flagon already.

Gared: Nothing. I'm fine.

Bowen: I am so glad to hear it. Now take the fucking flagon already.

Bowen: I am not carrying these by myself. Not a fucking chance.

More Frey soldiers start rushing about, seemingly getting ready for something. The soldier giving them the wine begins to catch on Gared's suspicion and puts the flagon down.

Frey Soldier: What's wrong with him…? Something the matter…?

Gared: Bowen, we have to GO.

Bowen: You go if you're in such a rush…

Frey soldiers with weapons ready start walking toward Bowen from behind him. In his short time of panic, Gared has to decide whether to push Bowen into leaving as one of the soldiers unsheath their sword and clearly intend to harm him, or to leave immediately and focus his task on warning Lord Forrester of the potential threat.

Gared: We have to warn the others!

Gared turns to walk away.

Bowen: Good luck…

Bowen is suddenly impaled through the throat with a spear by the Frey soldiers who were approaching. Gared turns around just in time to watch as Bowen falls to the ground and dies. The Frey soldiers stare at him. Bowen's killer approaching slowly.

You chose to leave Bowen…

Gared immediately turns around and runs away, as he is running, he witnesses an onslaught of Frey soldiers and Forrester soldiers fighting one another, with the Frey's gaining the upper-hand. Gared makes a stop when his path is blocked.

Gared pulls Bowen by the arm and practically drags him into following.

Bowen: But… What about…

The Frey soldiers stop in their tracks. Gared saved Bowen from presumably being killed.

You chose to wait for Bowen…

Bowen: What the hell was that about…!? Slow down, would you. What's the rush…? There's no need to fucking run. They're not going to die of thirst.

Gared: RUN!

Gared turns around to see that Frey soldiers with their swords drawn are following them, he runs. Bowen turns around to see the same and drops his flagon to follow Gared in hot pursuit. Bowen and Gared rush into the center of the onslaught, where they watch as Frey soldiers and Forrester soldiers fighting one another, with the Frey's gaining the upper-hand. A Forrester is impaled through the chest by a Frey soldier, and the same happens again to another.

Gared: We have to warn the others!

Bowen: Warn them about what…!?

Gared: There's no time to explain. We NEED to find Rodrik! He's out there by himself!

Bowen and Gared watch as Forrester soldiers start running out of view, behind them one of the soldiers gets hit in the chest by a thrown spear. The tent beside them is set on fire. Bowen drops his flagon, and they both stand watching the onslaught of Frey soldiers and Forrester soldiers fighting, with the Frey's gaining the upper-hand. A Forrester is impaled through the chest by a Frey soldier, and the same happens again to another.

Gared: They've got weapons!

Bowen: Who brings fucking weapons to a wedding…?

Gared: We NEED to find Rodrik! He's out there by himself!

Bowen and Gared watch as Forrester soldiers start running out of view, behind them one of the soldiers gets hit in the chest by a thrown spear. The tent beside them is set on fire. Bowen drops his flagon, and they both stand watching the onslaught of Frey soldiers and Forrester soldiers fighting, with the Frey's gaining the upper-hand. A Forrester is impaled through the chest by a Frey soldier, and the same happens again to another.

Bowen: This thing is fucking heavy. And you're not making this any easier.

Bowen and Gared watch as Forrester soldiers start running out of view, behind them one of the soldiers gets hit in the chest by a thrown spear. The tent beside them is set on fire. Bowen drops his flagon, and they both stand watching the onslaught of Frey soldiers and Forrester soldiers fighting, with the Frey's gaining the upper-hand. A Forrester is impaled through the chest by a Frey soldier, and the same happens again to another.

The soldier and some others turn their attention to Gared and Bowen, they both run.

Bowen: We need to get back to camp!

Gared's path is blocked by a Frey soldier who cuts open a Forrester soldier's throat with his sword, he turns his attention to the boy and charges at him.

Gared dodges the attack.

Gared just barely dodges the attack in time and falls to the ground.

A Forrester soldier diverts the assaulting soldier's attention, which gives Gared the opportunity to escape.

Gared moves right and the soldier gets impaled.

Gared narrowly runs past the soldier.

After dodging another assault, Rodrik Forrester comes into view fighting off a Frey soldier. Gared (alongside Bowen if he was saved) tries to get Rodrik's attention.

Gared: RODRIK…!!

Rodrik notices Gared but his attention is more focused on fighting for his life.

Bowen: Gared… we have to get back!

Gared watches in awe as Rodrik fights.

Rodrik kills the assaulting Frey. Gared is about to go up to him, but is grabbed and tossed to the ground by a Frey soldier.

Frey Soldier: A gift from the King!

The soldier gets on top of Gared and attempts to stab him, but Gared fends off with all of his strength to stop the soldier from pressing the knife into his chest. Gared notices a Forrester shield next to him and reaches out to it with his free hand. All the while, if Bowen was saved he can be seen in the background being choked by a Frey soldier from behind, but eventually overpowers him and knocks him to the ground, if Bowen died, he'll be replaced with a generic Forrester soldier.

Gared grabs the shield and bashes the soldier on top of him straight in the face, knocking him off and freeing himself.

Gared's luck kicks in as arrows fly and hit the ground in his direction, one of the arrows hits the soldier in the back of the head, killing him and saving Gared.

Another Forrester soldier is killed right in front of Gared, he gets up and makes a run for it as a soldier charges at him with a spear, taking the shield with him for further protection, Bowen if alive will continue running back to Lord Forrester's camp, splitting up from Gared.

Gared continues running to find several Forrester soldiers bound and ready to be executed by Frey soldiers wielding crossbows.

Frey Soldier: Ready, boys…! Load…!

Gared rushes over to stop the execution. The Frey soldier giving the command notices Gared and turns his attention to him.

Frey Soldier: Shoot that one…!

Pointing at Gared, the soldiers turn their crossbows at him and open fire, Gared uses the shield to protect himself from the firing bolts. He rushes over the commanding soldier who is reloading his crossbow to knock him down.

Frey Soldier: What…? Gurgh…

Gared successfully knocks the commanding soldier over with the shield, after he is done, the other Frey soldiers reload their crossbows and take aim at him, however he is saved by the Forrester soldiers who were about to be executed as they impale the executioning soldiers. Gared continues running and is stopped in his tracks by a cart on fire that blocks his path. Gared crawls underneath to get to the other side, however the cart begins to crumble and he is almost crushed underneath it, but he uses the shield to push the weight away from him and successfully gets out before getting crushed.

Gared finds Rodrik again who is still fighting Frey soldiers, he attempts to get his attention after dodging some assaults and potentially kicking one of the assaulting soldiers, but is grabbed from behind and is held in a choke hold on the ground by a Frey soldier. As Gared is attempting to get free, horses start running in his direction, after some more squirming he manages to get the soldier off him, who is still kneeling in the path of the incoming horses.

Gared adds some insult to injury by kicking the soldier in the face and knocking him on his back, the horses trample over him and kill him.

As the soldier attempts to lunge at Gared, the horses rush through and trample over him, he dies screaming.

Gared turns his attention back to Rodrik, who is facing two Frey soldiers. Gared calls out to him.

Gared: RODRIK…!!

Rodrik is impaled through his right femur from behind, rendering him to ground level.

Gared: No…

Gared rushes over to assist Rodrik, however a panicking horse stops beside Rodrik and knocks off it's rider, which leads to the horse losing balance and collapses on top of Rodrik, shredding the right side of his face and apparently killing him. Gared goes over to check on him.

Gared: Rodrik…!!

Frey Soldier: Good fucking riddance…!

With not much else to do and Frey soldiers closing in on him, Gared gets up and runs to find Lord Forrester. He reaches the camp and finds Lord Forrester and Norren fighting off Frey soldiers, Thermund and Errold are already dead. If he was saved, Bowen will be fighting alongside Norren, having reached the camp when he split up from Gared. As the Lord is fighting off one of the Frey's, another one with a spear comes up beside him and stabs him in his side, the soldier is killed by either Norren or Bowen.

Gregor: Gared… did you find Rodrik…!?

Norren: Speak up, Gared.

Gregor: Did you see him or not…?

Gared: He… he's gone, m'lord… There was nothing I could do…

Gared: I- I tried to save him… But there was nothing I could do…

Gared: The Freys… they-- they slaughtered him, m'lord…

Norren: I… I saw him fall…

The Lord is saddened to the information, but continues on with determination.

Norren: Where's my squire? You didn't leave him, did you…? What happened to him…? Speak up, boy.

Gared: I- I didn't leave him. But I couldn't save him.

Norren looks at Gared, finding his claim hard to blieve.

He will remember that.

Gared: I- I had to leave him. I had no other choice.

Norren looks at Gared in disappointment.

He will remember that.

Gared looks down to his feet as he is walking.

Norren: If you left him, may the gods judge you accordingly.

You didn't respond…

Gregor: Find a weapon. Quickly!

Everyone stops as more Frey soldiers emerge. Gared finds a sword behind him and goes to grab it, but is slashed at by an oncoming Frey soldier, knocking him over. Before Gared can grab the sword to defend himself, Lord Forrester steps and saves him. He helps Gared up, his complexion noticably deteriorating. He is shot in the shoulder with a crossbow bolt and snaps the bolt.

Gregor: Walder Frey, you fucking traitor…

Norren hacks a solder in the face and goes over to Lord Forrester and Gared.

Norren: Go, my lord. While there's still time.

Lord Forrester reluctantly obliges and leaves with Gared while Norren and Bowen (if saved) stay behind. They reach it into the forest, but the Lord falls over from his injuries.

Gregor: Seven hells…

Gared: We have to keep moving, m'lord!

Gregor: I'd never make it. They'll hunt us down like dogs.

Gared: You're wounded, m'lord.

Gregor: I've suffered worse.

Gared: Now what do we do!?

Gregor: If we run they'll hunt us down like dogs.

Gared: If we stay they'll slaughter us like the others!

Lord Forrester looks down in thought.

Gregor: We run and they'll hunt us down like dogs.

Two Frey soldiers who had followed Gared and Lord Forrester can be heard in the distance.

Frey Soldier: Walder Frey says time to fucking leave…!

Frey Soldier: Don't run… fight!

Gared is frightened with nearby soldiers, and the Lord is in no condition to travel with a wound having opened his torse with blood splattering out. He takes some time to think and hands his greatsword.

Gregor: Guard this with your life. Return it to Ironrath where it belongs… There's no time to waste.

Lord Forrester hands the sword to Gared.

Lord Forrester takes Gared's hand and places the sword in it.

Gregor: I'll be damned if I'll let it fall into the hands of those traitors!

Frey Soldier: Walder Frey says you've outstayed your welcome…!

Gregor: You have to go…

Frey Soldier: Put 'em to the fucking torch…!

Gared: I… I won't leave you, m'lord.

Gregor: You can and you will.

He will remember that.

Gared: M'lord, I--

Gregor: By the gods you WILL obey me!

Gared: I will do as you command, m'lord.

He will remember that.

Gregor: You have served me well. I know I can count on you.

Gared: There's still time, m'lord! We can both get--

Gregor: You must go.

Gared: M'lord, I--

He will remember that.

Gregor: By the gods you WILL obey me!

He noticed your silence…

Gregor: You must go.

The soldiers are slowly emerging from the tree line, Gared gets up in fright. Lord Forrester grabs him by the hand.

Gregor: Tell your uncle… tell him 'the North Grove must never be lost…' Tell no one but him. Do you understand? You must swear… Tell only your Uncle Duncan… The future of the House may depend on it…

Gared: I swear that I will, m'lord.

You gave him your word.

Gared: Tell only the Castellan…?

Gared: The North Grove, m'lord…?

Nothing is said or gestured.

Frey Soldier: Hey! It's those Forresters…

Gregor gets up and pulls out a hatchet.

Gregor: Now go. On your honor, you must do this for your House. GO…!

Frey Soldier: Kill those fucking Forresters…!

A brief fight ensues and Gared stops to watch as Gregor is hacked in the back by a Frey soldier, letting out an echoing scream.

Frey Soldier: With love from Walder Frey…!

Gregor falls to the ground dead. Gared runs into the dark night with the greatsword in hand, to return to Ironrath and give the bad news.

Forrester Lands, The Kingsroad - Gared[]

It is daytime, Gared is still venturing to Ironrath with the Forrester sword on his back, visibly tired from the journey. As Gared walks further, a pig can be seen walking on the road. This confuses Gared and he continues walking, he has the option of examining all the oddities on the road.

Gared notices some blood on the dirt path.

Gared: Blood…

He kneels down to examine it.

Gared: Fresh…

He gets back up to continue walking.

Gared kneels down to look at the dead pig on the side of the road. As he looks up, he notices smoke in the distance, coming from his father's farm. he continues onward.

Gared notices smoke in the distance on his walk, coming from his father's farm. He continues on to find a sacked cart around the corner from the farm. Gared recognises it.

Gared: That's father's cart…

Laughing can be heard in the distance. Fearing the worse, Gared slowly peaks around the corner to see two Whitehill soldiers and a Bolton raiding his father's farm, having placed a Bolton and a Whitehill flag on the farm, taking orders from the lead Whitehill soldier.

Britt: Lord Bolton better give us fucking titles for this. Winter may be coming, but at least he'll have his bacon.

A spear wielding Whitehill soldier kicks a pig over and the leading soldier impales it with his sword, it squells out in pain and dies as the soldiers laugh on. Gared stops in his tracks and the soldiers notice him.

Britt: Move along, boy. There's nothing for you here.

Gared looks over at the hut to notice his father mortally wounded and coughing in pain. He is shocked to this sight.

Gared: Father…

Britt: I said move on. Now leave. Unless you want to get fed to the fucking pigs.

Gared slowly draws the Forrester sword in anger.

Gared: I'm going to kill you.

He pulls it out, clearly struggling to lift it.

Britt: Is that so. You can try if you like. And then we'll feed you to the pigs.

The soldiers move towards Gared, weapons ready.

Gared ignores the soldier and moves angrily toward his father.

Britt: I recognize you. You're a Forrester squire.

Gared's path is blocked by the Bolton soldier.

Britt: Former Stark bannerman have no claim on land anymore. Or haven't you heard? The Starks are dead.

The leading Whitehill soldier notices the greatsword that Gared is carrying, and begins to circle him as he's questioning it.

Britt: Where'd you get that sword…? Not a chance that sword is his. Must've stolen it. Out here by himself. Probably a deserter.

Gared: Lord Forrester gave me this sword.

Britt: Forrester. I should've known.

Gared: I-- I killed a man for it.

Britt: Did you…? Now why don't I believe you?

Gared: None of your fucking business.

Britt: We're gonna feed you to the fucking pigs.

Gared glares at the man.

Britt: You didn't just find it. Which means you must've stolen it.

Gared pulls out the sword, clearly struggling to lift it, and moves to his father while aiming the sword in the soldier's direction.

Britt: That sword's too big for you, boy. You can barely pick it up.

Gared: Get. Off. My. Land.

Britt: This is Bolton land now, boy. Lord Bolton is the new Warden of the North. I reckon he'd like a proper lordly sword like that.

The soldier goes to slash at Gared.

Gared deflects the soldier's attacks with the sword.

The soldier slightly grazes Gared in his slashes.

Gared's father continues coughing in the background, Gared turns to look, saddened.

Gared: No…

Britt: I'll have that sword, boy.

Gared turns his gaze back to the soldier, clearly angered at what he did to his father. He looks down at the Forrester sword for a moment.

Gared: Aye. You'll have it.

Gared: Fuck. You.

Gared: Come get it, you bastard!

Gared turns his gaze back to the soldier. Anger in his expression.

Gared slashes the sword at the soldier, whom deflects his attack and knocks him back. Gared hits again, this time the sword is kicked from his hands and he is knocked back to the ground.

Before Gared can even attempt to swing the sword, the soldier slashes and kicks the sword out of Gared's hands, he then knocks the boy onto the ground.

Now with Gared weaponless, the soldier picks up the Forrester sword.

Britt: All right… finish this fucking pig farmer.

Bolton Soldier: Pathetic…

The Bolton soldier moves toward Gared with his sword drawn, clearly looking forward to killing the boy. Gared looks back and finds two weapons to defend himself with.

Britt: You really ARE a pig farmer, aren't you?

Gared pulls the hatchet out of a stump and dodges the soldier's assault, he then takes the opportunity to drive the hatcher into the soldier's cheek. The soldier chokes for a second and falls to the ground dead.

Gared picks up the pitchfork from the hay stack, the soldier drives his sword at him which gets caught in between the blades of the fork itself. A struggle ensues with the two trying to get their weapons free from each other.

Gared overpowers the soldier and tosses his sword to side, he then takes the opportunity to drive the pitchfork into the soldier's throat. The soldier falls to the ground choking on his blood.

The soldier slides his sword out from under the fork blades, which proves to be a mistake as Gared's still going empowerment causes him to slip and shove the fork into the soldier's throat, killing him.

With the Bolton soldier dead, the other Whitehill soldier advances toward Gared with his spear in hand. He attempts to stab Gared, whom dodges the assault. He then charges at Gared and misses again. The leading Whitehill soldier moves toward Gared and attempts to strike him down using the Forrester greatsword, which he is also having a hard time carrying. Gared charges at him and knocks him over before he can bring the sword down, he drops it. Gared rushes over to retrieve the sword, but is pursued by the Whitehill soldier, who pulls out his dagger and stabs him in his right thigh, cutting open his leg. He attempts to drive the knife into Gared's chest, but Gared holds his pushing arms back and overpowers the man after twisting his arm downward which causes him to drop it, Gared then pulls him to one side and kicks him with his cut open leg, which causes it to bleed more and leads Gared to convulse in pain. The spear wielding Whitehill soldier charges at Gared, who breaks out of his pain and picks up the Forrester sword just in time to deflect the soldier's attack and knock him to the ground. He then holds the tip of the sword to the soldier's throat, who cowers.

Whitehill Soldier: Mercy…! Please…! I beg of you… I- I have a family…! They'll never survive without me… I have no quarrel with you…! I- I was only following orders…!

Whitehill Soldier: No, please…!!

Gared pulls the sword up as the soldier attempts to crawl backward, and drives it down into his chest. Killing him, and adding more justice to Gared's family.

Gared draws the sword away from the soldier.

You chose mercy.

Whitehill Soldier: Thank you…

The soldier gets up and runs away as Gared glares at him angrily.

The leading soldier gets on his horse.

Britt: Lord Whitehill will see you hang for this. That much I promise.

Gared moves toward the soldier as he is talking. He rides off on his horse, leaving Gared behind with the Forrester sword. Gared then rushes over to check on his dying father.

Gared: Father…?

Gared's Father: Gared… you survived… Your sister… She hid…

His father looks to his left to see the legs of Gared's sister potruding from the side of the hut. A pitchfork can be seen stabbed into her. Gared is saddened at the sight.

Gared's Father: I tried to stop them…

His father puts his hand on Gared's, he takes his last breath and succumbs to his injuries. Gared takes a moment before speaking.

Gared: I'll kill the men who did this!

Ironrath, Stronghold of House Forrester - Gared[]

Gared arrives at Ironrath, exhausted from his walk and weak from his leg injury. A soldier atop the walls notices him.

Ironrath Soldier: It's Gared…!

He rushes to the view of the courtyard.

Ironrath Soldier: Get the Castellan! Tell him his nephew survived!

The gate opens and Gared collapses upon entering, he noticeably has some more injuries on his face. Soldiers and Gared's uncle; Duncan, rush over.

Duncan: Gared…!!

Gared: I was too late… they were already dead…

Duncan: Bring the maester. Meet us in the Great Hall. Quickly!

The Great Hall[]

Gared is having his leg mended by the Maester of the house; Ortengryn.

Ortengryn: Two Whitehill soldiers…?

Gared: And a Bolton. They killed my family. And for what!? My sister, she… She was only eight years old…

Ortengryn: This never would've happened with the Starks in power. It's… unimaginable. Unacceptable. You have my condolences.

Gared: Thank you, Maester.

The Maester examines Gared's leg further.

Ortengryn: Hmm. The blade cut deep, but I should be able to save your leg. Your justice was swift. Some will call it vengeance. No doubt the Whitehills will claim it was murder. It was your family. I can't say I would've done any different than you. But the Whitehills won't see it that way.

Gared: It was justice. They got what they deserved.

Ortengryn: They did indeed. We can't let the Whitehills just walk all over us.

Gared: I'd do it again if I had the chance.

Ortengryn: If we don't respond with strength they won't stop until they have everything.

Gared: They attacked me. I had no choice but to defend myself.

Ortengryn: Of course. And we can't let the Whitehills just walk all over us.

Ortengryn: We can't very well let the Whitehills walk all over us.

Ortengryn: These maggots ought to help prevent infection. Hold the wound open for me, would you?

Gared spreads his wound open for Ortengryn to pour maggots inside to eat away the infection.

Ortengryn: These are dark days, I fear. To lose the Lord of the House and the eldest son through such a despicable act of treachery and betrayal. Greater Houses than ours have fallen in times such as this. The late Lord Forrester was a good man. And poor Rodrik… a serious man, but he would've made a good lord…

Gared: Our House will never fall.

Ortengryn: By the gods let's hope you're right.

Gared: Rodrik and Lord Forrester… we can avenge them.

Ortengryn: And attack House Frey? Now is the time to find allies, not enemies.

Gared: What do we do now…?

Nothing is said or gestured.

Ortengryn: The future of this House is in Lord Ethan's hands now. Although he is young. And altogether unprepared to lead.

Ortengryn continues medicating Gared's leg.

Ortengryn: Right, uh, this might hurt a bit…

Gared flinches from the application to his leg.

Ortengryn: Hold this for me, will you?

Gared holds the medication in place.

Ortengryn: I understand from your uncle that Lord Forrester saved your life.

Gared: He did.

Ortengryn: Rather odd, though, that he chose to save you, his squire, and not his son Rodrik. Not that Rodrik couldn't handle himself. He was as good with a sword as any man I've seen. Unfortunate the Citadel doesn't train maesters in the art of warcraft. I imagine I'd be pretty good with a sword.

Gared: Rodrik had already fallen… there was nothing we could do.

Ortengryn: Mm. Although I'd imagine Lord Forrester would sacrifice himself to save anyone from his house, high or low.

Gared: That's not how it happened. Rodrik had already fallen.

Ortengryn: Mm. Although I'd imagine Lord Forrester would sacrifice himself to save anyone from his house, high or low.

Gared: He gave me a message to deliver.

Ortengryn: A message? About what? What did he tell you…?

Gared: Get my uncle. I was told only to tell him.

Ortengryn: Your uncle. I see. Must be rather important, then.

You kept Lord Forrester's secret

Gared: He said 'The North Grove can never be lost…'

You revealed a secret…

Ortengryn: The North Grove. Interesting. Perhaps it's more than just a myth.

Ortengryn: Sorry. Sometimes my curiousity gets the better of me.

Ortengryn: Lady Forrester will be here any moment now. I'd like you to walk for me first. To see if you can put any weight on that leg.

Gared stands up from the table and walks forward a bit.

Ortengryn: Go on. Don't stop now. It's better to let the blood circulate.

Gared moves around, having the opportunity to examine the oddities in the great hall.

After walking around for some time. The Maester will comment.

Ortengryn: Hmm. You seem to be favoring it. Always sad to see a warrior lose a leg.

Gared: I-- I'm fine, Maester Ortengryn. Look, I'll show you.

After some more movement.

Ortengryn: Hmm. I may be mistaken. You do seem able to put weight on it.

Some more movement after.

Ortengryn: Ah. No. You see there? You're limping again.

Gared: I'm fine. Really.

Even more movement after.

Ortengryn: I'll admit you do seem better than was to be expected.

Gared stares at the chair.

Gared looks out the window.

Gared: The Ironwood grove.

Gared: An Ironwood shield.

Ortengryn: Mm. The strongest wood in the Known World.

Gared: Asher. Exiled to Essos, unfortunately.

Gared: Talia and Ethan. I suppose Lord Ethan, now.

Gared: Mira. Still in King's Landing, I suppose. Although I wonder if they'll bring her home.

Gared: Lady Forrester. She's always been kind to me. Treated me like I was a Forrester myself.

Gared: Ryon. Never easy being the fourth-born son.

Gared: Lord Forrester. It was an honor to squire for him.

Gared smiles.

Gared: Gregor the Good.

Gared: Rodrik. He was our best warrior by far.

Gared looks in and cringes at the sight of the twitching maggots.

Gared puts his finger in the bucket but stops mere inches away from touching them.

Ortengryn: Rather cute little creatures, aren't they?

Gared: I guess.

Gared picks up the bandages and pockets them.

Gared picks up the herbs.

Gared: This might help.

He pockets them. Intending to use them for later.

The Maester gets up and Gared glances at him whilst looking down.

Ortengryn: Keep moving. I need to see you walk.

Gared turns around in a 360 as Ortengryn gets up and observes his condition.

Ortengryn: Hmm. Your leg still seems rather weak.

He sits back down.

Gared stands near Ortengryn, them both looking at his leg.

Gared pulls out the Forrester greatsword and gives it a whirl in front of the Maester.

Ortengryn: It's a good thing you've done, bringing that back to House Forrester. By right, that belongs to Lord Ethan now.

Ortengryn: Does your leg feel weak?

Gared: No, I just wanted to ask you…

Gared: Never mind.

Gared goes back to walking and the Maester sits back down.

Gared: Who is the new Lord of House Forrester…?

Ortengryn: Why Ethan, of course.

Gared looks uncomfortable about it.

Ortengryn: At the Citadel I swore an oath to serve whichever noble house I was assigned. Advising the late Lord Forrester was an honor. Advising Ethan, his third born son, is… challenging. There's still so much he has to learn, yet the very fate and future of this House rests in his hands. Which is rather frightening when you think about it.

Gared: What will happen to me now?

Ortengryn: Excellent question. Under normal circumstances you could join Ser Royland and his men. Although given the circumstances of your… circumstances… it becomes a bit tricky, doesn't it. I suppose it will be for Lord Ethan to decide.

Gared: Lord Forrester promoted me… at the Twins. I-- I'm no longer a squire… if that matters.

Ortengryn: It might, I suppose. But I'll defer to Lord Ethan on this.

Gared: Can I see Ethan? Is he here…?

Ortengryn: He is, but I'm afraid he's indisposed at the moment. He prefers to not be disturbed while practicing his lute.

Gared: Why do the Whitehills hate the Forresters?

Ortengryn: I think it's safe to say the feeling is mutual. There's been enmity between the two Houses for as long as anyone can remember. I don't doubt someone killed someone, which led to more killings of someones and then, well… here we are.

Gared: The Whitehills want Forrester Ironwood?

Ortengryn: Oh, they'd take it all if we'd let them, especially now with the Boltons in power. And proceed to clear cut every last inch of it until there's nothing left. Just as they've done before.

Gared: Can I go now?

After Gared asks if he can leave, or walks around long enough.

Ortengryn: I believe your leg will be fine. Only time will tell, but-

The door to the Great Hall opens, and in comes Lady Forrester and her second-born daughter Talia.

Ortengryn: Lady Forrester.

Elissa: Welcome home, Gared. We're all relieved to know you survived.

Gared: Thank you, m'lady.

Elissa: Talia asked to see you.

Talia: Gared… I heard what happened… Is it true…? Your family… I'm so sorry.

Gared: Me too.

Ortengryn: Off to bed now. Hurry on.

Talia leaves the room.

Ortengryn: Gared was just telling me how valiantly Lord Forrester fought to the end -- even when all was lost. I'm sure Lady Forrester would like to know. Whatever you can recall.

Gared: He saved my life, m'lady.

Elissa: Yet not Rodrik's.

Ortengryn: You were with Rodrik, no?

Gared: He was a hero, m'lady. The bravest man on the battlefield by far.

Elissa: Yet he was unable to save his own son.

Ortengryn: You were with Rodrik, no?

Gared: He loved this family, m'lady. He was very proud of Rodrik.

Elissa: Yet he was unable to save him.

Ortengryn: You were with Rodrik, no?

Gared looks down.

Ortengryn: No doubt he's tired, my lady. He said Lord Forrester was valiant to the end.

Elissa: And what of Rodrik? He was with you as well.

Ortengryn: I'm sure it was chaos and confusion. But if you can remember anything… I'm sure Lady Forrester would like to know.

Gared: He… he fought valiantly, m'lady.

Ortengryn: Of course he did.

Gared: Robb Stark named him to lead the van for the march on Casterly Rock.

Ortengryn: A fitting tribute, no doubt.

Gared: I'm sorry, m'lady. Nothing could be done to save him.

Gared walks up alongside Lady Forrester, but has nothing to say.

Ortengryn: Rodrik will certainly be missed.

Ortengryn: He was House Forrester's best.

Elissa: This has been so incredibly difficult for us. Esepcially the children. But I was told… I was told you were the last to see my husband alive.

Gared: Yes, m'lady.

Elissa: I know it may be difficult to remember, but if I may ask… was there anything he said…?

Ortengryn: Any last words before he… passed? If you can remember. It would mean so much to the family?

Gared: He asked me to return this to House Forrester.

Gared pulls out the Forrester greatsword.

Gared: He said this is where it belongs. With his family.

You avoided her question.

Gared: He mentioned something about the North Grove…

Elissa: The North Grove…? What of it…?

Gared: He said 'The North Grove must never be lost…'.

You revealed your secret message.

Ortengryn looks at Gared, surprised.

Ortengryn: The North Grove. Interesting.

Lady Forrester looks confusingly surprised.

Elissa: I see.

She looks to the weapon on his back.

Elissa: You have the Forrester sword…

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: This belongs with Ethan now. He's the new lord of the house.

Ortengryn: Ethan should have it. Now that he is lord.

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: Lord Forrester asked me to return it to the House. He said this is where it belongs. With his family.

Gared: He… said he loved you.

Lady Forrester looks down and smiles.

Lady Forrester will remember that.

Elissa: That's very kind of you to say.

She looks to the weapon on his back.

Elissa: You have the Forrester sword…

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: This belongs with Ethan now. He's the new lord of the house.

Ortengryn: Ethan should have it. Now that he is lord.

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: Lord Forrester asked me to return it to the House. He said this is where it belongs. With his family.

Gared looks to the floor.

Ortengryn: Perhaps the opportunity never presented itself…

You avoided her question.

She looks to the weapon on his back.

Elissa: You have the Forrester sword…

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: This belongs with Ethan now. He's the new lord of the house.

Ortengryn: Ethan should have it. Now that he is lord.

Gared unsheathes the sword.

Gared: Lord Forrester asked me to return it to the House. He said this is where it belongs. With his family.

Elissa: Thank you, Gared.

Gared: Of course, m'lady.

Ser Royland Degore, the Master-At-Arms, bursts into the Great Hall arguing with Duncan.

Royland: It demands a response…!

Duncan: It's too dangerous. Especially now.

Royland: Now is the time to prove our strength! To demonstrate we'll stand against aggression.

Lady Forrester leaves the room and Ortengryn goes to take the sword from Gared.

Ortengryn: I'll be sure it's given to Ethan.

Ortengryn leaves the room. Duncan and Royland walk past Gared to discuss the matter further.

Royland: Duncan, this was our land. They were our people. Your family…

Duncan looks down, saddened at the death of his brother and niece. He looks back at Royland.

Duncan: I share your outrage, Ser Royland. I do. But now is not the time to provoke the Whitehills. Not with Ramsay Snow coming to see us bend the knee.

Royland: The hell with Ramsay Snow. The bastard.

Duncan turns to his nephew.

Duncan: Gared, you understand what this means. You killed a Bolton, and Ramsay Snow will want his retribution.

Royland: We're the ones who should be demanding retribution! This happened on Forrester land.

Gared: Ramsay Snow is coming here…!?

Duncan: Aye. He'll arrive within the week. Those men will say they were keeping the peace in the name of House Bolton.

Gared: They attacked ME!

Duncan: And they'll say they were keeping the peace in the name of House Bolton. It's an argument you cannot win. We have to be smart. Ramsay Snow will be here within the week.

Gared: They killed my family!

Duncan: And they'll pay for what they've done. That much I promise. But now is not the time for vengeance.

Royland: If not now, when?

Duncan: We have to be smart. Ramsay Snow will be here within the week.

Royland: You can't fault the boy for defending himself.

Duncan: I don't. But they'll say they were keeping the peace in the name of House Bolton. It's an argument we cannot win. We have to be smart. Ramsay Snow will be here within the week.

Royland: And what would you have us do -- nothing?

Duncan: I would have us use our heads while they're still attached to our shoulders.

Royland: Gared has lost as much as anyone else within these walls. Maybe you can talk some sense into your uncle.

Duncan: Gared's suffered enough already. You ask too much of the boy.

Royland: He deserves to be heard. It was his family they killed.

Gared: They deserve to die. All of them! I say we fight!

Royland will remember that.

Royland: HA! Listen to your nephew. He speaks sense.

Duncan: With what army? Our best men were killed at the Twins along with our lord.

Royland: Then what is to be done?

Gared: We should demand justice!

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: Aye. Justice on THEIR terms. Which means they'll have your head.

Royland: Justice is taken, not demanded.

Duncan looks on speechless.

Royland: Then what is to be done?

Gared: My uncle's right. We need to be smart.

You sided with your uncle.

Royland: Smart. Eddard Stark was smart -- and look where that got him. So what is to be done?

You didn't respond…

Royland: So what is to be done…?

Duncan: *sighs* Ultimately it will be for Lord Ethan to decide.

Royland: He's just a boy who can barely hold a sword. He knows nothing of how to lead men.

Duncan: He is the Lord of this House and he needs our help. It's bad enough the Boltons would have us bend the knee and swear fealty. But now… this…

Gared: But…

Duncan: They'll accuse you of murder. And us of protecting you.

Royland: The boy was just defending himself.

Duncan: I'm not faulting him for what he did.

Royland: I'dve done the same. As any man would.

Gared: I've done nothing wrong!

Duncan: Not in their eyes.

Gared: It wasn't murder! It was justice!

Duncan: Not in their eyes.

Gared: Fuck the Boltons! One of their men killed my family!

Duncan: Aye. You'll say it was justice. They'll say it was murder.

Gared glares at his uncle and looks down slightly.

Duncan: It's just the excuse Ramsay Snow would need to put us to the torch and kill us all.

Royland: *chuckles* I'd like to see them try.

Duncan: I'm afraid it's a risk we cannot take. Which is why you cannot stay.

Royland: Cannot stay…? Duncan… The boy has suffered enough.

Gared: You can't send me away!

Duncan: We have no choice, Gared.

Royland: Where would you have the boy go…?

Duncan: The one place that's safe. Beyond the reach of the Boltons.

Gared: Let them come. I don't care.

Duncan: They'd kill you and not think twice about it. It's not safe for you here, Gared. There's only one place beyond the reach of the Boltons…

Gared: But… where would I go…?

Duncan: The one place beyond the reach of even House Bolton…

Royland: Where would you have the boy go…?

Duncan: The one place that's safe. Beyond the reach of the Boltons.

Royland looks at Gared in shock.

Royland: You're sending him to the Wall…? The boy has done nothing wrong!

Duncan: Not in the eyes of the Boltons. I'm afraid it's the only solution. Especially now, when the House is so vulnerable.

Gared: I'll do what's best for the House. So I'll go. I'm not afraid.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Gared: Uncle, you can't send me to the Wall. I'm not a criminal!

Duncan: There'd be nothing we could do to protect you. To stay would bring destruction upon us all. I know that's not what you want.

Gared turns away to think more on what to say.

Duncan: I know it's difficult to understand. But you must think of the House.

Gared: I won't put others at risk.

He turns back.

Gared: I'll go.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Gared: It's still not right.

He turns back.

Duncan: No. It's not. But it's what's best.

Duncan will remember that.

Gared: I'll do what's asked of me.

He turns back.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Gared turns around.

Duncan noticed your silence.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Gared: Uncle, my place is HERE. Who will defend the House? You said we need men who can fight.

Duncan: There'd be nothing we could do to protect you. To stay would bring destruction upon us all. I know that's not what you want.

Gared turns away to think more on what to say.

Duncan: I know it's difficult to understand. But you must think of the House.

Gared: I won't put others at risk.

He turns back.

Gared: I'll go.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Gared: It's still not right.

He turns back.

Duncan: No. It's not. But it's what's best.

Duncan will remember that.

Gared: I'll do what's asked of me.

He turns back.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Gared turns around.

Duncan noticed your silence.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Gared looks down, sad.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best. To stay would bring destruction upon us all. I know that's not what you want.

Gared turns away to think more on what to say.

Duncan: I know it's difficult to understand. But you must think of the House.

Gared: I won't put others at risk.

He turns back.

Gared: I'll go.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Gared: It's still not right.

He turns back.

Duncan: No. It's not. But it's what's best.

Duncan will remember that.

Gared: I'll do what's asked of me.

He turns back.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

Duncan will remember your bravery.

Gared turns around.

Duncan noticed your silence.

Duncan: I know it doesn't seem fair. But it is what's best.

After some exchanging of looks, Royland unfortunately comes to terms with the surrender. He looks down, saddened.

Royland: That settles it, then.

Royland leaves the Great Hall for Gared and Duncan to assess the situation themselves.

Duncan: You can have my horse. And I'll see you have plenty of food. But we haven't much time. The Whitehills will come looking for you.

Duncan leaves for Gared to follow.

The Courtyard[]

Duncan and Gared walk through the courtyard to give Gared a mount for him to travel to Castle Black.

Duncan: Were it up to me I'd gladly drive a sword through Lord Whitehill's heart if given the chance. I would. And gods willing some day I will. But for now I have House Forrester to consider first.

They arrive at the stables, Duncan goes over to his horse to fill a saddlebag with supplies for Gared.

Duncan: Lord Forrester would be proud that you're putting the interests of the House ahead of your own.

Duncan: I know you're not a criminal. But Lord Forrester would be proud that you're putting the interests of the House ahead of your own.

Duncan: I know you want to stay. But Lord Forrester would be proud that you're putting the interests of the House ahead of your own.

Duncan: Many of Lord Forrester's best men have volunteered for the Wall. His own great-uncle was a ranger with the Night's Watch.

Gared: He promoted me. At the Twins. We were to ride in the van to Casterly Rock and I at Rodrik's side, but…

After finished packing, Duncan looks down saddened. He turns to Gared.

Duncan: It was well-deserved, Gared. You worked hard and served your lord with honor.

Gared: I'll do what's best.

After finished packing, Duncan looks down saddened. He turns to Gared.

Duncan: Which often isn't what's easiest. But necessary nonetheless.

Gared: You're the only family I have left.

After finished packing, Duncan looks down saddened. He turns to Gared.

Duncan: In my heart I know I will see you again.

Gared looks down glumly. After finished packing, Duncan also looks down saddened as well. He turns to Gared.

Duncan: In my heart I know I will see you again.

Some Ironrath soldiers walk past the two, Gared looks back at them to ensure that nobody can hear what they have to say. He moves closer to his uncle.

Gared: I've been waiting for the right moment to tell you…

Duncan: What…? What is it…?

Gared: Lord Forrester asked me to give you a message. He said 'The North Grove can never be lost…'.

Gared: It's important… Lord Forrester asked me to give you a message. He said 'The North Grove can never be lost…'.

Gared: Lord Forrester's last words were… 'The North Grove can never be lost.'

Duncan: If there's something you need to tell me, then say it.

Gared: Lord Forrester wanted me to tell you… He said 'The North Grove can never be lost…'.

You fulfilled your duty to Lord Forrester.

Duncan looks away for a moment and looks back at Gared.

Duncan: Sorry. You caught me by surprise. It's not often discussed. If ever.

Gared: What is the North Grove…?

Gared: Where is the North Grove?

Duncan: That I cannot say. Not yet, at least.

Gared: He said tell only you.

Duncan: For good reason.

Gared looks back at the soldiers nearby.

Duncan: Most don't even know it exists. They think it's just a myth made up by wildlings and fools. And it's better kept that way.

Duncan: I assume you kept your word.

Duncan: You haven't told anyone else, have you? This is important, Gared. I need to know the truth.

(Available if you revealed the secret to Ortengryn when he was mending your leg and to Lady Forrester when she asked about Lord Forrester's final words)

Gared: I told Maester Ortengryn… and Lady Forrester.

You told him the truth.

Duncan: I appreciate your honesty. But Lord Forrester's message was not meant for their ears. I'll speak with Lady Forrester. And I'll deal with the maester. He's the last person I would trust with this information. Which is why from this day forward this must be our secret. Soon I may need your help.

(Available if you revealed the secret to Ortengryn when he was mending your leg but not to Lady Forrester when she asked about Lord Forrester's final words)

Gared: I told Maester Ortengryn.

You told him the truth.

Duncan: I appreciate your honesty. But Lord Forrester's message was not meant for his ears. I'll deal with the maester. He's the last person I would trust with this information. Which is why from this day forward this must be our secret. Soon I may need your help.

(Available if you didn't reveal the secret to Ortengryn when he was mending your leg but did to Lady Forrester when she asked about Lord Forrester's final words)

Gared: I told Lady Forrester and Maester Ortengryn overheard.

You told him the truth.

Duncan: I appreciate your honesty. But Lord Forrester's message was not meant for their ears. I'll speak with Lady Forrester. And I'll deal with the maester. He's the last person I would trust with this information. Which is why from this day forward this must be our secret. Soon I may need your help.

Gared: I told no one.

You lied to your uncle.

Duncan: Then Lord Forrester was right to put his trust in you. But from this day forward this MUST be our secret. Soon I may need your help.

Gared looks down sadly.

Duncan noticed your silence.

Duncan: I see. I can only hope Lord Forrester wasn't wrong to put his trust in you. But from this day forward this MUST be our secret. Soon I may need your help.

Gared: Of course not. I told no one.

Duncan: Well done. Lord Forrester was right to put his trust in you.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: From this day forward this will be our secret. But soon I may need your help.

Gared: Lady Forrester asked, but I said nothing.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: Well done. Lord Forrester was right to put his trust in you. From this day forward this will be our secret. But soon I may need your help.

Gared: Maester Ortengryn asked, but I said nothing.

Duncan: Well done. Lord Forrester was right to put his trust in you.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: From this day forward this will be our secret. But soon I may need your help.

Gared looks down sadly.

Duncan noticed your silence.

Duncan: I can only hope Lord Forrester wasn't wrong to put his trust in you. From this day forward this will be our secret. But soon I may need your help.

Gared: But-

Duncan: I can't say anything more just yet. Just know the North Grove may very well be vital to the future of this House. But don't breath a word of it to anyone at the Wall. Become a Ranger if you can. It will help.

Gared gets on Duncan's horse to leave.

Duncan: Iron from ice.

Gared: Iron from ice.

Duncan: Remember… you represent House Forrester. Your actions at the Wall will reflect the honor and dignity of the House.

Gared: I'll be strong.

Duncan: I know you will.

Gared: I'll make you proud.

Duncan: You already have.

Gared: I'll serve with honor.

Duncan: I know you will.

Gared looks at Duncan sadly.

Duncan: We will see each other again.

Gared trots off to leave the house, the soldiers at the gate look at him saddened at his leave and nod at him as the gate opens, he smiles back at them. Talia runs up to him.

Talia: Gared… wait…!

She hands him her Forrester necklace. He takes it.

Talia: Be safe…

He pockets it and smiles at her warmly. He then trots off for his travel to Castle Black as Duncan and Talia watch him leave.

Ironrath, Grove - Ethan[]

In the grove, the children of House Forrester, Ryon and Talia are playing hide and seek, searching for Ethan; the new lord of House Forrester, who is still in hiding.

Ryon: Ethan…!

Talia: Ethan…!

Ethan is hiding behind a tree right next to them, smug that he is successful.

Ryon: I couldn't find him. Could you?

Talia looks to her right, knowing where Ethan is hiding and speaks aloud.

Talia: He hides too well. And if he were smart he would reveal himself.

Ryon: I don't like this game anymore. Maybe something happened to him.

Talia: Ethan's fine. He's just forgotten this is a game.

Ethan begins to look guilty.

Ethan steps out.

Ethan: I win!

Talia: *sarcasm* Congratulations, your Lordship.

Ethan steps out.

Ethan: I'm here. It's okay.

Ethan steps out.

Ethan: You found me! Well done, Ryon.

With his refusal to reveal himself. Talia moodily steps over to his hiding spot.

Talia: Ryon, look who we've found.

Ethan steps out.

Ryon smiles and runs up to hug his older brother.

Ethan: Don't worry. It's just a game, Ryon.

Ryon: A stupid game. I don't like it.

Talia: He was worried you were gone.

Ryon: I thought we'd never find you again.

Ethan: I'm right here. And I promise -- I'm not going anywhere.

Ryon: I wish Mira was here. And Asher. And… and Rodrik.

Talia: I do, too. But Mira's in King's Landing. And--

Ryon: Can't she come home? I don't want her to die, too.

Talia: Ryon, she's perfectly safe. I promise you.

Ryon: I don't want Gared to die, either. Maester Ortengryn said he got sent to the Wall.

Ryon sits down.

Ryon: I'll miss Gared. He was nice.

Talia sits down.

Talia: I don't know what he did to get sent away like that.

Ethan sits down as well.

Ryon: He let me ride one of his pigs once. It was fun.

Ethan: Gared is strong. He can take care of himself.

Ethan: He won't get hurt.

Talia: He got hurt by those Whitehill men.

Ethan: He'll be fine. Gared is smart.

Talia: You needn't worry about Gared. He'll be okay. It's the people he'll be with that worry me.

Talia: No one will tell me what Gared did, but it must have been serious. I heard Duncan and Ser Royland talking. They said someone will come here looking for revenge…

Ryon: Everyone's worried about you, but I'm not. I know you'll protect us.

Ethan: Who said they're worried about me?

Ryon: Well… Ser Royland, for one. He says you can't fight very well.

Ethan: What…?

Ryon: And he called you a milksop.

Talia: Ser Royland forgets himself. After all, you are the Lord of the House now.

Ethan: I don't care what he says. I can protect you.

Talia smiles.

Ryon: What does milksop mean?

Ethan: I don't know… but I know it's not good!

Ethan: He doesn't know me or… or what I'm capable of.

Ryon: What does milksop mean?

Ethan: I don't know… but I know it's not good!

Ethan: I'll have him punished for saying that!

Talia glares at Ethan.

Ryon: What does milksop mean?

Ethan: I don't know… but I know it's not good!

Ryon: What does milksop mean?

Talia: I don't know. But I know it's not good.

Ethan looks down glumly.

Talia: Ethan, you should let Ser Royland teach you how to wield a sword. Like… like a man. He taught Rodrik. And Asher. And he even showed me how to fight. Properly, I mean.

Ryon: A lord should know how to fight.

Ryon gets up with a long stick in hand. He swings it like a sword, which Ethan smiles at.

Talia: Do you remember when we were younger? When we all used to play here? You, me, Rodrik, Asher. We'd all be out here for hours.

Ryon: Where was I…?

Ethan: You weren't born yet.

Talia: We had so much fun. But then… well, then everything changed. Rodrik became so serious. 'The lord in training'. And he never smiled anymore. And Asher… Asher just got angry. At everything. Promise me you won't be like that. Please. Just be you. I like you the way you are. I know a lord has many responsibilities. But you don't need to be like them. It's for you to decide for yourself.

Ethan: I may have to change.

Your sister Talia will remember that.

Talia: I'd rather have my brother than a lord.

Ethan: You'll have to have both, I'm afriad.

Ethan: I don't want to get angry. But I may have to. Father did sometimes.

Your sister Talia will remember that.

Talia: But you're nice. Everybody says that about you.

Ethan: I promise I won't change.

Talia: Good. Because I'd rather have a brother than a lord.

Talia will remember your promise.

Ethan: You'll have to have both, I'm afriad.

Talia noticed your silence.

Talia: I hope you don't change. I'd rather have a brother than a lord.

Ryon: But since you're the new lord, you can do anything you want.

Ethan: I suppose.

Ryon: Everyone will have to do as you say. So I could have all the sweets I want.

Talia: If only it were that simple. It would be nice if someone did what I wanted for once. But Ethan will be a good lord. A proper lord.

Ethan: That's not how it works.

Ryon: Well that's how it should work. You are the lord.

Talia and Ethan both at each other.

Ethan: As many as you'd like, yes.

Talia disapproves.

Ryon: Really!?

Ethan: Of course. Why not?

Ryon will remember that.

Ethan: You have to understand. Being lord is a great responsibility. I can't just fool around.

Talia: *sarcasm* Thank you for that, Rodrik.

Ethan looks down sad.

Talia: The lord of a noble house can do a great many things.

He looks up at her, still sad.

While sat in silence, the voice of Ser Royland calls from the distance.

Royland: Lord Ethan. You're needed in the Great Hall at once. Quickly. On your feet.

Ethan gets up and walks over to Royland.

Ethan: What's the matter?

Royland: Lord Whitehill has arrived -- unannounced and certainly unexpected. He's come demanding justice.

Talia walks over.

Talia: Can't he meet with Duncan? He is the Castellan.

Ryon: Stay with us. Please, Ethan.

Royland: He's demanding an audience with the lord. We really must go.

Talia: It's your decision. You are the lord.

Ryon: If I were lord, I would command Ethan to stay. With his family. Lord Whitehill is a mean old man anyways. Someone should tell him to leave us alone.

Ethan: I might remind you, Ser Royland. I am the new Lord of House Forrester. Not you.

Royland looks annoyed.

Royland will remember that.

Royland: Of course, my lord.

Talia: It's okay. You should go. It's what must be done.

Ethan: Fine. Let's be done with it.

Ethan: I'd rather stay here. Tell him I'm busy at the moment.

Royland will remember that.

Royland: Perhaps the lord could play games AFTER he tends to business.

Talia: He's right. It's okay. You should go.

Ethan: Fine. Let's be done with it.

Ethan: Fine. If that's what's required of me.

Royland will remember that.

Royland: Very well then.

Ethan crosses his arms.

You didn't respond to him…

Talia: It's okay. You should go. It's what must be done.

Royland bows slightly and leaves. Ethan follows after he and his siblings exchange looks.

The Great Hall[]

Ethan and Royland enter the great hall where Duncan and Whitehill soldiers are waiting.

Duncan: They showed up unannounced. Lord Whitehill is in a lather. I assume you explained to Lord Ethan why they're here.

Royland: The business with Gared. I told him.

Duncan looks at Ethan.

Duncan: Lord Whitehill knows Gared is a squire to this House. Or was, I suppose.

Royland: Is. Was. It makes no difference! The Whitehills were clearly in the wrong, so don't give him any satisfaction.

Royland: Out there, you said you were the lord. Now prove it!

Royland: Out there, you said you wished to stay. If you wish to stay Lord of this House then show him the same defiance.

Royland: Out there, you were decisive and firm. Now do it again with these bastards!

Royland: Silence won't work this time. You are the Lord of this House!

Duncan: Let's not do something rash. Things are bad enough as it is.

Ethan: I can handle Lord Whitehill.

Royland smiles to this.

Royland: Well said, my lord.

Ethan: Tell him to go away.

Royland: I'll throw him out the gate myself, if you'd like.

Ethan: What should I say to him?

Royland: Tell him and his men to leave.

Ethan looks anxiously to the ground.

Royland: I'll throw him out the gate myself if you let me.

Duncan: Now is not the time to anger Lord Whitehill any more than he already is. He's got five times as many men and the backing of House Bolton.

Royland: All the more reasons to stand up for ourselves. Only cowards and dead men roll over!

The door to the great hall opens and in enters Lord Whitehill himself with his own squadron of soldiers. Ethan, Royland and Duncan all stand in position to face him as the lord walks up to them.

The soldier Gared killed is gone.

The soldier Gared spared appears in the background.

Ludd: Lord Ethan, is it? My condolences for your father and brother.

He puts out his hand out to shake Ethan's.

Ludd: The late Lord Forrester was no friend to me or my House. But to his family it's still a loss.

Ethan: Thank you, Lord Whitehill.

Lord Whitehill puts his hand down and spits on the floor. Shocking Ethan and Duncan while angering Royland.

Ludd: My only regret is I wasn't there to drive the dagger into his heart myself.

Ethan crosses his arms. Lord Whitehill puts his hand down and spits on the floor. Shocking Ethan and Duncan while angering Royland.

Ludd: My only regret is I wasn't there to drive the dagger into his heart myself.

Ethan touches his hand to shake it, only for Lord Whitehill to pull him in closer. Shocking Ethan as well as both Duncan and Royland.

Ludd: My only regret is I wasn't there to drive the dagger into his heart myself.

Ludd forcefully shakes Ethan's hand as he does this. Ethan pulls himself away.

Lord Whitehill puts his hand down.

Ludd: Nothing to say, eh?

He spits on the floor, shocking Ethan and Duncan while angering Royland.

Ludd: My only regret is I wasn't there to drive the dagger into his heart myself.

He stands back.

Ludd: I've been waiting for this day all my life. The Forresters finally get their due.

Ethan: How dare you!

Ludd: I dare and I'll do as I damn well please.

Ethan: I may be young, but I'm not so easily fooled. You're trying to rile me, but it won't work.

Ludd: Young? You are that, boy. Too young to know when you're in over your head.

Ethan: My father died a hero, fighting for the North against traitors and oathbreakers.

Ludd: Aye. And look where that got him.

Ethan looks down speechless.

Ludd: Aye. Hold your tongue, you coward.

Ethan glares at Lord Whitehill while Duncan and Royland both look at each other unsure of what to do.

Ludd: And no bread and salt!? What kind of fucking House receives a lord with no fucking bread and salt, you bloody AMATEUR! No courtesies. I should've expected as much. Bloody Forresters…

Ethan calls to one of his bannerman at the side.

Ethan: Fetch Lord Whitehill some bread and salt.

The soldier leaves to get some.

Ethan: It was an oversight, Lord Whitehill. I promise it won't happen again.

Ludd: Not likely.

Ethan: My apologies. Please forgive us.

Ludd: Forgive you? Not likely.

Ethan: Calm yourself, old man.

Lord Whitehill looks at Ethan, surprised at his comeback.

Ludd: You little fuck… that's how you talk to a lord!?

Lord Whitehill will remember that.

Ludd: Does little Lord Forrester know how to speak!?

Lord Whitehill noted your silence…

Ludd: You Forresters have shit on us for generations. Well now the Starks are no longer around to have your back, are they? We're the power in the North now.

Royland: Roose Bolton is the Warden of the North.

Ludd: Aye. And we've been his bannerman for five fucking centuries, you cunt!

Royland glares angrily at Whitehill, while Duncan leans over to Ethan to whisper.

Duncan: Lord Ethan… You're losing control of this.

Ethan steps in.

Ethan: We all serve House Bolton now.

Ludd: I'm not finished.

Ethan steps in.

Ethan: That's enough, Lord Whitehill!

Ludd: I'm not finished.

Ethan steps in.

Ethan: Lord Whitehill, please…

Ludd: I'm not finished.

Nothing is said or gestured.

Ludd: Maybe if you hadn't been so fucking greedy with the Ironwood things would've been different between us.

Duncan: You squandered your share.

Ludd: Our share was TAKEN from us. We had no fucking choice but to harvest what was left.

Ethan: What is it that you want, Lord Whitehill?

Lord Whitehill looks behind him and calls out for a soldier to come up, the same Whitehill soldier who had raided Gared's family and got away. Ethan looks at Royland in confusion, whom shrugs.

Britt: Your man, the squire. We were minding our own business, keeping the King's peace as his Lordship here said, when your man attacked us for no reason.

Ludd: Hear that…? Attacked for no reason.

Ethan: No reason? You murdered his family!

Ludd: Then you admit it was your man who killed my men. And a pig farmer at that!

Ethan: Gared was only defending himself.

Ludd: Then you admit it was your man who killed my men. And a pig farmer at that!

Ethan: That's not how it happened!

Ludd: Then you admit it was your man who killed my men. And a pig farmer at that!

Ludd: It was your man who started it.

Ludd: How do you answer for your squire, Lord Ethan? He acted in your name. And you are the 'Lord' of this House.

Ethan: We lost people too, Lord Whitehill. Your men murdered his entire family.

Ludd: You lost pig farmers, not soldiers. A soldier's worth a hundred of their type.

Ethan: Your men attacked and drew first blood. They murdered his entire family.

Ludd: You lost pig farmers, not soldiers. A soldier's worth a hundred of their type.

Ethan: He was defending his family as any man would. But your men murdered them all.

Ludd: You lost pig farmers, not soldiers. A soldier's worth a hundred of their type.

Ludd: I'm not leaving until I have his head on a fucking spike.

Ludd: Where's the fucking coward who killed my men? I know he's here. What've you done with him?

Ethan: I took care of it. He received his punishment and it's done. He's gone.

Ludd: What!? Gone!? That was my justice to deliver, boy, and you denied me of it!

Lord Whitehill will remember your answer.

Ethan: We haven't seen him. He was never here.

Ludd: You little liar. I will find him. By the gods you better hope I do, because if I don't, I'm holding you responsible and you'll answer for what he's done.

Ethan: He was sent to the Wall.

Ludd: Who the fuck sent him to the Wall!? Answer me! Who's the one who did it?

Ethan: I did.

Ludd: What!? That was my justice to deliver, boy. And you denied me of it!

Lord Whitehill will remember your answer.

Ethan: Duncan. The Castellan sent him.

Lord Whitehill will remember your answer.

Ludd: And you call yourself a lord? You're no lord. You're a fucking puppet!

Ethan: You heard me. He was sent to the Wall. It's done.

Ludd: What!? That was my justice to deliver, boy. And you denied me of it!

Lord Whitehill will remember your answer.

Ludd: That was my justice to deliver, boy. And you denied me of it.

Whitehill will remember that you did not answer him…

Duncan: I sent him to the Wall.

Ludd: You…?

Whitehill saw that Duncan answered for you…

Ludd: And you call yourself a lord? You're no lord. You're a fucking puppet!

Ludd: I'm not leaving until I have my justice. Now bring me the coward who did it or you'll answer to Roose Bolton.

He says this whilst pointing at Ethan. Whom he and his men behind him are all speechless to Lord Whitehill's request.

Ludd: What kind of fucking House is this!?

Lady Forrester steps in and interrupts from the side.

Elissa: A house of honorable men.

Lord Whitehill is shocked to hear her. And Ethan and his men are even surprised to see her getting involved. She looks at Whitehill unimpressed.

Ludd: Lady Forrester…

Elissa: You bellow like a wounded boar, Lord Whitehill. Have you forgotten your manners…?

Ludd: I mean no disrespect to you, my lady. Considering your losses and all. But this… this is not over.

Elissa: It's over when my son says it is.

Ethan: This is over, Lord Whitehill.

Ethan: I've heard enough, Lord Whitehill.

Ethan: Thank you for coming, Lord Whitehill.

Ethan looks down.

Elissa: Ethan is Lord of Ironrath now. By rights his word is law here. If that displeases you, then I trust you can find the door.

Lord Whitehill angrily looks at Lady Forrester, and then looks at his feet.

Ludd: That lad may be Lord of this… House. But Lord Bolton will have the final say. I'll send him a raven letting him know a Forrester man killed one of his own. That the new 'Lord Forrester' lied to my face and denied me my justice. Then we'll see whose word is law.

Lord Whitehill and his men walk out of the room. Ethan has a chance to say something to him as he leaves.

Ethan: We're in the right, Lord Whitehill. Remember that.

He will…

Ethan: Do as you like, Lord Whitehill.

Lord Whitehill will remember that.

Ethan: You're a craven, Lord Whitehill.

Lord Whitehill will remember that.

Royland: Do your worst, you bastard.

Lord Whitehill will remember that.

Whitehill and his soldiers leave. As the door closes, the soldier who attacked Gared's home looks back at Ethan in displeasure.

Duncan: Your son did well, my lady. He kept his wits while Lord Whitehill lost his temper. A lesser man would've been rattled, but Ethan here held his ground.

Royland: I was wrong about your son, my lady. He stood up to him like a true lord.

Duncan: You must find your voice, my lord. Your enemies will interpret your silence as a sign of weakness.

Elissa: You were brave, my son. But you'll need to be braver still when Ramsay Snow arrives to see you bend the knee. Prepare a raven… We need to send word to Mira in King's Landing at once.

King's Landing, The Red Keep - Mira[]

Elissa: Your sister can help us. Although just a handmaiden, she has Margaery Tyrell's favor. And Lady Margaery's betrothal to the King may be enough to keep the Boltons at bay… if it's presented to her as it should be.

At King's Landing, Mira Forrester, the firstborn daughter of Lady and Lord Forrester, and Margaery Tyrell's handmaiden, is seen walking into her quarters. She can view some of the oddities in her room.

Mira opens her box to look at the gifts and items she's kept.

Mira picks up a piece of wood with the Ironwood sigil carved into it.

Mira: Ethan made this for me.

She smiles at his works and puts it back.

Mira picks up a broach with the Highgarden sigil on it.

Mira: It was very kind of Lady Margaery to give this to me. It once belonged to Lady Olenna.

She smiles and puts it back in it's place.

Mira picks up a coin from Yunkai.

Mira: Asher sent me this coin. To remember him. What a strange place, Essos.

She puts it back.

Mira looks at the note, saddened.

Mira pulls the note out to read what she had written so far.

Mira: Father. Much excitement here in King's Landing for the coming wedding. Lady Margaery has proven to be quite popular throughout the city. I do wish you and mother could come, although I know it would be impossible under the circumstances. I miss all of you and I look forward to the day you can…

She stops at where it ended and puts it back.

Mira looks in her coal brazier to see that it has yet to have more coal delivered.

Mira: 'Wonders Made by Man'. By Lomas Longstrider.

She picks the tome up.

Mira: A gift from Rodrik.

She looks at it saddened and puts it back.

Mira: I hope to see them all someday.

Mira: King's Landing… I wonder if it's sunny at Ironrath today. *sigh*

Mira picks up a letter from her mother on a desk.

Elissa: It troubles me to even ask this of you. But you must appeal to Lady Margaery to intervene on our behalf. She is our best hope. And can be a powerful ally -- especially now, when your family so desperately needs her help.

Mira sits down, saddened at what her mother is asking for. There is a knock at her door. She gets up.

Mira: One moment…

She opens it to see the coal boy.

The door opens and it is the coal boy, assuming nobody is in. He walks in only to see Mira in front of him.

Tom: Oh. Sorry, m'lady. I- I didn't mean to disturb you. I can come back later, if you'd like.

Mira: Later would be best.

Tom: Of course, m'lady.

He leaves the room.

She closes the door on him.

Mira: No, it's fine. Come in.

The coal boy walks in to fill her brazier with coal. He looks at her as she is still reading her note.

Tom: Begging your pardon, m'lady. But… are you all right…? If you don't mind my asking. You seem rather upset.

Mira: It's private. I'd rather not say.

You kept your problem secret…

Tom: Of course, m'lady… I didn't mean to pry.

Mira: I'm fine. Thank you.

Tom: Of course, m'lady.

You avoided his question…

Mira: I'm just… worried about my family.

He noticed your honesty.

Tom: Ah. Letter from home, is it.

Mira: It's kind of you to ask.

Tom: Of course, m'lady. You've always been kind to me.

You avoided the question.

Tom: Sorry, m'lady… I shouldn't have asked.

Mira: Please hurry if you can. Lady Margaery will be here any minute.

Tom: Of course, m'lady.

After finished filling the brazier, he decides to continue the conversation with a question.

Tom: You… work for Lady Margaery…?

She looks at him in silence. He puts his bucket down.

Tom: I may be wrong. But… it seems like you do.

She turns to him firmly.

Mira: Perhaps you should come back later.

Tom: Of course, m'lady.

Saddened, he picks up his bucket and leaves.

Mira: It's widely known that I work for Lady Margaery.

He gives a shy look.

Tom: I've seen you with her before. You seem like good friends.

They stare in silence for a moment. He moves closer to her.

Tom: I saw Lady Margaery just this morning, outside the Royal Sept, talking to Queen Cersei.

Mira: Cersei…?

Mira is concerned and begins to ponder.

Tom: They appeared to be having some sort of disagreement. I couldn't hear much, but… It was definitely an argument.

Mira: What did they say…?

Tom: I couldn't make out much, but… I know they were talking about the Starks and… and House Forrester…

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I hope you're not in any kind of trouble. But I thought you ought to know.

Mira: You were eavesdropping?

Tom: No. Not at all. I was just passing by and I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira: Why are you telling me this?

Tom: I heard them arguing about House Forrester and--

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira continues thinking to herself.

Tom: I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Tom: Most people don't tend to notice a coal boy. Not in King's Landing with so many lords and ladies about.

He picks up his bucket to leave.

Tom: You see and hear all sorts of things when people don't even know you're there. Goodnight, m'lady.

He closes the door on his way out.

Mira: I'm her handmaiden.

Tom: That's what I thought. I've seen you with her before. You seem like good friends.

He moves closer to her.

Tom: I saw Lady Margaery just this morning, outside the Royal Sept, talking to Queen Cersei.

Mira: Cersei…?

Mira is concerned and begins to ponder.

Tom: They appeared to be having some sort of disagreement. I couldn't hear much, but… It was definitely an argument.

Mira: What did they say…?

Tom: I couldn't make out much, but… I know they were talking about the Starks and… and House Forrester…

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I hope you're not in any kind of trouble. But I thought you ought to know.

Mira: You were eavesdropping?

Tom: No. Not at all. I was just passing by and I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira: Why are you telling me this?

Tom: I heard them arguing about House Forrester and--

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira continues thinking to herself.

Tom: I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Tom: Most people don't tend to notice a coal boy. Not in King's Landing with so many lords and ladies about.

He picks up his bucket to leave.

Tom: You see and hear all sorts of things when people don't even know you're there. Goodnight, m'lady.

He closes the door on his way out.

Mira looks to the side.

Tom: Sorry. My apologies for even asking.

He moves closer to her.

Tom: I saw Lady Margaery just this morning, outside the Royal Sept, talking to Queen Cersei.

Mira: Cersei…?

Mira is concerned and begins to ponder.

Tom: They appeared to be having some sort of disagreement. I couldn't hear much, but… It was definitely an argument.

Mira: What did they say…?

Tom: I couldn't make out much, but… I know they were talking about the Starks and… and House Forrester…

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I hope you're not in any kind of trouble. But I thought you ought to know.

Mira: You were eavesdropping?

Tom: No. Not at all. I was just passing by and I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira: Why are you telling me this?

Tom: I heard them arguing about House Forrester and--

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Mira continues thinking to herself.

Tom: I- I heard them arguing about House Forrester.

Mira: House Forrester…?

She sits down.

Tom: I thought you'd like to know. Forgive me if I was mistaken. I hope you're not in any kind of trouble.

Tom: Most people don't tend to notice a coal boy. Not in King's Landing with so many lords and ladies about.

He picks up his bucket to leave.

Tom: You see and hear all sorts of things when people don't even know you're there. Goodnight, m'lady.

He closes the door on his way out.

The door is opened and in comes Lady Margaery.

Mira: Lady Margaery. You're early.

Margaery: I was hoping there would be time for us to talk. Come. There's something we must discuss.

She leaves and Mira follows behind.

The Corridors[]

Mira walks through the corridor with Margaery and her other handmaiden as well as Mira's friend; Sera.

Margaery: From the day you arrived in Highgarden, I've thought of you more as a friend than as my handmaiden. A dear friend, in fact.

Mira: Thank you, my lady.

Margaery: And you know how I feel about what's happened to your family. I feel your pain as if it were my own. What you've suffered is beyond imagining. And your poor family as well.

Mira: You're very kind, my lady.

Margaery: Of course, Mira. But you must not despair. We will get through this together.

Mira: I need your help, my lady.

Margaery: Of course. And I will help you in any way I can. But there's another matter we must attend to first.

Mira: My family wrote me, my lady.

Margaery: I don't doubt they must be overcome with grief. But you must not despair. We will get through this together.

Mira looks down sadly.

Margaery: You must not despair. We will get through this together.

Margaery: You must understand, there are limits to what I can say. Especially here in King's Landing, now that I am to be Queen. To have a handmaiden from the North whose family fought for Robb Stark… It raises questions at a time I can least afford. Cersei herself cornered me this morning outside the Royal Sept.

Two kingsguard walk past.

Margaery: She mentioned 'the Northern girl' in my service, and she painted you a traitor. She was very pleased with herself. Her face was full of mirth as she said it.

Mira: What does she intend to do?

Margaery: *sigh* She intends to make you miserable, knowing that will make me miserable as well.

Mira: How did you respond?

Margaery: I told her you are one of my most trusted handmaidens. That you can hardly be blamed for the actions of your father and brother. Nonetheless…

Mira: I'm not a traitor.

Margaery: Of course not. It's only an excuse to torment you, and by extension, me.

Mira looks confused.

Margaery: I told her you are one of my most trusted handmaidens. That you can hardly be blamed for the actions of your father and brother. Nonetheless…

Margaery: She demands an audience. She wants an apology of some sort. For what, I don't know, but… She's waiting for us now and I promised I would bring you to her. I wouldn't ask this of you if it were not important. I cannot afford any conflict with Cersei with the wedding so near.

Mira: I cannot apologize, my lady. I'm not a traitor.

Margaery noted your refusal.

Margaery: I know you're not. But you must find a way to appease her.

Mira: I'll do as you ask, my lady.

Margaery: I knew I could trust you.

Margaery appreciated your loyalty.

Mira: What do I say?

Margaery: Find a way to appease her.

Mira looks to the ground.

Margaery: Find a way to appease her.

Margaery noticed your silence…

Margaery: Humor her. Tell her what she wants to hear.

They make it to the door outside the Great Hall.

Margaery: See if the Queen Regent is ready to receive us.

Sera opens the door and steps inside. Margaery turns to Mira, and holds her hands.

Margaery: You'll be fine. I know you will. You may feel one thing, but you must say another.

Sera steps out to inform them that they're ready. She looks at Mira.

Sera: Good luck…

The Great Hall[]

Margaery and Mira look at each other and step inside. Margaery looks at Mira before walking up to the Iron Throne.

Margaery: You can do this.

Margaery and Mira walk towards the throne as Cersei and Tyrion Lannister take their seats.

Tyrion: Ah, Lady Margaery. Aren't you looking lovely this evening.

Margaery: Lord Tyrion. Your grace…

Cersei looks at Mira with a smug look.

Margaery: With your permission, allow me to introduce Lady Mira of House Forrester.

Mira approaches and Tyrion grabs a cup of wine beside him.

Cersei: Well…?

Mira kneels.

Mira: your grace…

The Queen is pleased.

Cersei: The girl knows her courtesies. Impressive. You may rise.

Mira does so.

Mira: I am honored, your grace…

Mira bows her head.

Cersei: Mm. Yet not honored enough to kneel, I see.

The crowd whispers and Mira gives a confused look.

Mira: I will speak truly, your grace.

Cersei: I should hope so. Speak falsely and it will be worse for you.

Mira gives a cold look as the whispers.

Mira looks down speechless.

Tyrion: The poor girl looks terrified.

Margaery: House Forrester is a Northern house loyal to the King.

Cersei: Are they?

Margaery: I beg your pardon, your grace…?

Cersei: I wasn't talking to you. I want to hear from the girl.

Tyrion: Perhaps you should ask the new lord Forrester.

Cersei: He's not here, is he. She is. The girl can speak for her House.

Mira: Yes, your grace. To the one true king.

Cersei gives Mira a dirty look.

Cersei will remember that.

Tyrion: *chuckles* The one true king. Yet she didn't say which. The girl is clever.

Margaery: She only meant--

Cersei: I don't care what she meant. I care what she said. I won't stand for impertinence from a girl of the North.

Margaery: If you would give her the chance to explain--

Cersei: Perhaps she can explain why the Forresters have been loyal bannermen to House Stark for centuries. A house of traitors.

Mira: House Forrester's loyalty to the Crown never wavers, your grace.

Cersei: I see. And yet…

Cersei will remember that.

Cersei: For centuries the Forresters have been loyal bannermen to House Stark. A house of traitors.

Mira: Joffrey is the one true King, your grace.

Cersei: Hm. And yet…

Cersei will remember that.

Cersei: For centuries the Forresters have been loyal bannermen to House Stark. A house of traitors.

Mira looks to the ground speechless.

Margaery: She's loyal to--

Cersei: I wanted to hear from the girl, not you.

The Queen is displeased with your answer…

Cersei: I won't stand for impertinence from a girl of the North.

Margaery: If you would give her the chance to explain--

Cersei: Perhaps she can explain why the Forresters have been loyal bannermen to House Stark for centuries. A house of traitors.

Mira: Yes, your grace. They are traitors.

The crowd whispers in surprise.

Cersei: The Starks were your liege lord, yet you name them traitors so easily.

Your answer did not satisfy her…

Cersei: Is it any wonder you were so impertinent to ask which king deserves your loyalty. If you have any loyalty at all.

Tyrion: Clearly her loyalty wavers quite a lot.

Cersei: If she has any loyalty at all.

Cersei: I take it this is the kind of loyalty the King can expect from you. If you have any loyalty at all.

Mira: They were the Wardens of the North. We all served at the pleasure of the King.

Tyrion: Clever girl.

Cersei looks at Tyrion, whom takes a sip from his cup. She turns back to Mira.

Cersei: Perhaps too clever for her own good.

Your answer did not satisfy her…

Cersei: And she would have us believe she didn't know which king she served.

Tyrion: The girl did say their loyalty was unwavering.

Cersei: She has a talent for equivocation, yet I question what she really thinks.

Tyrion: The girl did name Joffrey as 'the one true King'.

Mira: They are noble, not traitors. Your grace.

The crowd whispers in response to this claim.

Cersei: Noble? Perhaps once. For a Northern house. But now… now they're merely dead.

Your answer did not satisfy her…

Cersei: The girl is here to explain herself, yet says nothing.

Cersei noticed your silence…

Margaery: My apologies, your grace. I'm sure it's just a momentary lapse.

Cersei: Is your House willing to swear fealty to your new liege lord, Roose Bolton?

Mira: Yes, your grace. Absolutely.

Cersei: I see. Despite the fact Roose Bolton allied with Walder Frey. If it was me I'd find it difficult to so quickly forgive the men who killed my father.

Mira: He is the Warden of the North, your grace.

Cersei: He is. And I the Queen Regent and Tyrion the Master of Coin.

Tyrion: The girl has a remarkable talent for answering questions while in fact saying nothing at all.

Mira: Roose Bolton also served the Starks, your grace.

Cersei: And proved his loyalty to the Crown by bringing their House to a swift and sudden end.

With no response from Mira, Cersei leans in with an angered look.

Margaery: No doubt she's speechless in your presence, your grace.

Cersei: Old allegiances are not easily abandoned, but now that the war is over we must look to rebuild and forge new alliances. There are ships and shields to be built and Joffrey will need a steady supply of Ironwood for his armies. I'm told there are others who would happily serve that purpose, but I trust we can rely on House Forrester?

Cersei stands up.

Tyrion: Forrester Ironwood does seem rather… unique.

Mira: Yes, your grace.

Mira: To our mutual benefit, your grace.

Cersei: And at the pleasure of your King.

Mira: Our talent is unrivaled, your grace. Forrester Ironwood is highly sought after in the Seven Kingdoms.

Cersei: So I'm told.

Cersei: And exceeded only by your lack of humility.

Cersei: Perhaps not, then.

Cersei: It would be a shame to see it fall into the hands of another House. I imagine you'd do almost anything to prevent that from happening, wouldn't you. Ask any Lannister and they'd do whatever was necessary to save Casterly Rock. It would be unfortunate to see another House lay claim to what's yours.

Mira: Yes, your grace. I would do anything.

Cersei looks smugly.

Cersei will remember that.

Cersei: I see.

Mira: There are limits, your grace.

Cersei looks neutral.

Cersei will remember that.

Cersei: Perhaps. But not if your House faces potential ruin.

Mira: I won't dishonor myself, your grace.

Cersei looks smugly.

Cersei will remember that.

Cersei: I see.

Mira looks down thinking.

You remained silent.

Cersei looks neutral.

Cersei: Or nothing, perhaps. It's hard to tell either way.

Tyrion: What would you have the girl do, Cersei?

Tyrion grabs a pitcher to refill his cup.

Tyrion: It's not as if she fought beside the Starks. Wielding a battle axe for the Northern army.

Cersei faces Mira.

Cersei: It raises an interesting question, I suppose. Can we truly blame those who end up on the wrong side of the war? Our dear Margaery here was betrothed to Renly Baratheon on the false assumption that he would one day rule the Seven Kingdoms.

Margaery is shocked to this example Cersei is making.

Cersei: Can we fault her for her mistake? Should she be held accountable?

Mira and Margaery look at each, being a difficult question to answer. Tyrion even shows concern.

Mira: She was just following her heart, your grace.

Cersei: And the very same heart so quickly led her to my son.

The Queen is displeased with your answer…

Mira: I won't judge her, your grace. I wasn't there. I didn't face her decisions.

The crowd gasps.

You avoided the question.

Cersei: Aren't you a delightful girl. If only one could flit through life without ever holding an opinion of their own.

Mira: I'm sure she regrets it.

Margaery will remember that.

Cersei: Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Margaery: It is not her place to say, your grace.

They noticed your silence.

Cersei: The girl must have an opinion on the matter.

Tyrion: If there's a point to this, I hope you find it quickly.

Cersei: Loyalty can be such a hard thing to define. This city alone is filled with all sorts of ambitious opportunists looking to reinvent themselves, pretending to be something they're not. Who knows what lurks within their hearts.

Cersei moves closer to Mira.

Cersei: You are a girl from the North, here in service to Lady Margaery. One can only assume her interests are yours. Yet loyalty to a King… that must be absolute. Beyond question. And if your loyalties were to become conflicted -- between your King and the very person whom you serve -- what would you do then…?

Margaery: I'm sure she would--

Cersei: Let the girl answer the question. Go on.

Mira: My loyalties would never conflict, your grace.

Cersei: That's a coward's answer. I will not have my time wasted by a Northern girl who thinks she can play games. Who do you choose?

Mira: The King, of course.

Margaery will remember that.

Cersei: Well said. I was beginning to worry you didn't have your priorities straight.

Mira: I must choose Margaery, your grace.

Cersei: Clearly your handmaiden does not have her priorities straight.

Cersei will remember that.

Mira: I would be true to the King, your grace.

Margaery will remember that.

Cersei: Well said. I was beginning to worry you didn't have your priorities straight.

Mira: I must choose Margaery, your grace. I serve at her pleasure.

Margaery will remember that.

Cersei: Clearly your handmaiden does not have her priorities straight.

Mira doesn't say anything and looks to Margaery.

Cersei: Evading the question won't help her cause. Who do you choose?

Mira: The King, of course.

Margaery will remember that.

Cersei: Well said. I was beginning to worry you didn't have your priorities straight.

Mira: I must choose Margaery, your grace.

Cersei: Clearly your handmaiden does not have her priorities straight.

Cersei will remember that.

Tyrion puts his cup down in amazement.

Tyrion: She is a threat to the Crown, isn't she. The most dangerous handmaiden in all of King's Landing.

Cersei: She's headstrong, isn't she. Not surprising I suppose for a Northern girl. But not very encouraging either.

Cersei: My sense is this girl will say almost anything to get what she wants. Which is not very encouraging.

Cersei: I'm not quite sure what to make of her. Not surprising I suppose for a Northern girl. But not very encouraging either.

Cersei turns to Margaery.

Cersei: I'd like a word with you, if I may.

Margaery: Of course, your grace.

Margaery leaves with Cersei. Eyeing Mira as she walks away. The crowd whispers regarding the result. Tyrion looks at Mira and gets up from his chair.

Tyrion: I'll walk you out. This may come as a surprise, but I met your father once. At the Tourney at Lannisport. Even then he didn't trust Roose Bolton.

Mira looks down in confusion.

Tyrion: We only spoke briefly, but your father struck me as an honourable man.

Mira looks back at Tyrion with gratitude.

Tyrion: You have my condolences for his loss. These would be trying times for your family even under the best of circumstances.

Mira: Forgive me for saying it, but… the Boltons have no honor.

Tyrion: Roose Bolton has many 'unique' qualities. Honor is not one of them.

Mira: These are trying times, my lord. My family fears what might happen now that the Boltons rule the North.

Tyrion: They must still answer to the Crown. You shouldn't forget that. Nor should they.

Mira: Thank you, Lord Tyrion. That's very kind of you to say.

Mira looks down and Tyrion shows concern on his face.

Tyrion: That certainly took courage, to so publicly declare your loyalty to Joffrey for all to hear. Poor Lady Margaery was humiliated. Although Cersei seemed quite pleased. It was quite the first impression. I of course found it all highly entertaining.

Mira: I don't particularly like her.

Tyrion: Yet you did your best to please. You'll do well here in King's Landing.

Mira: I did it for Lady Margaery.

Tyrion: Mm. Rather odd, if that's what she asked of you. But I'm sure she has your best interests at heart.

Mira: I was trying to appease her.

Tyrion: I think that was clear to everyone.

Tyrion: No doubt Lady Margaery will forgive you. Eventually.

Tyrion: You were brave to declare your loyalty to Lady Margaery. No doubt she was pleased, but Cersei… She will not soon forget what you said. It was quite the first impression. I of course found it all highly entertaining. But it certainly wasn't what Cersei was expecting.

Mira: I wasn't trying to please her.

Tyrion: I think that was clear to everyone.

Mira: I don't particularly like her.

Tyrion: *chuckles* That was fairly apparent to everyone.

Mira: I did it for Lady Margaery.

Tyrion: As you should. And of course she has your best interests at heart.

Tyrion: My dear sister has been known to hold a grudge.

Tyrion: My sister and I have our differences. She takes great pleasure in her little charades -- I take mine in thwarting them. We must find our amusements where we can. She threatened to give your Ironwood to another House. It is the Master of Coin who decides such matters. The Crown needs boats. Boats need wood. And I speak for the Crown in this regard. Not her.

Mira: You can help my family.

He looks at her smiling.

Mira: I wouldn't want to anger Cersei.

Tyrion: And you'd be wise not to. But…

Mira: What are you suggesting?

He looks at her smiling.

Mira looks forward and Tyrion looks at her.

Tyrion: I suppose the Crown could be persuaded to secure Ironwood from House Forrester. Lady Margaery might not look favorably on such an alliance. And it would infuriate Cersei. Although what would be amusing for me might prove rather dangerous for you. And your House. Are you willing to risk that? It may be far too dangerous. In fact, forget I even suggested such a thing.

Mira: It's a risk I'm willing to take, Lord Tyrion. Please.

Tyrion: You are a brave girl, aren't you. I'll consider it.

Mira: I'm sorry, Lord Tyrion. But it's a risk I cannot afford.

Tyrion: I admire your discretion.

Tyrion: Now if you'll excuse me, I promised Sansa I would join her for dinner tonight. Three beautiful bottles of Dornish wine await my arrival. The mere thought of them make me thirsty already.

Mira: Goodnight, Lord Tyrion.

Tyrion: Just be careful.

Mira: Thank you for the advice, Lord Tyrion.

Tyrion will remember that.

Tyrion: Just be careful.

Mira: I hope we meet again.

Tyrion will remember that.

Tyrion: Nothing would make Cersei happier, I'm sure. Until then be careful.

Tyrion: Just be careful.

Tyrion: This is not the North. King's Landing can be a nest of vipers to the uninitiated.

Tyrion walks off and Sansa leaves the Great Hall.

Margaery's Quarters[]

Mira is looking over her mother's letter and Sera walks in.

Sera: Mira. I was worried. How was it?

She closes the door behind her.

Sera: Cersei has a way of looking at you as though you're nothing. It's more than a little intimidating.

Mira: I'd rather not discuss it, if you don't mind.

Sera: Of course not. It must have been horrible. But at least it's over now.

Mira: It went well.

Sera: Really? That's a relief. Cersei is known for being rather… difficult.

Mira: It didn't go very well.

Sera: I'm sorry. Cersei is known for being rather… difficult. But at least it's over now.

Mira looks at Sera sadly.

Sera: Sorry, I shouldn't have asked.

Sera sits down to the table with the map showing the seating plan of the wedding.

Sera: Lady Margaery has spent the entire day working on seating arrangements for the wedding. Of course you and I are seated way at the back. Here, with the fourth cousins and ninth-born sons.

Sera picks up the sigil representing Jaime Lannister.

Sera: Ah, Ser Jaime. I wouldn't mind tarnishing that white cloak of his.

Mira: *chuckles* Sera!

Sera: What? It's true.

Sera picks up the sigil representing Oberyn Martell and places it elsewhere on the map.

Sera: And Oberyn Martell… The Red Viper… I'm told he has a paramour. Which I doubt is Dornish for wife.

Mira: Put it back.

Sera: We're just having a bit of fun.

Sera places the sigil back in it's place miserably.

Sera: It's probably for the best. I've heard he's a bit perverse.

Mira: You'll get us in trouble.

Sera: We're just having some fun.

Sera places the sigil back in it's place.

Mira: He is quite handsome.

Sera places the sigil back in it's place.

Sera: And quite passionate, from what I've heard.

Mira looks at Sera oddly.

Sera: We're just having some fun.

Sera places the sigil back in it's place.

Sera: Perhaps Lady Margaery could make the right introductions. Who knows, we might meet our future husbands… Although marrying a King… I can only imagine what that would be like. Would you marry Joffrey if it meant you'd become Queen? He does have a certain… look about him. And he's always treated Lady Margaery well. Which is more than you can say for his mother.

Mira: I don't want to be Queen no matter who I'd have to marry.

Sera: Don't want to be Queen? You Northerners… You'd make a perfect Septa.

Mira: I'd be willing to marry. But not Joffrey.

Mira: I'd marry anyone if it helped my family.

Sera: Right. Of course.

Mira just looks at Sera. Blankly.

Sera: Well, I would marry him. Imagine the power you would have as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. I might even allow you to be my handmaiden.

Mira looks at Sera oddly.

Sera: Let's see… who else shall we marry off…? Brienne of Tarth and Tyrion Lannister… *laughs* What a perfect match!

She picks up one of the sigils.

Sera: Ser Bronn and--

Lady Margaery walks in and asks firmly.

Margaery: What are you doing!? Well...? Sera...?

Mira: We're sorry, my lady. We were just having fun.

Sera will remember that.

(Available if Mira said "Put it back.")

Mira: I tried to move them back, my lady.

Sera will remember that.

(Available if Mira said anything other than "Put it back.")

Mira: It wasn't me, my lady.

Sera will remember that.

Mira: I'm sorry, my lady.

Sera: As am I. We shouldn't have been messing about.

Margaery will remember that.

Mira looks to the ground sadly.

Sera: We're both sorry, my lady.

Margaery noticed your silence…

Margaery moves over to put the sigil back in it's place.

Margaery: This is not a game. It's a battle plan. Allies and enemies can be made with every move. Yet they say it is men who are powerful.

Margaery: The Queen was pleased by your display, Mira.

Margaery: The Queen was rather disappointed by your display, Mira.

Margaery: I'm just glad it's over.

Margaery walks over to the balcony.

Margaery: King's Landing can be exhausting sometimes. There's always someone to please or some perceived slight to smooth over. I fear it will only get worse when I am Queen.

Sera: Once they know your true heart, the lords and ladies will have no choice but to love you.

Margaery looks to Mira.

Margaery: Do you agree?

Mira: It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters what you say.

Margaery appreciated your loyalty.

Margaery: You learn very quickly.

Mira: People are not always so easy to please. If you showed Cersei your true heart, she would stab it with a fork.

Margaery: You learn very quickly.

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Once you are Queen, the lords and ladies will do their best to please YOU.

Margaery: You learn very quickly.

Margaery will remember that.

Mira looks on confused on what to say. Margaery smiles.

Margaery noted you kept silent…

Margaery: You were brave agreeing to obey the Boltons. That cannot have been easy. I know you must fear what Lord Bolton might do to your family.

Margaery: Your words to Cersei were brave, but I know you must fear what the Boltons might do to your family.

Margaery: I know you must fear what Lord Bolton might do to your family.

Margaery: I do appreciate your willingness to appease her, as difficult as it may have been.

Mira: Thank you, my lady. There's been something on my mind… something important…

Mira: I… I did have a favor to ask of you in return…

Margaery: Whatever you wish to say, you can say it in front of Sera. There are no secrets between us.

Mira: It's about my family…

Margaery: I trust her.

Mira: I prefer to speak with you alone.

Sera is sad to this and Margaery nods for her to leave, Sera looks at Mira and angrily leaves.

Sera will remember that.

Mira does not protest and Sera stays.

Sera will remember that.

Margaery: Go on. Ask.

Mira hands her mother's note to Margaery.

Mira: Forgive me, my lady. I wouldn't otherwise ask this of you, but… My mother insisted. It's about my family…

Margaery: Ramsay Snow… What would you have me do?

Mira: My mother fears our family will suffer if Ramsay is left to do as he likes. She thought… if a raven could be sent to the Boltons to let them know House Forrester has the protection of the Crown… I know it's a lot to ask of you. And I wouldn't otherwise, but… She insisted.

Margaery noticed you asked on behalf of your mother.

Margaery: That is no small request. Especially now.

Mira: I know, my lady. And I wouldn't ask this of you otherwise. But my mother has left me no choice. She insisted.

Mira: If you could ask Joffrey to intervene on behalf of my family… Ramsay Snow is on his way to Ironrath to see my brother bend the knee. If Joffrey could send a raven and tell the Boltons no one at House Forrester is to be harmed…

Margaery will remember how you asked…

Margaery: That is no small request. Especially now.

Mira: Please, Ramsay Snow is on his way to Ironrath to see my brother bend the knee.

Margaery: Ramsay? Roose Bolton's bastard?

Mira: I fear my family will suffer if Ramsay is left to do as he likes. But if a raven could be sent to the Boltons to let them know House Forrester has the protection of the Crown…

Margaery noticed you asked on behalf of your family..

Margaery: That is no small request. Especially now.

Mira: I received a letter from my family…

Mira hands her mother's note to Margaery.

Mira: I fear my family will suffer if Ramsay is left to do as he likes. But if a raven could be sent to the Boltons to let them know House Forrester has the protection of the Crown… Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Margaery will remember how you asked…

Margaery: That is no small request. Especially now.

Margaery: Joffrey knows only too well your family fought for the Starks. And now you would have me ask him to intervene? Is the situation that dire?

Margaery: Joffrey will not look favorably on such a request.

Sera: You can't, my lady. King Joffrey won't like it. Think of how he turned on Lady Sansa.

Mira: It is that dire, my lady. I fear for my family's safety.

Margaery: I don't know, Mira. If Cersei were to find out…

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: You're the only one who can help me. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira looks on sadly.

You remained silent.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: Please, Lady Margaery, I beg of you. I fear for my family's safety.

Margaery: I don't know, Mira. If Cersei were to find out…

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: You're the only one who can help me. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira looks on sadly.

You remained silent.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: I will forever be in your debt. My family will forever be in your debt.

Margaery: I don't know, Mira. If Cersei were to find out…

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: You're the only one who can help me. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira looks on sadly.

You remained silent.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: My mother feels it is urgent, my lady. She's unfamiliar with King's Landing and its politics. I hope you can understand that.

Mira looks down sadly.

Margaery: I am well aware of the risk. I can see how important this is to you. I don't know, Mira. If Cersei were to find out…

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: You're the only one who can help me. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira: Don't let the Queen bully you. You have power over him, Lady Margaery, as no one else does. Not even his mother…

Margaery will remember that.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Mira looks on sadly.

You remained silent.

Mira: Ramsay Snow will arrive at Ironrath within the week. I would never ask this of you if it weren't so urgent.

Margaery: Very well. I'll make your request, but I cannot promise anything.

Mira: Thank you, my lady. I will send a raven to my family at once.

Mira leaves the room with her request fulfilled.

Mira: My mother wanted me to ask a favor of you… for my family… But as you said… you're in a delicate position now, with the wedding so near. And I would never want to jeopardize that.

Margaery: Soon I will be Queen and maybe then I'll be in a better position to help you. But for now… now we must both be cautious.

Mira: My family is strong, my lady. Don't let it trouble you. I know they will find a way to prevail.

Mira: Of course, my lady. You're right. Better to wait.

Mira: Of course, my lady. I look forward to the day you are Queen.

Mira nods sadly.

Kingsroad, Wolfswood - Gared[]

It is night time and Gared is still travelling to the Wall. Not on horseback, but walking while holding his horse's lead. As he walks through the forest he can hear shouting and screaming in the distance. The noise spooks Gared's horse and runs off.

Gared: Seven hells…

Gared moves forward to try and find where the noise is coming from. He closes in on the sound of a man painfully declaring loyalty to House Bolton. He finally finds the source of it. A man is tied to a rack and is being tortured by Ramsay Snow.

Ramsay: Let's play a little game, shall we!?

He slices the man's skin who screams in agony.

Ramsay: Did you know my ancestors wore the skins of their enemies as a coat…?

He slices the man again. As Gared is watching, a Bolton soldier looks behind him who almosts spots the boy, Gared ducks back to stay out of view. Gared watches helplessly as the man is continuously being tortured by Ramsay. All the while keeping out of view as the same soldier looks behind him.

Ramsay: Not my best work, unfortunately.

Ramsay slices the man once again whom screams in agony and dies.

Ramsay: I suppose I have fallen out of practice. But he didn't make it easy, what with all that bloody noise.

Bolton Soldier: Like a drowning cat. I thought he'd never stop.

Ramsay: As my father likes to say… A naked man holds few secrets. But the flayed man… the flayed man holds none.

Bolton Soldier: Pity he didn't know your father is the Warden of the North.

Ramsay: He does now.

Done with the flaying, Ramsay goes over to his horse, ready to leave.

Ramsay: How much further is it to these 'Forresters'…?

Bolton Soldier: A day, my lord. Two at most.

Gared is shocked to hear this information. As he is moving around, he breaks a stick underneath his feet. Alerting Ramsay Snow.

Ramsay: What was that…!?

Bolton Soldier: M'lord…?

Ramsay: Shhh. Listen.

Gared stays completely still out of view whilst Ramsay tries to recall the source of the noise.

Ramsay: There.

His soldier goes over to investigate.

Ramsay: Hear that…? I know I heard something.

The soldiers is closing in mere meters away from Gared.

Unable to take the risk, Gared gets up and runs for his life. He escapes.

The soldier makes it to the tree right behind Gared. He is completely oblivious to the boy's presence.

Ramsay: Never mind. We've wasted enough time already.

Ramsay and his soldiers mount their horses and leave. Gared evaded them undetected. As they leave out of view, Gared goes over to the man tied to the rack that Ramsay was torturing.

Gared: Bloody hell…

The man is completely stripped of skin from his front torso and arms, baring his flesh. Traumatising Gared.

Ironrath, Courtyard - Ethan[]

Back in Ironrath, soldiers in the courtyard are training. Whilst Ethan is walking up the watch tower with the Maester behind him, whom is having a tough time keeping up.

Ortengryn: Lord Ethan… As I was saying, you are young. And there are those within these walls who are uncertain of your leadership. But… three hundred generations of Forrester lords stand behind you. Lord Gerhard the Tall, who founded our house. And your grandfather, Lord Thorren the Bold, who seized back the river valley from the Whitehills.

Ethan: What did they call my father?

Ortengryn: Lord Gregor the Good. He was fair and wise. And courageous in battle.

Ethan: Why are you telling me this…?

Ortengryn: To help you rule, Lord Ethan.

Ethan: I want to be like that. Like my father.

Ortengryn: Your father was well-regarded by nearly everyone, but took years if not decades to earn.

Ethan looks down sadly.

Ethan: And what will they call me?

Ortengryn: That is for you to define as the new lord.

Ethan looks down thinking.

Ortengryn: Your father was well-regarded by nearly everyone, but took years if not decades to earn.

Ethan looks down sadly.

Ortengryn: These were your father's people to lead and protect, and now they are yours. But your father did not bear this responsibility alone. He and every Forrester lord before him chose one man whom they trusted above all others. The lord's Sentinel. Forrester traditions demand that a new lord's Sentinel must be chosen.

As Ethan thinks about this, Royland can be heard demanding from below.

Royland: Keep walking, you craven son of a whore. Move!

Royland can be seen walking a fellow Ironrath soldier with his hands bound. Royland kicks him to his knees.

Royland: Summon the lord! We need his judgment!

Ethan and Ortengryn go down to investigate.

Erik: I've done nothing wrong! I was only trying to survive!

Noticing the commotion, Duncan, Talia and the rest of the Ironrath residents go over to see the judgement.

Royland: Lord Ethan. Maester…

Ethan: Who is this man?

Ethan: You spoke of judgment, Ser Royland. What judgment is that?

Ethan: Why did you kick this man?

Ethan continues moving over to the scene.

Royland: This craven is a deserter and a thief.

The man looks up at Ethan and shouts.

Erik: This House is doomed! We all fucking know it!

Royland slaps him.

Royland: Quiet, THIEF! Erik was supposed to be guarding our weapons, but instead we caught him stealing them.

Duncan: Two shields, and three spears.

Ethan: Is what Ser Royland said true?

Ethan: You stole from us?

Erik: I feared for my life!

Ethan: Why did you do it?

Erik: Because I've no wish to DIE.

Royland: I'd have punished him myself, but it's for the lord to decide the proper punishment.

Erik: Yes, my lord. I FLED. We should ALL flee! It's not stealing if you're taking what's YOURS by right!

Man: He speaks truth!

Woman: He's right!

Erik: I've a family to feed and not two coins to rub together since Lord Gregor left us to rot here. Where's our pay? Our share of bread and wine grows smaller every day!

Royland slaps him again.

Woman: Leave the poor man alone!

Man: Mercy…

Man: Let him go!

Erik: Lord Ethan, I know these words are hard, but they're honest. This House is falling. We'll never survive the coming winter. Most of us won't even live to see it!

Ethan: Calm yourself!

Erik: The time for calm passed with the late Lord Forrester. Now there's only chaos.

Ethan: Then you admit to the crime. In front of all gathered here.

Erik: I am only what this House made me. You cannot expect a man to live on loyalty alone.

Ethan: We are in this together.

Erik: You say that, but it won't be you who's starving come winter.

Erik: I did what I needed to do. This House is in chaos!

Royland kicks him.

Royland: You'll address him as lord!

Duncan and Royland move other to Ethan to discuss the matter in private.

Royland: Lord Ethan, you must decide the punishment. Lord Gregor always took a thief's fingers. Three of them.

Man: Kill him!

Man: Throw him the fuck out!

Duncan: Now may not be the time for harsh punishment. The men are on edge as it is--

Royland: The men need to know they cannot do whatever the fuck they please. Their lord will not permit it.

Man: He's a thief!

Duncan: You can send him to the Wall.

Man: Leave the man alone!

Man: Show him mercy, m'lord!

Man: He stole from us!

Man: He doesn't deserve to live!

Woman: Mercy…

Man: Make him pay for what he's done!

Man: Give us justice!

Woman: Fuck him!

Ethan looks at Erik.

Ethan: I will decide.

Man: Send him to the Wall!

Woman: Leave the poor man alone!

Man: Take his fingers!

Man: He's a thief!

The crowd shushes.

Erik: If you punish me, you'll be punishing an innocent man. It will be an injustice, my lord. Please, my lord. My family depends on me.

Ethan: Our House tends to its people. See this man is paid and his family is fed.

Some of the crowd protests and some praise. Talia is pleased with the result.

Your House will remember this judgment.

Erik: Lord Ethan, you are truly a merciful and noble lord.

Royland: My lord, this man is a criminal! A brazen thief!

Ethan: And I am the lord. I choose to show mercy. Mercy shows greater strength.

Royland: STRENGTH shows strength, my lord.

Ethan: He still serves House Forrester and deserves our protection.

Royland: He's a rat in our grain stores.

Ethan: He's also a father, trying to help his children after we failed him. I cannot punish a man for our negligence.

Royland shakes his head.

Royland: You're rewarding a man who has no loyalty, or honor.

Royland shakes his head.

Royland: You're rewarding a man who has no loyalty, or honor.

Duncan: My lord, we must speak about our gold reserves. Soon.

Erik is unbound and gets up.

Erik: My lord, I thank you for the mercy you've shown me. I will never forget my debt to you, and to this house.

He walks off and the crowd returns to their original places.

Ethan: I sentence you to the Wall, where you will join the Night's Watch.

Erik: No! Please, my lord! My family, without me, they'll die!

Erik is pushed away by an Ironrath soldier. The crowd returns to their original places.

Your House will remember this judgment.

Ethan: I, Ethan of House Forrester, Lord of Ironrath, name you a thief. The price for your crime is three of your fingers.

Erik: No! Please, my lord!

Erik is grabbed and pulled away by an Ironrath soldier. Talia is shocked to this sight.

Erik: My lord, please! Please, no!

His right hand is forced in-place on a stump by the soldier as he cries uncontrollably.

Royland: My lord, normally it is the lord's duty to carry out the sentence. But I am willing to carry it out… If you do not feel ready…

Ethan: I will carry out the sentence.

Ethan goes over and picks up an axe and ready to slam it down.

Erik: This is injustice, my lord!!

Ethan slams the axe down on Erik's pinky, ring and middle fingers.

Erik: AGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Talia is terrified at this sight as Erik screams out in pain.

Your House will remember this judgment.

The crowd goes back to their original positions as Erik whimpers from the pain and is pushed back to his duty by an Ironrath soldier.

Ethan: You may carry out the sentence, Ser Royland.

Royland goes over and picks up an axe.

Your house will remember this judgment.

Erik: This is injustice, my lord!!

Royland slams the axe down on Erik's pinky, ring and middle fingers.

Erik: Injusti--argh!!!!!!

Talia is terrified at this sight as Erik screams out in pain. The crowd goes back to their original positions as Erik whimpers from the pain and is pushed back to his duty by an Ironrath soldier.

Ethan crosses his arms and looks down. Royland takes it upon himself to do it and goes over to pick up an axe.

Your house will remember this judgment.

Erik: This is injustice, my lord!!

Royland slams the axe down on Erik's pinky, ring and middle fingers.

Erik: Injusti--argh!!!!!!

Talia is terrified at this sight as Erik screams out in pain. The crowd goes back to their original positions as Erik whimpers from the pain and is pushed back to his duty by an Ironrath soldier.

Ortengryn: That was certainly unpleasant. But a lord must mete out punishment when it's due. Not just yourself, of course. It can weigh on any lord.

Ethan: I did what I had to do. And it didn't bother me.

Ethan: It's a lord's duty. So I did it.

Ethan: Maester… what do you think?

Ortengryn: Me?

Ethan: Yes. Did I do what's right?

Ortengryn: Disloyalty shouldn't be rewarded if others will take advantage of your mercy.

Ortengryn: The Wall seems a fitting place for a thief. I only hope he doesn't find Gared there and take his anger out on the poor squire.

Ortengryn: As Maester I cannot support mutilation.

Ethan turns to the Maester looking down, whom looks awkwardly.

Ortengryn: You heard what the thief said. I expect this sort of thing will happen again. But a Sentinel can help you in the face of disloyalty. You need someone you can trust by your side. Someone you can rely on, no matter the circumstance. Posessing wisdom. And experience.

Ethan: But Maester, that is what the small council is for.

Ortengryn: My lord, you of all people should know that too many voices muddy the message. That is why there is one lord above all. And so there must be one advisor above the rest.

Ethan: Who do you think I should choose?

Ethan: And I'm sure you think you'd be the perfect choice.

Ortengryn: ME!? Gods, no. I can't get involved. I am a maester. At the Citadel I swore an oath to serve as such.

Ortengryn: You should have one advisor above the rest.

Ortengryn: There are two capable men for the role. They both want the job, but… neither thinks very highly of the other.

Ethan: How do I decide between them?

Ortengryn: Talk to them. Solicit the opinion of people close to you.

Ortengryn pulls out the Sentinel bracer.

Ortengryn: Here. The Bracer of the Sentinel. The badge of office. Tonight is your first small council meeting. It would be wise to bestow this bracer upon your chosen Sentinel then, to show that you are decisive and in control of this house. Your Sentinel will wear this for all to see. Take it.

Ethan takes the bracer.

Ethan: I'll make the right choice of Sentinel.

Ethan takes the bracer.

Ethan: Thank you for your counsel, Maester.

Ortengryn: It is my duty.

Ethan takes the bracer.

Ethan: I understand. I'll do it now.

Ethan takes the bracer.

Ortengryn: Come speak with me when you're ready to convene the small council, my lord.

Ethan looks at the bracer and notices Duncan and Royland looking at him. He pockets it. He now has the opportunity to look around and examine oddities and talk to people. In the background Royland can be heard shouting at the men training.

Royland: Do it like you mean it!

Royland: Slash and parry, Slash and parry. Again!

Royland: Now when I say parry, get that sword out.

Royland: You're all worthless and weak.

Royland: Come on, you dogs. You'll not be fighting air forever.

Royland: Are you holding a sword or a turkey leg?

Royland: Swords up! You can lift 'em, yeah?

Ethan stares at the shield.

Ethan looks at Ryon who is carving a wooden sword. He smiles at Ethan.

Ethan: Careful. Keep at it and you won't have much left. Something to pick your teeth with…

Ryon: No, Ethan. Look at this. All good swords have a name. I call mine "Two Brothers."

Ryon shows one side of the sword with "ETHAN" carved into the blade.

Ryon: I carved this to give me strength.

He then turns it over to show the other side having carved the words "RODRIK".

Ryon: And this so I remember… I mean… I could never forget, but… You know, don't you?

Ethan: I'm honored.

You made your brother happy.

Ryon smiles.

Ethan: And what of your brother Asher? Where's his name?

Ryon: There's only two sides to the blade… Besides, he left, so…

Ethan: You honor Rodrik with this. He was the strong one.

Ryon: He was…

They both look down thinking.

Ryon swings the sword a bit.

Ryon: Someday, I'll have a real one.

Looking at the sword and shield next to them.

Ryon: But not like that one. Only a lord can have that sword.

Ethan: You'll have a good sword, I'm sure of it.

Ryon: I watched you today… I saw what you did to that man. Was he… our enemy? A bad man? Everyone keeps talking about them… Enemies… Talia told me what it means.

Ethan: Any man who betrays our family -- who becomes a danger to you or Talia -- that is my enemy.

Ryon will remember that.

Ryon: Then I wish you'd hurt him.

Ryon: Then I'm glad you punished him.

Ryon: Men like him killed Father and Rodrik. They need someone to hurt them back. Even worse.

Ethan: No, he's not our enemy. But he did a bad thing.

Ryon will remember that.

Ryon: Then I wish you'd hurt him.

Ryon: People who do bad things need to be punished. Someone did something bad to Father and Rodrik. Someone should hurt them even worse.

Ethan: Rules mean nothing if we don't enforce them. It doesn't matter if he's good or bad, you can't steal. That's a rule.

Ryon will remember that.

Ryon: Well I say he was bad. Bad men killed Father and Rodrik. They need someone to hurt them back. Even worse.

Ethan looks down sadly as Ryon is fiddling with his sword.

You avoided his question…

Ryon: I want a real sword. No one's afraid of wood. I'll find the men who took Rodrik someday. And I'll make sure I have a real sword when I do.

Ethan gets up.

Ethan looks at the gate.

Ethan can enter and get a view of the courtyard.

Ethan approaches Duncan regarding the food.

Duncan: Our provisions are rather low, my lord. I made the count again. Just to be sure. But it doesn't look good.

Ethan: Has anything gone missing?

Duncan: No, doesn't look that way. Seems Erik was the only one to resort to thievery. But I'm still worried about our stores.

Ethan: Erik said people were going to starve. Why can't we feed them?

Duncan: The war has taken its toll. Even our own stores for the House are dwindling.

Ethan: How bad is it? How long could we hold the House?

Duncan: The war has taken its toll. Even our own stores for the House are dwindling.

Duncan: We couldn't withstand a siege, my lord. If the Boltons or the Whitehills cut us off and wait us out, we'd only last a fortnight. But there are steps we can take… In the past we've demanded food from the smallfolk to replenish our stores. We can do it again if you'd like. We've done it before in desperate times. The last long Winter my family had to give all our pigs to the House.

Ethan: I trust you to make the right decision.

Duncan: We'll have to take food from the smallfolk and hope they can fend for themselves. If the House falls, they'd all be worse for it! I'll see to the arrangements.

Ethan: No. There must be something else we can do.

Duncan: Well I hope we find it soon. We won't have much room to manuever if we don't have the option of holding fast. I can speak to the huntsmen and trappers. Perhaps they can do more.

Ethan: If that's what's necessary to keep the House safe, then we must.

Duncan: Aye. A hard choice, but it's what has to be done. I'll see to the arrangements.

Duncan: Even if you don't decide now, you may need to soon enough. Until then. I can speak to the huntsmen and trappers. Perhaps they can do more.

Duncan: My lord.

Duncan has his arms crossed, examining the dwindling provisions.

Ethan: Duncan.

Duncan: Yes, my lord?

Ethan: I have much to consider. And face a difficult decision…

Duncan: Perhaps I can help. Your father often sought my counsel.

Duncan: Back again, my lord?

Ethan: As lord, I must name a Sentinel.

Duncan: Of course. And if I may ask… who do you favor for the role? Perhaps I can share my insight. And talking can sometimes help you make a decision.

Ethan: Actually, I wanted to ask… why did you send Gared away?

Duncan: I did it for your own protection, my lord. Gared had to go. By sending him away myself I thought it would keep you blameless in the eyes of the Whitehills. I only hoped to give you an advantage. And I regret any action you disapprove of.

Ethan: That's a clever strategy.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: I do hope that's a good thing, my lord.

Ethan: I understand. And you're forgiven.

Duncan: Thank you, my lord.

Duncan will remember that.

Ethan: You had your reasons, but nonetheless, you undermined my authority. I can't have that happen again.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: It won't, my lord. You have my word.

Ethan looks at him whilst thinking.

Ethan: What do you think of Ser Royland? Do you trust him ?

Duncan: He's a fine warrior, my lord. But he's nowhere near ready to serve as Sentinel. I do not trust him. He's likely to lose his temper and get us all killed, and at the worst possible time.

Ethan: Would you want to be the Sentinel…?

Duncan: More than you can imagine, my lord. With all due respect for Ser Royland, there's no one better suited to the role than me.

Ethan: I haven't decided yet.

Duncan: Well you must soon, my lord. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.

Ethan looks down.

Ethan: Thank you, Duncan. I appreciate your advice.

Duncan: I am at your service, my lord.

Ethan: No, it's nothing. I just need to walk and clear my head.

Duncan returns to what he was doing.

Ethan: Duncan. I've decided to name you as my Sentinel. Congratulations.

Duncan: Why… thank you, my lord. I'm honored. But are you sure?

Ethan: Yes. Of course. I'm convinced you're the man for the job.

Duncan: Then I accept. But first you must summon the small council, my lord. To make it official.

Ethan: Right. I'll tell Maester Ortengryn to do it at once.

Ethan: Well, not entirely, I suppose. But I'm still considering you for the job.

Duncan: I see. Then understand, this is not to be taken lightly, my lord. Not at all.

Duncan won't soon forget that…

Ethan: Of course.

Royland is busy motivating his soldiers training by yelling at them.

Royland: Come on, come on! What did I say? Swords up! Slash right! Parry! Again!

Royland: Sword up! Swing left! Parry! Wrong! I didn't know dogs could hold swords.

Ethan interrupts.

Ethan: Ser Royland. A word?

Royland: Of course, my lord.

He goes over to Ethan.

Ethan: I have many decisions to make and I wanted your advice.

Royland: Yes, my lord?

Ethan: I need to name a Sentinel.

Royland: Aye, you do! And it's good you came to me. I know this House. And everyone here knows me. They know I can hold the reins or wield the sword, in equal measure. I'm the man you need. And might I remind you, it was Duncan Tuttle who sent Gared to the Wall. He undermined your authority and made you look weak to the Whitehills. I would never do that to you. And if you pardon me saying so… I think your father would be proud. Seeing you make good choices as a young lord.

Ethan: I haven't made my decision yet. But I appreciate your opinion.

Royland will remember that.

Ethan: Duncan Tuttle is a good man.

Royland will remember that.

Royland: Aye. A fine man. Wise, even. But he has no business being Sentinel. He likes to talk. But now is the time for action.

Ethan: Your words are wise, Ser Royland.

Royland will remember that.

Royland: Thank you, my lord.

Ethan: I will consider them as I make my choice.

Royland: You don't say much, do you, lad? That's good. Reminds me of your brother Asher.

Royland: Ah… so… when will you declare your decision? My lord.

Ethan: Tonight. At the small council meeting.

Royland: Very good. I trust your judgement, my lord.

Ethan: What's the state of our defenses? Are these men ready for what's coming?

Royland: This lot? Ready? No. But they will be. We post anyone who can hold a spear along the parapet, up where they won't get much scrutiny. And put our meanest, nastiest looking brutes front and center. That'll show Ramsay we're a force in our own right. You've got to project power. Especially when you're weakened.

Ethan: Thank you, Ser Royland. I'll let you get back to training these men.

Royland: Thank you, my lord… and, uh…

Royland: I'll be sure to watch out for more deserters. After today… I suspect there'll be more to come.

Royland: You should know that swinging the blade yourself took stones. It was a man's way of justice.

Royland: If you ask me, the way you handled that thief… it was the right thing to do.

Ethan: I've decided to name you as my Sentinel, Ser Royland.

Royland: Thank you, my lord. But… are you sure…?

Ethan: Yes. Of course. I'm convinced you're the man for the job.

Royland: Then I accept. But you must summon the small council, my lord. To make it official.

Ethan: Right. I'll tell Maester Ortengryn to do it at once.

Ethan: Well, not entirely, I suppose. But I'm still considering you for the job.

Ser Royland won't forget that.

Royland: I see. Well naming your Sentinel is not to be taken lightly, my lord.

Ethan: Of course.

Malcolm is sorting out a saddle in the stables.

Malcolm: Ethan… or, I should say, Lord Ethan.

Ethan: Hello, Uncle Malcolm.

Malcolm: I saw what you did today. It's not an easy thing to do…

Malcolm: Showing mercy to a man who admits his guilt.

Malcolm: Dealing out a harsh punishment, no matter how warranted.

Ethan eyes Talia whom looks at him in sadness. Malcolm looks down for a moment.

Malcolm: But if you'll excuse me, my lord, I should finish packing before nightfall. I hope to be off tomorrow. At first light.

Ethan: Wait, Uncle… you can't leave! We need you here. Especially now.

Ethan: Uncle, why are you packing? You're not going somewhere, are you?

Ethan: But… where are you going!?

Ethan looks at Malcolm with a questioning look. Whom shakes his head and sighs.

Malcolm: Your mother asked me to cross the Narrow Sea to find your brother Asher.

Ethan: Asher…?

Malcolm: She has asked me to return with him. To help the House.

Ethan: She said nothing of this to me.

Malcolm: Because she fears you will not agree. I told her my place is here. That I'll be of no help to you in Essos. But she insisted.

He puts his hand on Ethan's shoulder.

Malcolm: I will hold, of course, until you've spoken with her about this. Just… try to be kind to her. She's been living a nightmare made real. But you know that just as well.

Ethan: She's my mother. Of course I'll be gentle.

Malcolm: I know you will. You're good-hearted, my lord. That is your true strength.

Ethan: She's my mother. I know how to speak to her.

Malcolm: I'm sure you do.

Ethan: I must be firm. I am not a boy anymore, and there is too much at stake.

Malcolm: A lord's work can harden a man, it's true.

Ethan shrugs and they look at each other speechless.

Ethan: But my mother's fears are not the only ones I face. My people are scared as well. I'm told I must choose a Sentinel.

Malcolm: If I may be so bold, Ser Royland is the man for the job. He'd be a fine choice. And I'd trust him. Aye, Ser Royland is the man you want.

Ethan: You're right. Ser Royland seems the man for the job.

Ethan: Why Ser Royland?

Ethan: I think you're wrong, Uncle.

Malcolm: *sigh* You're young and you still have much to learn.

Nothing is said or gestured.

Malcolm: We are at WAR. You need a warrior by your side. Royland has the respect of his men, and will bring strength and discipline to this House. Duncan would offer sage advice, but now is not the time to negotiate. Not with the likes of Ramsay Snow.

Ethan: Thank you, uncle.

Talia comes up to Ethan.

Talia: Ethan! I need to talk to you.

Ethan and Malcolm look at each other. Talia grabs Ethan by the arm and pulls him to the side to discuss.

Talia: Mother told me -- Mira has asked for Lady Margaery's help.

Ethan: Did she…?

Talia: I knew we could rely on Mira. She always thinks of family above all else. Hopefully Lady Margaery's influence will be enough. But right now I'm more concerned about you.

Talia: I saw what you did to that man…

Talia: I know you told me you'd have to change, but… I suppose I hadn't believed you would.

Talia: I know you said you'd get angry sometimes, but… I didn't think I'd see it so soon.

Talia: You promised me you wouldn't change… and I believed you.

Talia: The way you punished him… How could you be so cruel…? I'm worried about you. What am I supposed to think?

Ethan: I did what I had to, and I stand by it.

She'll remember that.

Talia: You talk like it was the only thing to be done.

Talia: I know you told me you'd have to change, but… I suppose I hadn't believed you would.

Talia: I know you said you'd get angry sometimes, but… I didn't think I'd see it so soon.

Talia: You promised me you wouldn't change… and I believed you.

Ethan: Do you think it's easy? I'm the third-born son. Father never prepared me for this. I'm doing the best I can!

She'll remember that.

Talia: I know you are, Ethan. I know.

Talia: I know you told me you'd have to change, but… I suppose I hadn't believed you would.

Talia: I know you said you'd get angry sometimes, but… I didn't think I'd see it so soon.

Talia: You promised me you wouldn't change… and I believed you.

Ethan: I did what I had to. I had no choice.

She'll remember that.

Talia: You always have choices.

Talia: I know you told me you'd have to change, but… I suppose I hadn't believed you would.

Talia: I know you said you'd get angry sometimes, but… I didn't think I'd see it so soon.

Talia: You promised me you wouldn't change… and I believed you.

You remained silent.

Talia looks up and scoffs.

Talia: I know you told me you'd have to change, but… I suppose I hadn't believed you would.

Talia: I know you said you'd get angry sometimes, but… I didn't think I'd see it so soon.

Talia: You promised me you wouldn't change… and I believed you.

Ethan: I can't afford any more mistakes. Everyone knows what happened with Lord Whitehill… and Gared being sent to the Wall without my knowledge…

Talia: I know… and that wasn't your fault--

Ethan: But I'm the lord. It's my responsibility. The people want me to lead. They need me to, but…

Talia: What…? Ethan, please. Tell me.

Ethan: What do you suggest I do…?

Talia: You must be strong. Decisive. You are the Lord of this House. Remember… You're just as capable as Asher or Rodrik ever were. I know it. I only wish you did too.

Ethan: I… I wish father were here.

Talia: We all do, but… father is gone. You are the Lord of this House, which is why you must be strong. You're just as capable as Asher or Rodrik ever were. I know it. I only wish you did too.

Ethan: Who should I name as my Sentinel?

Talia: It should definitely be Duncan Tuttle. He's dependable, and smart, and everyone trusts his judgement. Ser Royland is… unpredictable. And likely to make matters worse.

Talia: You're just as capable as Asher or Rodrik ever were. I know it. I only wish you did too.

Ethan: You've always given me good advice. Thank you.

Talia goes back to tend to a horse.

Ortengryn is examining some Ironwood.

Ethan: Maester…

Ortengryn: Yes, Lord Ethan. I see you've spoken to a number of people. Are you prepared to name your Sentinel?

Ortengryn: Yes, Lord Ethan. Are you prepared to name your Sentinel?

Ortengryn: My lord, are you now ready to name your Sentinel?

Ethan: What is it you're doing over here?

Ortengryn: Admiring the Ironwood, my lord. I studied it at the Citadel. The wood may be black, but I see gold. An entire forest of gold.

Ethan: What do you mean?

Ortengryn: It is our greatest asset, my lord. Why not give some of our Ironwood to House Bolton and have them leave us be? We could ransom ourselves! You can hardly put a price on your own life. Or the lives of those you love.

Ethan: Ransom or a robbery? We may pay him now, but what's to stop him from coming back again?

Ortengryn: Lord Ethan, the dangers of today outweigh the fears of tomorrow.

Ethan: A sensible plan, Maester. It may come to that.

Ortengryn: I am glad to hear your mind is open to possibility.

Ethan: How much do we have to give, Maester?

Ortengryn: From here to Wolfswood creek, and then across the next two ridges. It should be enough to satisfy Ramsay Snow, I imagine. Bloodlust can often be sated by gifts and gold.

Ethan puts his head down and Ortengryn returns to admire the Ironwood.

Ethan: No… I'm not ready just yet.

Ortengryn: Let me know when you are, my lord.

Ethan: No, I'm just… taking stock of things.

Ethan: Yes, Maester. I am ready.

Ortengryn: Very well. I will convene the small council at once.

After telling the maester that he is ready, Ethan heads off to the Great Hall with the maester at his side.

The Great Hall[]

Ethan, his mother and the maester arrive in the Great Hall where Duncan and Royland are already waiting at the table. Ethan takes his seat.

Ethan: You may sit.

Everybody except the maester sits down, whom stands by Ethan's side to explain.

Ortengryn: I believe Lord Ethan has reached his decision.

Ethan: Before I name my Sentinel, I must tell you…

Ethan: Whomever's not chosen should feel no shame.

Ethan: Duncan. Royland. This House needs you both.

Ortengryn: But… you can only choose one, my lord.

Royland: Let him be on with it.

Ethan: There was one man who stood above all others…

Elissa: Lord Ethan?

Ethan: Many thought either of you would make a fine Sentinel. But I have made my decision.

Duncan and Royland lean in, in anticipation. Ethan is left to make his final decision.

Ethan: Duncan Tuttle, you will be my Sentinel.

Ethan hands the bracer to Duncan, whom is pleased to be given the title and puts the bracer on.

Royland: Tuttle? This… this is reckless!

Duncan: Lord Ethan has made his choice.

Royland will remember that.

Duncan: I will not disappoint you, my lord.

Royland: You make a fool of me, my lord. You as much as promised it to me earlier.

Ortengryn: That's quite enough. The matter is settled.

Ethan: Ser Royland Degore. You will be my Sentinel.

Ethan hands the bracer to Royland, whom is stunned to be given the title, he puts the bracer on happily. Duncan looks at Royland unimpressed.

Royland: Gods be praised! You've done well, Lord Ethan. You won't regret this.

Duncan will remember that.

Duncan: A poor choice, my lord. Forgive me for saying so, but it's true.

Duncan: You make a fool of me, my lord. You as much as promised it to me earlier.

Ortengryn: That's quite enough. The matter is settled.

Ethan: Now, Sentinel. What do you have to report of Ramsay Snow?

Duncan: Our scouts say he is only a day's ride from here. We've no time to waste.

Royland: My scouts say he's a day's ride away. We've no time to waste! He'll arrive before any of our allies could be here.

Elissa: Who knows what he's capable of. We need to prepare for the worst.

Ethan: We can devise a plan to deal with him.

Ethan: We can handle Ramsay Snow. He doesn't scare me.

Ethan: There's no need to panic. We can devise a plan to deal with him.

Looking at his mother, Ethan turns to looking down.

Ortengryn: The Boltons need our people to harvest the Ironwood. Even the bastard, Ramsay, must understand that.

Royland: He's not coming here to negotiate! We must answer with the sword.

Duncan: That's bloody suicide! You'd gamble with the lives of everyone within these walls!?

Duncan: Ignore Ser Royland. You named me Sentinel. I KNEW this would happen. HE cannot be trusted!

Royland: This IS the bloody small council. Lord Ethan deserves to hear from ALL of us.

Ethan: I will hear from my Sentinel. Please…

Duncan: Ser Royland is clearly able and ready to take up arms. But the rest of our soldiers are not. We need to take a cunning approach. Diplomacy can be a sharper instrument than a sword.

Royland: The Boltons' sigil is a flayed man. Force is the only thing they understand.

Ethan: Let Ser Royland speak. I'd like to hear what he has to say. Ser Royland…

Royland: No, no, you chose your Sentinel. He should speak on this.

Duncan looks at Royland with a questioning look.

Duncan: Ser Royland is clearly able and ready to take up arms. But the rest of our soldiers are not. We need to take a cunning approach. Diplomacy can be a sharper instrument than a sword.

Royland: The Boltons' sigil is a flayed man. Force is the only thing they understand.

Ethan: Enough! Would my father have stood for this kind of bickering? Neither will I.

Duncan and Royland look at Ethan in shock, Lady Forrester and Ortengryn even look at them with questioning looks.

Duncan: Ser Royland is clearly able and ready to take up arms. But the rest of our soldiers are not. We need to take a cunning approach. Diplomacy can be a sharper instrument than a sword.

Royland: The Boltons' sigil is a flayed man. Force is the only thing they understand.

Ortengryn: A man may have two ears, but he cannot listen to two men talk at once.

Royland: The Boltons' sigil is a flayed man. Force is the only thing they understand. Put every man who can hold a spear or crossbow on the wall, and make the bastard fill his boots with piss.

Duncan: He would see it for the empty gesture that it is and have US flayed. We must take a measured approach, my lord.

Royland: Quiet, Tuttle. You're not the Sentinel. I KNEW this would happen. HE cannot be trusted!

Duncan: This IS the small council, is it not!? Lord Ethan should hear from ALL of us.

Ethan: I will hear from my Sentinel. Please…

Ethan: Let Duncan speak. I'd like to hear what he has to say. Duncan…

Duncan: I'm sorry, Lord Ethan, you have chosen your Sentinel. You should hear from him first.

Royland looks at Duncan with a questioning look.

Ethan: Enough! Would my father have stood for this kind of bickering? Neither will I.

Duncan and Royland look at Ethan in shock, Lady Forrester and Ortengryn even look at them with questioning looks.

Ortengryn: A man may have two ears, but he cannot listen to two men talk at once.

Royland: The Boltons' sigil is a flayed man. Force is the only thing they understand. Put every man who can hold a spear or crossbow on the wall, and make the bastard fill his boots with piss.

Duncan: He would see it for the empty gesture that it is and have US flayed. We must take a measured approach, my lord.

Elissa: Gentlemen, please…

Duncan and Royland look in silence.

Elissa: Thank the gods Mira has asked Lady Margaery for her help. It's not too late for the Crown to intervene on our behalf. But we must have a plan if Mira's efforts are not successful. I trust Mira's judgement. I don't doubt she did everything within her power to help us.

Ethan: There must be other options.

Elissa: We must give him whatever he wants and be done with it. It's too dangerous to do otherwise.

Ethan: Mother? What do you recommend we do?

Elissa: We must give him whatever he wants and be done with it. It's too dangerous to do otherwise.

Ethan: We all must agree on the plan. We cannot leave until we have a consensus.

Royland groans.

Elissa: You must make your opinion known.

Ortengryn: Why not make an offering for peace, my lord?

Royland: Pfeh, the wisdom of the Citadel…

Ortengryn: We can give the Boltons Ironwood in exchange for their protection.

Duncan: You must be mad. It's pure folly to just give away the only currency we have to bargain with.

Ethan: Enough.

Ethan: My new Sentinel favors a certain approach and I agree.

Ethan: Although Ser Royland may object…

Royland will remember that.

Ethan: I shall use diplomacy with Lord Snow. I would be foolish to pick a fight without negotiating first. I'll offer our allegiance and try to reach a… reasonable agreement.

Royland: If you aren't ready for a fight, you're bound to lose when one breaks out.

Ethan: Maester Ortengryn has swayed me. We will offer the Boltons a share of the Ironwood. And we will promise our people to harvest it, thus securing their safety.

Your council will remember that.

Duncan: As Sentinel and Castellan, I must warn against this. You may do this for some gain now, but in the end, it will starve this House.

Royland: As Sentinel, I must warn you, do this and you invite ruin upon this House.

Ortengryn: If we don't, there may be no House Forrester at all.

Royland: If you aren't ready for a fight, you're bound to lose when one breaks out.

Ethan: I know I can still count on Ser Royland as Master-at-Arms.

Duncan will remember that.

Ethan: My Sentinel is skilled in the ways of war…

Ethan: Our forces may not be at full strength, but our men are willing to take on this fight. I think Ramsay Snow will see that too.

Ortengryn: They may be willing, but are they able, my lord?

Duncan: My lord, casting aside diplomacy means giving up our best chance to come through this safely.

Elissa: Ethan has made his opinion known and you will respect his decision.

Ortengryn looks in awe.

Duncan: Forgive us, my lord. We are, of course, here to serve you. As we served your father.

Royland: Aye…

Duncan: Well, then… let's decide how we shall set the stage for Ramsay's arrival.

Duncan: Invite him into this hall and meet him face to face. Lord to lord.

Royland: Ramsay Snow is no lord. That's absurd. You meet him at the gate with as much force as we can muster! Make him wait, let him gaze upon Ironrath, and when he enters he'll know it's only because YOU allowed it.

Ortengryn: We could offer him the Ironwood in the courtyard.

Duncan: My lord, making this kind of offer outright may simply embolden Ramsay. There could be trouble, and all the House will be there to see it. Meet him in the Hall. It will be more private, and he will not have an audience to play against you.

Royland: You meet him at the gate with as much force as we can muster! Make him wait, let him gaze upon Ironrath, and when he enters he'll know it's only because YOU allowed it.

Duncan: We don't have enough soldiers to strike fear in a madman like Ramsay Snow. Invite him into this hall and meet him face to face. Lord to lord.

Elissa: Lord Ethan…

Ethan: I will meet him in the Great Hall.

You chose to meet Ramsay in your Hall.

Duncan: A wise move, my lord.

Royland: It's careless. Can't you see Tuttle is steering you wrong!?

Duncan: That's enough, Royland! Lord Ethan has given his command.

Royland stands up from his seat.

Royland: How many years have I served this House? I cannot listen to that bloody idiot any more! Forgive me, my lord. But you are NOT ready to be Lord of this House. You're likely to get us all killed!

Royland: It's careless. Can't you see Tuttle is steering you wrong!?

Royland: You will lead us into ruin!

Duncan stands up from his seat.

Duncan: I've faithfully served this House for far too long to sit here and listen to this!

Duncan: Forgive me, my lord. But you are far too young to be the Lord of this House.

Duncan: You're likely to get us all killed!

Ethan: I will meet him at the gate.

You chose to meet Ramsay at your gate.

Royland: Very good, my lord. I shall prepare the men.

Duncan: Men? We hardly have any. It's a foolish plan.

Duncan: Your ignorance will be the end of us!

Royland stands up from his seat.

Royland: How many years have I served this House? I cannot listen to that bloody idiot any more!

Royland: Forgive me, my lord. But you are NOT ready to be Lord of this House.

Royland: You're likely to get us all killed!

Royland: That's enough from you, Tuttle. Lord Ethan has spoken. Obey his command.

Duncan stands up from his seat.

Duncan: I've faithfully served this House for far too long to sit here and listen to this! Forgive me, my lord. But you are far too young to be the Lord of this House. You're likely to get us all killed!

Ethan: Sit. Down. At once.

Duncan/Royland sits back down.

He will remember that.

Ethan: Not. Another. Word.

TBA

Duncan: I'd hoped for better from you, my lord.

He will remember that.

He leaves the Great Hall.

Ethan: Get. Out.

Royland: You'll regret that, 'my lord'.

Duncan: Your father would not approve, my lord.

He will remember that.

He leaves the Great Hall.

Ethan glares.

You said nothing…

Elissa: Apologies, my son.

Elissa: I had expected better of him.

Elissa: But now that it is settled, we know what we must do.

Elissa: You will meet Ramsay Snow in the Great Hall.

Elissa: You will meet Ramsay Snow at the gate.

Elissa: And we will not offer our Ironwood.

Ortengryn: And we will offer the Ironwood, providing a safe future for this house.

Duncan: And don't worry, Lord Ethan. I will stand beside you. Where your Sentinel belongs.

Royland: No matter what, I will stand beside you, my lord. Where your Sentinel belongs.

Elissa: Then perhaps we should adjourn. We have to prepare the House.

The council get up to leave, Ortengryn bows to Ethan before leaving.

Duncan: My lord, you have named your Sentinel. But you still seem conflicted. And no matter what, you can't be indecisive. Not if you want to help this House.

Lady Forrester looks at him.

Duncan: Forgive me.

He leaves.

Royland: My lord, I have fought for this family for… many years. Do not forget that.

Lady Forrester looks at him and he leaves.

Duncan: My lord, I have faithfully served this family for many years. I… I sent my own nephew to the Wall to protect you. Just… remember that.

Lady Forrester looks at him.

Duncan: Forgive me.

He leaves.

TBA

Elissa: There will always be those who will question your leadership.

Ethan gets up. They walk and talk.

Elissa: Which is why you need allies you can rely on. Family.

Elissa: Mira has done everything she can in King's Landing. But there are others who can help us.

Elissa: What about your brother, Asher?

Ethan: You want to bring him back.

Ethan: Malcolm told me. You want to bring him back.

Elissa: He's a skilled fighter. But what's more, he has the will to fight. A hunger for it. He always protected you and your sister. And we need all the help we can get.

Ethan: But won't he be lord if he returns? Do you want him to take my place?

Elissa: Of course not. He has no interest in such things. And that's not what I want, either. Asher is… volatile. But that is his strength, too.

Ethan: Why would you bring him back after you exiled him?

Elissa: He exiled himself! He has no desire to rule. Asher is… volatile. But that is his strength, too.

Ethan: Yes, I hear what you're saying.

Ethan looks down without an answer.

Elissa: Do you remember the miller's boy? How he tormented you… I wanted to intervene, but your father said, "Ethan must fight his own battles." But when Asher saw it, he didn't take a breath. He grabbed the miller's boy by the neck. That was his first instinct. Asher knocked out half the poor boy's teeth. Of course your father was furious, but you were in danger and there was nothing else Asher needed to know. Asher does not hesitate. He acts. And we need that. You have many fine qualities, but… You do not have that anger inside you. It's something we could use.

Ethan: Asher is dangerous. And unpredictable. His presence could help or hurt.

Elissa: Having another sword at your side always helps. Especially now.

Ethan: I'm prepared to do what must be done. I don't need my brother to do it for me.

Elissa: Having another sword at your side always helps. Especially now.

Ethan: I'm not like that. But I don't need to be, do I?

Elissa: No… but you need someone who IS standing beside you.

Elissa: You're a thinker, Ethan. You contemplate, and a lord needs that. But a lord also needs swords.

Malcolm walks in. After a moment of silence…

Elissa: I'm trying to do what's best for this family. What this family needs. Ethan, let me send Malcolm to Essos.

Ethan: Fine. Malcolm will go to Essos, and bring Asher back.

Lady Forrester looks at Malcolm happily.

Lady Forrester will remember that.

Malcolm goes to leave.

Elissa: Thank you, Ethan. I'm glad you will let me do this.

Ethan: I'm sorry, mother. But I can't have Malcolm bring Asher back. He will not go to Essos. That is the final word. Do you hear me?

Lady Forrester looks at Malcolm blankly.

Lady Forrester will remember that.

Malcolm goes to leave.

Elissa: I hear you. But this is a mistake. I wish you trusted me with this.

Elissa: Know that you never stand alone. You are a Forrester. Mira stands with us, and she may be able to help us yet.

Lady Forrester leaves and Ethan is left to think by himself.

King's Landing, The Red Keep - Mira[]

Margaery's Quarters (Determinant)[]

If Mira asked Lady Margaery for help, she'll be seen sat in her quarters fiddling with a sigil on the wedding map. Waiting for Margaery to arrive, whom is currently asking Joffrey for the requested help. Mira looks to her right and notices two particular items on the desk. The Tyrell seal, and an odd key. Mira has the opportunity to examine them and take them as they may prove useful later on, but will essentially be stealing Margaery's property. After deciding, the door opens.

Mira: Margaery…?

It is Sera.

Mira: Oh.

Sera: Lady Margaery is still with the King. I thought you might want to know.

She walks around Mira.

Mira: Thank you.

Sera: I thought we were friends, Mira. When you… dismissed me the other day, I won't say it didn't hurt my feelings.

She sits down.

Sera: We've known each other for years. And yet to be treated like that…

TBA

Mira: I'm sorry, Sera. You shouldn't take it personally.

Sera will remember that.

Sera: Well, I did. I thought there was trust between us. Friends don't hold secrets from one another.

Mira: We are friends, Sera. Truly.

Sera will remember that.

Sera: Friends trust one another. They don't hold secrets.

TBA

Sera: Now Lady Margaery thinks you don't trust me. And she values your opinion very much.

Mira: Sera, I--

Sera: Lady Margaery is still with the King. I thought you would want to know.

She goes to sit down.

Mira: Thank you.

Sera: Mira, look… the other day when you asked Lady Margaery for help, I only spoke out of fear for her. I want to help you. If there's anything I can do… Your poor family. I can't imagine how you must feel.

Mira: Please don't repeat what you heard to anyone.

Sera will remember that.

Sera: Of course. I never would.

Mira: You're sweet to offer, Sera. Thank you.

Sera smiles.

Sera will remember that.

Mira: Thank you, Sera. But I have to do this myself.

Sera will remember that.

Sera: If you feel that way.

Mira looks down.

You gave her no answer…

Sera: I hope you'll let me know.

Sera: Lady Margaery is always saying how important friends and allies are in King's Landing. Just know I will be here for you if you ever-

The door opens and in walks Margaery. Very silent and looking down. Mira and Sera get up, and after some more silence.

Sera: My lady. I'll leave you to talk.

Sera walks out the day.

Mira: Are you all right, my lady?

Mira: What did King Joffrey say, my lady?

Mira: How is King Joffrey, my lady?

They both stand in silence.

Margaery: The King was not inclined to offer help for your family.

She turns around, revealing that Joffrey had ripped the shoulder pad on her dress.

Margaery: I'll need this mended.

Mira: Gods…

She turns away from Mira.

Margaery: He said I was too easily swayed. And he reminded me that I am not yet his wife. I allayed his fear. For now. But it will be a long time before I can ask him for anything again. Nothing I said could cheer him. He wouldn't even speak to me when I left him.

Mira: I am so sorry, my lady. I should never have asked you for the King's help.

Margaery appreciated that.

Mira: But my family… they're still in danger.

Margaery: Your family isn't the only thing in jeopardy, Mira.

She'll remember that.

Mira: My little brother is only seven years old. I am afraid for him. For all of them.

Mira: What can I do to make this better, my lady?

Margaery appreciated that.

Margaery: There's nothing you can do, Mira.

Mira looks down.

You gave her no answer…

Margaery: You've nothing to say?

Mira: Understand… it was my mother's plan, not mine… I just hope you can find some way to forgive me.

Mira: Please don't hold it against me… Ramsay Snow is on his way to Ironrath…

Mira: Ramsay Snow is on his way to Ironrath…

Margaery turns around and walks up to Mira.

Margaery: This is simply not how things are done, Mira. Not in King's Landing.

Mira: I'm sorry, my lady.

Margaery: *sigh* Soon I will be Queen and maybe then I'll be in a better position to help you. But for now… now we must both be cautious.

Mira: I must send a raven. I have to warn my family. If you'll excuse me, my lady…

Mira leaves the room as Margaery looks concerned.

The Corridors[]

Mira enters the corridor after leaving Margaery's room, regardless if she asked for her help or not. She turns around to walk back to her own quarters.

Tom: M'lady…

She turns to the staircase where the coal boy is standing.

Mira: You…

He walks down the stairs to Mira's level.

Tom: Begging your pardon, m'lady. I hope I didn't frighten you.

Mira: I'm glad to see you.

Tom: Thank you, m'lady.

Mira: Sorry, I can't talk now.

Tom: I'm sorry, I don't mean to disturb you.

Mira: How long have you been waiting there?

Tom: Not long. I was just passing by when I saw you emerge from Lady Margaery's room.

Tom: I hope you saw… I was right before. About Lady Margaery and Queen Cersei…

Mira continues walking whilst thinking.

Tom: I just want you to know I… I can help you if you'd like. And your family. If you're willing to trust me. I hear all sorts of things. Things that could be useful for you.

Mira: How can you help me? My problems can't be solved by what you might overhear.

Mira: It's too dangerous for me right now. And for you as well.

Tom: You needn't worry about me. I can take care of myself.

Mira: How can I trust you? There are spies everywhere in King's Landing.

Nothing is said or gestured.

Tom: Which is why you must trust me, m'lady. You need allies.

Tom: Hopefully I've proven I can be useful to you.

Mira: I'm sorry. I… I really must go.

Tom: Please don't despair. I know people who…

He hears a Kingsguard approaching nearby and begins to back up and walk away.

Tom: People who'd be willing to help you.

The guard enters the corridor as the coal boy sneaks away and goes back up the stair case. Mira gives his words some thought before walking back to her quaters. The Kingsguard looks at her as she walks past him and continues his patrol down the corridor.

Ironrath, Stronghold of House Forrester - Ethan[]

The Great Hall/The Courtyard[]

Ethan will either be standing in the Great Hall or the Courtyard of Ironrath with Duncan or Royland at his side, waiting for Ramsay Snow's arrival.

Duncan looks to Ethan's side where Ser Royland should be standing.

Duncan: Where's Ser Royland? He should be here! The man values pride more than honor. We'll do without him… AND without King's Landing. I know you'd hoped Mira could help us, but I'm confident we've enough strength of our own. Your men stand ready to act if needed.

TBA

Ethan: I hope so.

Duncan noticed that.

Duncan: You made the right decision, my lord.

Ethan: Our plan is a good one. It will work, so long as everyone does their part.

He appreciates your confidence.

TBA

Royland looks to Ethan's side where Duncan should be standing.

Royland: Where the bloody hell is Duncan? He should be here! Fuck him if he's angry. We'll do without him… AND without King's Landing. I know you'd hoped Mira could help us, but I'm confident we've enough strength of our own. Your men are ready to act if needed.

TBA

TBA

Ethan: Our plan is a good one. It will work, so long as everyone does their part.

He appreciates your confidence.

TBA

In enters Ramsay Snow and Lord Whitehill.

Ramsay: Isn't this a lovely pile of timber? Not the place I'd want to be if there was a fire.

Lady Forrester looks at Ethan.

Duncan: Ironwood is near impervious to flame, my lord.

Royland: Ironwood is near impervious to flame, my lord.

Ramsay: Is it?

Ludd: May I introduce Lord Ramsay of House Bolton, son of Roose Bolton. Although a bastard, Lord Ramsay has the full authority of the Warden of the--

Ramsay: Thank you, Ludd. That's enough.

Ramsay looks at Ethan.

Ramsay: Who is this little boy? Is he lost?

Ethan: Lord Ramsay. Welcome to Ironrath.

Ethan: May I offer you bread and salt, Lord Ramsay?

Ramsay: I loathe bread and salt.

TBA

TBA

Ramsay: Aren't you the little lord! Lord Whitehill told me you were young, but this… look at you!

An Ironrath soldier walks up to Ramsay with an ironwood shield.

Duncan: A token. For the new Warden of the North.

Royland: A token. For the new Warden of the North.

Ramsay: Let me guess… Forrester Ironwood?

Duncan: Carved by our most skilled craftsman.

Royland: Carved by our most skilled craftsman.

Ramsay: Ironwood. Doesn't look like much. Don't know what's so special about it.

Ethan: What do you think?

Ethan: No one can match our skill.

Ramsay: Is that so…?

Ethan: Your father will appreciate it, I hope. Our Ironwood is highly sought after.

Ramsay: My father is not so easily impressed.

Ramsay: Hmm…

Ramsay stabs at the shield, causing the soldier to hold it in front of his face in fright. Ramsay's blade barely pierces the wood and he puts it away.

Ramsay: Not bad. Lord Whitehill. Can your lot do this?

Ludd: Given enough time, we could learn--

Ramsay: Given enough time you could do a great many things. But not this, apparently.

Ethan and his mother smile at each other as they are seemingly making progress.

Ramsay: This Ironwood seems to be your most precious possession. But it is just wood.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer to your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Ramsay: Give him? He is your Warden. What's yours is already his.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer to you. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give them to you, in tribute.

Ramsay: To me?

Ramsay says this while putting his hand up to his chest and grinning.

Ramsay: That's very kind of you. Thank you.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift to offer. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give them to the Crown in tribute, as a sign of our loyalty to the King.

Ramsay: You would give him what he already owns? He is the King, after all. What's yours is already his.

Duncan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Royland: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Ramsay: Give him? He is your Warden. What's yours is already his.

Duncan is pacing back and fourth, wondering where Ser Royland is.

Duncan: Where's Ser Royland? The man values pride more than honor. AND without King's Landing. I know you'd hoped Mira could help us, but I'm confident we've enough strength of our own. Your men stand ready to act if needed.

TBA

TBA

TBA

You remained silent.

Duncan: I have every faith in them… and you, my lord.

Royland is pacing back and fourth, wondering where Duncan is.

Royland: Where the bloody hell is Duncan? Fuck him if he's angry. AND without King's Landing. I know you'd hoped Mira could help us, but I'm confident we've enough strength of our own. Your men are ready to act if needed.

Ethan: The gods haven't favored us, have they?

Ser Royland won't forget that.

Royland: My lord, remember our words: Iron from Ice. From that which seems hopeless, comes strength.

Ethan: Ser Royland, I trust you'll keep a level head.

He'll remember your words…

Royland: Of course, my lord. But the Bastard of Bolton cannot be trusted to do the same.

Ethan: Our plan is a good one. It will work, so long as everyone does their part.

He appreciates your confidence.

You remained silent.

Royland: I have every faith in them--and you, my lord.

An Ironrath soldier approaches to give news.

Ironrath Soldier: Bolton men approaching, m'lord!

Duncan/Royland look at Ethan, whom is uncomfortable about the ordeal. They both go to the gate, where Ramsay and the Whitehills approach. Ramsay looks displeased with the unwelcome gesture.

Ramsay: Something wrong with your gate?

He looks at one of the Ironrath Soldiers on the other side, who glares at him and crosses his arms, showing no fear. Ethan and his sentinel approach with the Ironrath soldier whom notified him while carrying an ironwood shield.

Ramsay: Well, aren't you the Little Lord! No wonder you can't open the gate. Shall we help you?

Ramsay looks at one of his soldiers and back to Ethan.

Ramsay: Now let me in. This is a lovely pile of timber, isn't it?

Ramsay grins at Ethan.

Ethan: You're welcome inside. But your men are not.

Ramsay: Did you hear that, men? The Lord of the House says "fuck off!"

The gate raises.

Ramsay: I think he's afraid of you. Wait here. For now.

Ramsay enters with a disappointed face. Lord Whitehill follows.

Ethan: You may enter.

Ramsay: *chuckles* Oh, may we? How gracious of the lord to allow us in!

The gate raises. Ramsay turns to Lord Whitehill who is smiling.

Ramsay: And you said he wasn't a proper lord.

They both enter.

Ethan: Why the hurry? Are you cold?

Ramsay: *giggles* You know, I am a bit. Fortunately there's no shortage of wood to burn around here.

Duncan/Royland nods to one of the Ironrath soldiers to open the gate. It raises.

Ramsay: Thank you, my lord.

Ramsay enters with a smile on his face. Lord Whitehill follows.

Duncan: You're welcome to come in, Lord Ramsay. But your men are not.

Royland: You're welcome to come in, Lord Ramsay. But your men are not.

Ramsay: How stupid do you think I am?

The gate raises.

Ramsay: My men wouldn't fit inside your tiny little keep.

Ramsay looks at Lord Whitehill and whispers.

Ramsay: You didn't tell me their lord was a mute as well.

They both enter.

After entering, the Ironrath soldier with the shield walks over.

Duncan: A token. For the new Warden of the North.

Royland: A token. For the new Warden of the North.

Ramsay: Let me guess… Forrester Ironwood?

Duncan: Carved by our most skilled craftsman.

Royland: Carved by our most skilled craftsman.

Ramsay: Ironwood. Doesn't look like much. Don't know what's so special about it.

Ethan: What do you think?

Ethan: No one can match our skill.

Ramsay: Is that so…?

Ethan: Your father will appreciate it, I hope. Our Ironwood is highly sought after.

Ramsay: My father is not so easily impressed.

Ramsay: Hmm…

Ramsay stabs at the shield, causing the soldier to hold it in front of his face in fright. Ramsay's blade barely pierces the wood and he puts it away.

Ramsay: Not bad. Lord Whitehill. Can your lot do this?

Ludd: Given enough time, we could learn--

Ramsay: Given enough time you could do a great many things. But not this, apparently.

Ramsay: This Ironwood seems to be your most precious possession. But it is just wood.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer to your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Ramsay: Give him? He is your Warden. What's yours is already his.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer to you. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give them to you, in tribute.

Ramsay: To me?

Ramsay says this while putting his hand up to his chest and grinning.

Ramsay: That's very kind of you. Thank you.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift to offer. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give them to the Crown in tribute, as a sign of our loyalty to the King.

Ramsay: You would give him what he already owns? He is the King, after all. What's yours is already his.

Duncan: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Royland: Lord Ramsay, we have another gift we'd like to offer your father. There are several Ironwood groves along the borders of our land, all producing tall, strong trees. We'd like to give your father two of these groves, in tribute.

Ramsay: Give him? He is your Warden. What's yours is already his.

Ramsay walks further into the courtyard to admire the residents and soldiers of Ironrath. He sees some smallfolk chopping meat and working on the ironwood on his left, and to the right he sees some soldiers standing tall in the training area looking at him.

Ramsay: Quite the army you have, Lord Forrester. Very impressive.

He moves on to go to the Great Hall. Ethan, the Sentinel and Lord Whitehill, follow. They enter the great hall and stand in their positions for the meeting.

Ramsay looks over to the rest of Ethan's family. Talia, Lady Forrester and Ryon, whom is hiding behind his mother.

Ramsay: Look at that. More Forresters.

Elissa: Lord Ramsay.

Ramsay: Come out where I can see you.

Ryon looks at his mother and comes out of hiding.

Duncan: We really must focus on the business at hand.

Royland: Force him to focus on the business at hand.

Ethan: Lord Ramsay, I understand you've come here for assurance of our fealty.

Ludd: Fuck fealty! We came here for justice!

You got Ramsay's attention.

Ramsay turns to Ludd unimpressed.

Ramsay: We'll get to your justice.

Ludd looks at Ramsay sadly as he turns back to Ethan.

Ethan: Leave them be, Lord Ramsay.

You got Ramsay's attention.

Ramsay: Ah. Worried about your family. As you should be.

Ethan: I'm the lord. I'll have you speak only with me.

Ethan: What is it that you WANT, Lord Ramsay?

You got Ramsay's attention.

Ramsay: What do I want…? Everything. Nothing. We'll see.

Duncan: Lord Ramsay, please… the lord wishes to speak with you.

Royland: Lord Ramsay, please… the lord wishes to speak with you.

Ramsay: First, let's see you bend the knee to my father, Lord Bolton, Warden of the North. Words are wind. Anyone can say they're loyal. I want you to show me.

Ethan kneels.

Ethan: My lord.

Ramsay: Ha!

Ramsay will remember that.

Ramsay: That wasn't so hard, now was it?

Ethan: I only kneel to the King.

Ramsay will remember that.

Ramsay: Is not the Warden also deserving of your respect? But then, I am not my father. Perhaps that is what you meant to say.

Ludd: You see? He's a fucking traitor, just like his father and brother!

Ramsay: I asked you to kneel, yet you just stand there. Gaping at me like a child.

Ludd: You see? He's a fucking traitor, just like his father and brother!

Ramsay: Here's the thing. I don't care about your loyalty.

Ramsay: And I care even less about a bunch of trees on some far off hill.

Ramsay: The Crown, however, wants what you've got. Whatever you've been supplying the Starks for centuries. Ships. Shields. Chamberpots. I expect you'll do the same for us. My father has promised as much to the King. You wouldn't want to make him a liar, would you? That wouldn't reflect well on me.

Ethan: No, Lord Ramsay.

Ramsay: That's a good little lord.

Ethan: We will double our efforts for your father, my lord.

Ramsay: That's a good little lord.

Ethan: You needn't worry. Your father will have what he needs.

Ramsay: That's a good little lord.

Duncan: No, Lord Ramsay.

Royland: So long as no one gets in our way, your father will have what he needs.

Ramsay: Your silence is not very encouraging, little lord. But I will assume you agree. It would be a very bad idea not to.

Ludd: You can't trust a Forrester. They murdered our men.

Ramsay: It was a Forrester squire who did it…? One Whitehill soldier dead. One Bolton. Yet your man lived.

Ethan: Lord Whitehill is a liar. That's not how it happened!

Ramsay: Ludd? A liar? He's a Whitehill.

Ludd shows a smug look.

Ethan: No, you're mistaken. That's not how it happened.

Ramsay: Our men are dead. How it happened is irrelevant.

Ethan: He was within his right. They killed his family!

Ramsay: His right…? He killed a loyal soldier in my father's army.

Ludd shows a smug look.

Ramsay: Our men are dead. Yours lived.

Ramsay: Then you welcomed me into your hall like a proper lord. Hoping I wouldn't linger outside long enough to notice your pathetic little army.

Ramsay: You had me stand out in the wind and muck so you could show off your pathetic little army.

Ramsay: That sort of insolence from one of our 'loyal bannermen' will not do. So I've come up with a solution that will benefit everyone. The Whitehills will be taking control of your Ironwood from this day forward.

Ethan: What…?

Elissa: What…? The Ironwood…? But…?

Duncan: That is our livelihood!

Ramsay: Then you'd better well find another fucking job.

Royland: The Whitehills are nothing more than upjumped thieves!

Ethan: You can't do that!

Ramsay: Why not? You know something the Whitehills don't? We ARE talking about trees. You grow them, you cut them down. It can't be that difficult.

Ethan: We have loyal craftsmen who make the finest weapons. The Whitehills have no such craftsmen.

Ludd is angered to this example. Ramsay starts thinking.

Ethan: Do you want Ironwood for the next five years or the next fifty generations?

Ramsay heard your argument…

Ramsay: The Little Lord does have a point.

Ludd is shocked to see Ramsay taking Ethan's suggestion into consideration.

Ethan: The Whitehills HAD Ironwood. Once. But now those hills are bare.

Ramsay: Hence the name. Of course.

Ethan: They know nothing of how to cultivate the forests.

Ludd is angered to this example.

Duncan: Look at their sigil, my lord. A barren hill.

Royland: Look at their sigil, my lord. A barren hill.

Ramsay heard your argument…

Ramsay starts thinking.

Ethan: Do you want Ironwood for the next five years or the next fifty generations?

Ramsay: The Little Lord does have a point.

Ludd is shocked to see Ramsay taking Ethan's suggestion into consideration.

Ethan: The Forresters have been tending Ironwood for thousands of years. The Whitehills HAD Ironwood. Once. But now those hills are bare.

Ludd is angered to this example. Ramsay starts thinking.

Ethan: Do you want Ironwood for the next five years or the next fifty generations?

Ramsay heard your argument…

Ramsay: The Little Lord does have a point.

Ludd is shocked to see Ramsay taking Ethan's suggestion into consideration.

Elissa: Do you want Ironwood for the next five years or the next fifty generations?

Your mother had to answer for you!

Ramsay: We'll try this. Lord Whitehill will take HALF of your Ironwood. And we'll see who fares better.

Ludd: But my lord--

Ramsay: Half of something is better than the nothing you had before. To ensure there's no trouble, Lord Whitehill will install a garrison of twenty men within your walls.

Ethan's siblings gasp to this.

Elissa: At Ironrath…? That we cannot abide. Ethan…

Ramsay: They'll help maintain the King's peace. And make sure there's no more 'trouble'.

Ethan: This will cause MORE trouble, not less.

Ramsay: Not for me.

TBA

Ethan: Whitehill men!? Never!

Ramsay: It's already done.

TBA

Ramsay puts his arm up to signal for his soldiers to enter. Various Bolton soldiers enter the room as Duncan/Royland readies his weapon in case of a fight, Ethan and his family are stunned.

Ramsay: You have a man you trust?

Ludd: My son, Gryff.

Ramsay: 'Gryff' will lead the garrison.

Duncan: You have no RIGHT! Whitehills have no place here!

Royland: The Seven Hells he will…

Ramsay: Lads?

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