[Mingler] Foundations

[winter_came]

The time has come for works to begin. Ned is waiting for words from Captain Reynolds, who told him he would find more workers, but he did in fact begin to amass his forces. First comes digging: if the home is to withstand the elements, its foundations must be solid, merged in rock

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[weristdas_graal]

Among the first to arrive on the building site is the young knight and septon who gave shelter to the Stark clan after the winter earthquake. He's only too happy to lend aid to the elder man and his family.

And he doesn't know that someone from his past and his world has also offered his strength....

[winter_came]

When Ned spots him, he smiles and waves at Parsifal. "Ser," he calls. "It's good to see you again, now that the weather is kind once more, aye?"

[weristdas_graal]

"Aye: I have been clearing the grounds of the chapel from windfallen branches, when I have not been busy tending to those who asked for my counsel, including your lady daughter-in-law," he says. "How goes it with my lord and his lady wife?"

[winter_came]

So this is where the young lady Stark-Martell got her counsel, Ned muses. Of course - a septon, where no maester is available.

"Both are well and hale," Ned replies. "We've come to joyous news - the babe she carries will be healthy."

[weristdas_graal]

Parsifal emits a sigh of relief and glances heavenward. "Thanks be to the Lord," he says. "I had prayed that she and her babe unborn would be strong and in good health."

[winter_came]

"Aye, and gods be good, they are," Ned agrees. "As is Cairn, and his mother."

He does miss his sons, and Arya, always, but he is accepting that grieving them will never end.

[weristdas_graal]

"A noble family that is growing and prospering," he says. "And did I see rightly when I saw a notice that you had need of folk to help build a proper house of your own?" he asks. "I am late in my offer, but you have my strength to assist you," he says, bowing his head.

[winter_came]

"Ser, we count you as a friend and great ally, and so your presence is ever a blessing," Ned replies warmly. "Certainly my daughter-in-law will rest easier, knowing you had a hand in building the new home."

[weristdas_graal]

He bows, humbly, but with the eagerness of a child who's happy to please. "I pray then, that others come to lend their aid, and soon: a strong house needs many clever hands to build it and build it well."

As he speaks, a tall, rangy-looking figure approaches in the near distance out of Parsifal's line of sight, carrying a pickaxe and a shovel over one broad shoulder...

[winter_came]

"And as you pray, your words come true," Ned replies, chuckling. "Come now, Master Klingsor!" he calls in greeting. "I see you found time away from the garden, many thanks!"

He very clearly has no idea.

As usual, the typist snerks.

[weristdas_graal]

Typist is also grinning somewhat evilly.

Parsifal's face goes pale at that name, his jaw dropping, and he turns on his heel, gathering himself, his hand going to his dagger, but he does not draw it.

Klingsor on the other hand, pauses, lowering his tools and eying the youth with a barely disguised smirk of brutal amusement. "Are you trying to catch flies and keep them from biting the laborers, sprout?" he asks. To Ned, he adds, "Pardon my delayed greeting, my Lord Stark, it seems that my presence has frightened the young knight."

[winter_came]

Ned's face seems to be stuck in a perpetual frown full of wtf.

"Ser? Lord Klingsor? What is the meaning of this?"

Oh no, it's King's Landing all over again.

[weristdas_graal]

"He is a powerful enchanter and an enemy of my kinsman and brother-knight Amfortas of the Knights of the Grail," Parsifal explains, still wary, not taking his gaze from Klingsor. "He made himself the sword enemy of the brotherhood after he defected from their numbers, and lured several knights into his service. And he stole the Sacred Lance, one of the relics in the care of the brotherhood."

"A relic which you reclaimed from me," Klingsor notes, somewhat flatly. "When you broke my power and left me with only a few powers over matter."

[winter_came]

There is really not enough facepalming in the world for Ned right now. Seriously.

He takes a step back.

"My lords?"

[gardenwarlock]

Parsifal starts to object, but Klingsor raises a hand, signalling him to be quiet. "It is an old quarrel, which happened in the realm from which we came," he says. "It dwells in the past and I have no further issue with the young knight. He bested me and proved the stronger."

[winter_came]

"And you shall keep the peace, my lord?" Ned has no quarrel with Klingsor, but he's know Parsifal for years and counts him as family, which gives him the advantage of earned trust.