[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

Comments

[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....

[gardenwarlock]

"So long as this young sprout of a knight does not trouble me," Klingsor replies, eying Parsifal dubiously.

"I have no reason to quarrel, so long as Lord Klingsor does not bedevil anyone who dwells here," Parsifal replies, losing much of his earlier heat. "This is neutral ground, and I will not bring our differences here."

[winter_came]

"Are you both agreed, then?" Ned asks, as solemn as the North.

He is relieved - quarrels can be terrible sources of death and pain, and he finds his family's had more than its share, and would hate to have them endure more.

[weristdas_graal]

"I am agreed to keep God's peace in this place," Parsifal replies.

"As am I," Klingsor replies. "Though it will be man's peace that I keep." Parsifal makes a move as if he would say something, but stops himself, not wanting to break his promise over something trifling.

[winter_came]

"Peace is all I have ever striven for, though betimes fate had it otherwise," Ned adds. "And so before the old gods and the new ones, and the Seven as well, I bear witness to your truce."

[weristdas_graal]

Parsifal holds out one hand to Klingsor, palm up, his face hopeful. The older man eyes it a moment, then clasps it, though the gesture is rather without warmth.

[winter_came]

This all happens none too soon: Robb and Benjen are on their way, and Ned waves at them, relieved that this awkward moment is coming to an end.

"My thanks," he tells them both. "Shall we?"

Figured we could head towards a wrap?

[weristdas_graal]

"Aye, there is nothing gained in wasting our strength on the troubles of the past," Parsifal says.

"And in the present, we are burning daylight," Klingsor says, looking to the sky, as he shoulders his shovels.

Definitely heading there! On yours?

[winter_came]

Nodding, then, Ned leads the both of them back to work, and joins in without sparing his own strength.

FTB!