Ashes and Snow

**Creative Assistants** | Peggyoung
Likestrawmen

**"Ashes and Snow",** also known as **"Part Two",** is the second part of Badgershite's Season Two AU.

## Plot Synopsis

### Rodrik III

Tom lands flat on his back and slowly pushes himself up as Rodrik looms over him. Offering the boy his hand Rodrik says that Tom's swordplay is improving, but Tom admits he hasn't been able to land a single hit on him. Despite Rodrik explaining it's because Tom has only been learning for a few weeks, Tom says they need more people if they are to avenge Mira Forrester. Rodrik says he had 'more people' once upon a time, but they all died. He then goes on to say they can be more stealthy alone, and that too many people would give away their plans. He tells Tom that due to the 'laziness' of the Whitehills, Morgryn will most likely be at one of the logging sites close to Ironrath or Highpoint, but they'll have to be quick to catch him. Sheathing the Forrester Greatsword, he asks Tom if he is ready. Tom states that while he doesn't look threatening, he knows how to survive - and that he's more worried about Rodrik as he looks injured. Rodrik tells him to pay no mind to it, and says he's fine. Tom tells Rodrik that Morgryn is smart and that he wouldn't be surprised if he already knew they were coming. Rodrik tells Tom that Morgryn only *thinks* that he's won, and that he'll do whatevever it takes to stop him. Tom says he'll do what he can, but can't guarantee if it'll help.

### Ryon II

Ryon and Beskha are seen approaching Ironrath. The former tentatively asks if it's safe to be there after noticing a banner bearing an altered Whitehill sigil, and the latter responds that she is unsure - but she knows *something* is going on. Ryon notes the sigil on the banners outside Ironrath, then notices a body on the ground. Wide-eyed, he runs towards it, much to Beskha's dismay. Ryon looks down at the corpse, noting that it's Royland's body - and then sees Ortengryn's close by. Collapsing to his knees by the latter, he retrieves Ortengryn's maester chain. Beskha suggests burning or burying the bodies, but her attention is distracted when a Whitehill soldier yells at them. Beskha reaches for Ryon and tells him they have to run, but Ryon tells her to let go of him. Beskha tells him she can't fight all the Whitehill soldiers - it's run or die. Ryon complains about not being able to bring the Maester, so Beskha tells him to keep hold of the chain. Ryon hesitates, and Beskha has to snap him out of it to make him run.

### Highpoint II

Torrhen is speaking with his wife, Greta, in the gardens of Highpoint. Greta reveals that her father's condition is worsening, and Torrhen asks how long he's been that way. Greta tells him since her mother died ten years ago - and that her father's illness likely spurred from a broken heart. Wincing at the memory of his *own* mother's death, Torrhen tells Greta he won't stop her from returning to her father, but requests she take some of his Elites to guard her. Greta responds that Torrhen seems like he needs all the guards at Highpoint, and that he shouldn't worry about her. Torrhen reassures his wife by saying he always has four elites spare, but Greta combats his point by asking about Roslin and Karl, their children, but Torrhen tells her that nothing will happen; Randyll is going to be working on tracking Rodrik down, and Rodrik himself won't try to attack Highpoint alone because he isn't stupid. Greta worriedly tells Torrhen she trusts him as they walk towards a courtyard, and Torrhen tells her that Hullen, Olyvar, Janos and Arys will accompany her to her ancestral home.

Several House Warrick bannermen are in the courtyard, and one announces Ser Randyll Warrick's arrival. Torrhen shows happiness and surprise at Randyll's appearance, and the Warrick bannerman continues to speak for his Lord - prompting Torrhen to tell him to let Randyll speak for *himself.* Randyll agrees with a blunt humming noise. Randyll tells Torrhen he had to bring his ward with him, to which Torrhen shows surprise. Two Warrick bannermen shove Myles Thornton forth and Torrhen and Greta glance at each other briefly before Torrhen becomes enraged at the state of the child. Randyll excuses himself by saying his nephew, Cregan, was the one who raided Stillport and captured Myles, not him, explaining that orders are forgotten as soon as Cregan catches sight of blood. Randyll says word can be sent back to Warrick Bastion about Cregan, but Torrhen brushes him of and says he can do what he likes. A Warrick Bannerman tells Torrhen not to talk to Randyll like that but the Lord Whitehill merely shoves the man away and beckons Myles over to him. He tells Myles that the Warricks have been cruel to him, but while they're hunting Rodrik down the boy can help him at Highpoint - as his squire.

### Talia IV

Talia stands in a river, clutching the knife she used to kill Derrock Crowl. For a moment she thinks about tossing it into the water, but doesn't have the strength to do so. Taken by surprise when Elaena calls her name and asks where she is, Talia alerts her companion to her position. Elaena tells Talia that her feet are going to freeze if she continues to stand in the water, but Talia retorts that she doesn't feel anything. After some hesitation, Elaena asks Talia to come back up so they can flee further, and Talia begrudgingly obliges.

On a forest trail, Elaena asks how Talia really is, and Talia responds that she doesn't know. The former asks if it's Ser Royland, and Talia confirms her suspicions. Elaena apologises about what happened to him and that she is sorry, but Talia responds that she is even more sorry. Elaena tells her not to blame herself, but Talia responds that she left him to die, asking how they can hope to defend themselves without Royland. Elaena simply states that they'll find Rodrik and he'll protect them, but Talia snaps and shouts that Rodrik is dead. Before Elaena can respond, Grag Warrick makes himself known and draws his bow at the two Ladies. Grag tells the duo that all three of them are going to march back to Ironrath and that he has permission from Gryff to injure them if they don't cooperate - that Gryff only needs what gives him an heir and nothing else. Elaena growls that she'd rather die than give Gryff a child, but Grag turns it on her and says that if *she* doesn't, he'll just give one of her sisters to Gryff instead. As Elaena protests angrily, Grag smugly tells her those are her options. Sacrificing herself for her sisters, Elaena agrees to the man's terms, which he commends - then hurries them up.

Suddenly an arrow hits Grag in the ankle, knocking him to the ground. Another hits him in the elbow as he protests, and a man stands before him, noting that he has been caught attempting to capture a member of House Glenmore. Drawing back his bow, the man asks for Grag's final words, to which the Warrick responds that his father will tear the man to shreds for what he has done - then yells House Warrick's words. The Glenmore quickly fires another arrow into Grag's face, killing him instantly, and Elaena asks who the soldier is. Removing his helmet, the man reveals he is a battered and bruised but very much alive Namond Glenmore.

### Ryon III

Ryon and Beskha stand in front of Royland Degore's body which has been laid on a crudely made pyre. Beskha passes a torch to Ryon and lets him light it. Once Royland's body is cremated, Ryon and Beskha decide where to go next and the former proposes Gared's farm. Beskha then asks who Gared is. Ryon explains that Gared squired for his father before being sent to the Wall, then mentions how Gared's family was killed too - prompting Beskha to realise that no one would be at his farm. The two decide to lie low and set off.

### Talia V

Talia and Elaena are shocked to find out that Namond is alive and 'well'; reduced to saying only his name. Elaena remarks that Namond looks awful, to which he responds he doesn't look as bad as the man he just killed, then goes on to explain that Torrhen Whitehill gave him his injuries and questions why Talia didn't tell Elaena about it. Talia shows fear at the implication that the other Glenmores were hurt but Elaena quickly interrupts - asking where the other Glenmores are and how he found them in the first place. Namond merely states Talia and Elaena were 'hardly quiet', then says he'll explain the rest while they walk. Namond explains that he was knocked out by Torrhen and woke up in his chambers later on with the Maester at his bedside - who explained that he had lost an ear. Namond then remarks that Meghan won't be happy, prompting Elaena to ask who that is. Namond tells her he was married while Elaena and Arthur were busy trying to kill Gryff, and Elaena retorts that she was only doing that because Namond persuaded their father to betroth her to Gryff. Namond argues that it was to buy them time and that they should have listened to him, and if they had, things wouldn't have turned out how they did (referencing Arthur's death).

Namond explains that he woke up in his bed, barely able to see, and that the Maester of Rillwater Crossing informed him that the other members of the family were with Lord Errol - who is revealed to be comatose. Lady Glenmore has put herself in charge of the house and sent Namond away, and Namond explains he believes it is because he thinks she blames him for what happened to Lord Glenmore. He then goes on to blame himself for everything bad that has happened to the house, explaining that he feels the need to make things right - rescue Talia from Ironrath if he can do nothing else. Elaena asks again where Lyarra, Kyra and Valeris are, and Namond tells her to relax - because they are with him.

Namond announces he has returned, and Lyarra grunts in response; showing disdain for her brother after Rillwater was attacked. Elaena asks Lyarra's name, and Lyarra instantly recognises her voice, showing shock. Kyra, who has also recognised Elaena, runs towards her sister and the three of them hug. Elaena states that she owes her life to Talia, and Lyarra hugs her friend after realising she is present. Lyarra informs Talia that they need to catch up, but quickly departs after seeing the state of Elaena's clothes - promising she'll be back shortly. Namond crouches in front of Kyra and reminds her he told her he'd bring Elaena back, and Kyra hugs him in response. Namond tells her to go and have their uncle look at the cut on her cheek, then says to Talia that she should explore the camp and get to know people.

#### Kyra Conversation

Talia approaches Kyra Glenmore and asks how she is feeling. Kyra responds that she's all right, but the cut on her cheek hurts. Talia asks who hit her, and Kyra replies that she didn't see too well - but the man had a big ugly cut on his face, then says she's unsure whether he actually wanted to hit her or not - the man kept asking whether he should and his ally simply nodded silently in response. Kyra exclaims that she hopes they don't come and hurt the Glenmores again, and Talia reassures her that Namond will make sure they don't. Talia tells Kyra that she was brave in front of Torrhen Whitehill, but Kyra brushes it off and says she knows Talia is just trying to make her feel better. She then goes on to describe her cat - who alleviates her anxiety often - and shows disappointment that she was not allowed to bring her with them. She states how Bodkin, her cat, often disappears but always comes back, then hopes that Torrhen is not the same.

 Talia thanks Kyra for bringing her supplies when she was held in Rillwater Crossing. Blushing, Kyra explains that Lyarra found those things and Talia praises her for bluffing her way past a guard. When Kyra asks if Talia will get her in trouble, the latter responds that she *also* snuck past a guard at Ironrath. Kyra asks if the supplies helped at all, and Talia says they did 'in a way', referencing how she used the knife to kill Derrock Crowl.

#### Edmure Conversation

Apologising, Talia approaches Edmure and states that they haven't met. The Glenmore uncle responds that he's heard plenty about her from Lyarra, and Talia hopes that they've said good things. Edmure says that Lyarra cannot speak ill of Talia, and that the descriptions match Gregor Forrester. Talia shows shock and asks if Edmure knew her father, and Edmure replies that they shared an interest in history, but Kyra - who he tutors - does not appear to have such an interest. Talia asks about the baby Edmure is holding, asking if it is his, and the Glenmore uncle explains in surprise that he doesn't even have the nerves to approach a Lady, let alone have a child. He states that Kyra is likely the closest thing he'll ever have to a child of his own. He goes on to explain that the baby is Valeris, Lord and Lady Glenmore's sixthborn, then mutters something about his brother's libido. Talia looks at him, unnerved and shocked, and Edmure apologises for putting the image in her head. Talia asks where Edmure was when the Whitehills attacked Rillwater Crossing, and Edmure says he was tending to Valeris in his study when Kyra came running to him. He states that he cut a man's mouth open with a letter opener and says the experience was enlightening, but not something he'd want to do again.

#### Namond Conversation

Talia approaches Namond and asks about his father being unwell. Namond explains that Errol Glenmore took a crossbow bolt mere inches above the heart and blames himself for it. He states that guards have explained the possibility that it was all a plan of Namond's to secure lordship for the house, but he argues that he was trying to protect his family and cites the state of his face. Talia then asks why he's at the camp with Lyarra and Kyra, and Namond says his mother wanted him to secure the girls' safety by evacuating them in case the Whitehills come back. He thanks Talia for saving Elaena regardless of how he betrayed her, and Talia argues that she did it for Elaena's sisters, not Namond. The eldest Glenmore sibling says he's just glad Talia didn't leave Elaena behind, then informs her that they're headed for Timberwatch, the seat of House Greyson - a place the Whitehills wouldn't think to look. Talia dumbly asks if Namond can still hear, and Namond confirms he can but his wife won't be happy to find out about his injuries. As Talia is about to depart, Namond stops her and asks if she can ever forgive him for his past actions. Talia says she can forgive him, and he responds that he is glad she can see he's made an effort to change.

 Lyarra and Elaena emerge from the main tent, Lyarra complimenting her sister's new outfit. Elaena quickly halts her sister and gathers the others to inform them that she is pregnant. Lyarra asks if Gryff forced himself on her and Namond argues to kill the Whitehill if he did, but Elaena quickly tells them the child is Rodrik's. Namond is surprised, and Elaena interjects that he *should be* because he foiled her wedding plans. The Glenmores quickly hatch a plan to try and find Rodrik and marry him to Elaena so that the child is not born a bastard. Namond says he'll kill Gryff before the baby is born (as he's the only one who can truly testify against its legitimacy) and Elaena argues that it's too little, too late. Edmure tries to split the two up, but as their argument becomes more and more heated he is forced to make them acknowledge that their animosity stems from the death of their brother Arthur, whom they blame each other - and themselves - for. He admits he'll have to help them talk things out and asks a soldier to take care of Kyra and Valeris while Lyarra and Talia take Lyarra's dog, Quiver, for a walk.

Lyarra calls for Quiver and the dog approaches her. She remarks that he once used to be smaller than Valeris, prompting her to speak about how she thought Kyra would be the last Glenmore but her parents had other ideas. She then goes on to speak about how weird it is that she'll be an aunt. Talia is encouraging, but Lyarra only says she'd prefer to be an aunt than a mother. She then thanks Talia for bringing Elaena with her, surprised at her loyalty to House Glenmore despite Namond's 'betrayal'. Talia says that though she was wronged she couldn't just stand by and let people die. Lyarra compliments her sense of nobility, then asks if the supplies she brought Talia were of any use. Talia says she still has the dagger and asks if Lyarra wants it back, but Lyarra encourages her to keep it.

 Lyarra expresses her desire for a real weapon; to know how to use a sword like Talia, but Talia responds that it's not as fun as she makes out. Lyarra quickly changes the subject, asking how Talia escaped Ironrath, then asks what became of Royland as he isn't with her. Talia seizes up, and after some pushing from Lyarra, she snaps and yells that Royland is dead. Apologising, Lyarra asks how it happened and Talia explains how she felt when she lost Arthur, and how she now understands that it was his own choice that led to his death - that he knew the risks. She suggests it was the same with Royland. Talia says she could only bring one person and she brought Elaena, and Lyarra asks if she blames herself for Royland's death - and explains that she shouldn't because Royland likely wasn't the type to leave a pregnant woman to die, and that he was the one who really made the call to stay behind. Talia then tells Lyarra how she killed Derrock Crowl, and Lyarra is dull to the fact - not understanding how horrific the experience was. Talia quickly tells her how she's been feeling, and Lyarra hugs her, apologising. After some consoling, the two stand up and decide to return to camp.

### Highpoint III

Torrhen is writing a letter to Roose Bolton in Highpoint's great hall when Myles Thornton interrupts him. Torrhen explains he's writing to Lord Bolton about taking another house's ward as his squire and asks if whatever Myles wishes to ask him about is important. Myles says it is - that two ravens arrived for Torrhen. Taking a letter from Harys, Torrhen learns that Talia has escaped Ironrath and that Royland and Ortengryn were killed in retribution. Just as he finishes reading, Randyll and Boros Warrick walk into the hall, the latter of the two loudly complaining. Torrhen asks what's bothering them and Randyll dumps the head of Grag Warrick on the table. Boros explains how Grag (who was his brother) was murdered and disgraced, but Torrhen simply brushes it off and shows disappointment that Grag's blood has ruined the letter he was writing. Boros claims Lord Bolton can wait, but Randyll cuts him off with a harsh smack to the face. Torrhen sarcastically compliments their family, and Randyll tells him to focus on the business at hand. Torrhen calls Randyll out on the fact he never cared about his sons, then asks what *he's* supposed to do. Boros claims to want a funeral so that his and Grag's mother and brother can mourn. Torrhen argues that *he* isn't needed for that, then asks why Randyll isn't out searching for Rodrik. Randyll states there haven't been any leads and Torrhen tells him there are no leads because *he* is supposed to be the one looking for them, then tells Randyll to get out of his sight and only return when Rodrik is captured alive. As Randyll departs, Torrhen tells him to take the one-handed soldier with him as he can't stand the man's presence, then turns to Boros. Studying Grag's head, he deduces that Grag died at the hands of the Glenmores. Empathising with Boros' grief at the death of an eldest brother (as Torrhen too lost his eldest brother years ago), he asks Boros what he wants as reparation. After pausing in thought, Boros decides he wants Namond's wife, Meghan, killed, as well as Namond's sisters Kyra and Valeris, then decides he wishes to marry Lyarra Glenmore. Torrhen gives a vague answer, not holding back his disapproval of Boros' choice, then says he'll merely look into it. Roslin Snow, Torrhen's daughter, appears in the great hall asking where Greta Bole (her stepmother) has gone, then quickly asks what's on the table. As Boros hides Grag's head behind his back, Torrhen explains that Greta has gone to visit her father as he is ill. Taking her father's hand, Roslin asks if Greta is coming back and Torrhen says she will soon. Roslin then asks if Torrhen is going anywhere, and he confirms that he will not. Roslin's final question regards the Forresters killing more of the Whitehill family, and Torrhen says they won't kill any more - and promises it.

### Rodrik IV

Sounds of combat echo in the wolfswood - the source quickly revealed to be Rodrik & Tom attacking one of the Whitehills' logging sites in search for Rickard Morgryn. Tom sidles up next to Rodrik and informs him that more soldiers are coming, recommending a retreat, but Rodrik says he's not leaving until Morgryn shows his face. Looking to a house, he says that Morgryn must be in there. A Forrester bannerman links up with the duo and thanks them for releasing him, and Rodrik tells him to release the other soldiers while he takes care of Morgryn. Reaching the house, Rodrik tells Tom to look for a back entrance, and Tom asks Rodrik to stall for him. Agreeing, Rodrik states he also intends to procure information from their enemy. As Tom departs, Rodrik kicks the door in and Morgryn makes himself known. Morgryn tells Rodrik to take a seat, and Rodrik comments on the lack of guards - then tells the man how he's freed all the imprisoned Forrester soldiers. Morgryn asks if he intends to storm Highpoint with six or seven soldiers, and states he thought Rodrik was smarter than that - then admits he knows Rodrik is here to kill him. He says revenge is petty, and that Mira had every chance to save her own neck, going on to say how he's had messages from a Lady Tarwick about returning Mira's belongings to someone she held dear - prompting Rodrik to notice Mira's foot locker in the corner of the room. Morgryn then mocks her letters to her family.

 Morgryn continues by stating he has no loyalty to Torrhen Whitehill, and is willing to make a deal with Rodrik - info on the Whitehills in return for his life. Rodrik asks what quality of information, and Morgryn suggests the whereabouts of Talia. Rodrik hears him out - buying time for Tom to sneak up behind the man and raise a dagger, then rejects the offer. Tom stabs Morgryn in the shoulder. Yelling, the merchant pulls the blade from his shoulder and charges at Rodrik, cutting his neck. Tom tackles him and pulls him away, giving Rodrik the edge to pick the man up by his shirt and press him against the wall, saying how he's going to hurt him for hurting Mira. Rodrik drives his thumbs into Morgryn's eyes, blinding him as Tom looks on in horror. Morgryn presses at his face untile he realises he cannot see, then runs madly at Rodrik, who sticks his foot out and trips him over. As he lies on the floor, Morgryn comments about how he didn't expect the day to go this way, and Rodrik raises his foot to stamp on his head, merely saying it's "for Mira."

Leaving the house, Rodrik clutches the wound Morgryn inflicted upon him and Tom asks if he is okay. Rodrik says he's tended to worse wounds by himself and that they just need to gather the men and leave the logging site, but his words are interrupted by a stranger applauding him. Revealing himself to be Randyll Warrick, the newcomer admits he was letting Rodrik and Tom 'finish up' with Morgryn before making himself known. He states Rodrik covered his tracks poorly and that he's been following him for a while, prompting Rodrik to ask why Torrhen can't face him personally and sends a lackey instead. Randyll says Torrhen has better things to do than chase after Forresters, and that the Warricks have been charged with the responsibility of bringing him in. Rodrik asks bluntly who he's about to kill, and Randyll removes his helmet - exposing his identity and his tattoo-covered scalp - and states his name, and that *he* won't be the one dying that day. The Forrester soldiers who were freed from the logging site stand between Randyll and his men and Rodrik and Tom, prompting Randyll to ridicule Rodrik's diminished army and order his men to kill them. Tom says they have to help the soldiers before they're hurt, and Rodrik points out a cart which the two then send rolling down a hill towards Randyll. As the bannermen disperse, Randyll's horse is clipped by the cart, sending him to the ground - barely clear of having his leg broken by his horse's weight. Sitting up, Randyll yells for his men to take the Forresters, and the fat soldier turns to Rodrik, telling him to retreat. Breaking through the Warricks and Whitehills while they're confused and kills two Warrick men. Taking a moment to breath, Rodrik clutches his neck wound before being interrupted by Erik who asks to be released. Before Rodrik can react, a stranger approaches and says it's not going to happen. Revealing himself to be Grenn, the stranger reminds Rodrik of their previous encounter were he lost his hand and outright states he's going to disobey Torrhen Whitehill's orders to capture Rodrik and instead intends to kill him. The two agree to fight - "cripple to cripple," as Grenn says. The two engage in single combat as Erik struggles against his restraints. A soldier shouts to Rodrik, alerting him that Randyll is advancing on them, but is cut off as Randyll tears his head open with his greatsword, declaring that Rodrik is his to capture. Rodrik quickly dispatches Grenn by kicking him to the ground, and the bannerman tells Rodrik to finish the fight by killing him, while Erik protests that Rodrik release him before it's too late. Rodrik chooses to free Erik and Grenn runs away. Randyll and Rodrik prepare to fight until a mass of footsteps distract them both and dozens of men charge at them - likely what caused Grenn to run, too. The Warricks and Whitehills reel back in shock and question what's happening, and Randyll decides to retreat - telling Rodrik he won't get away next time. As Rodrik turns to flee himself, he becomes woozy from blood loss and collapses to his knees as a horse rears up over him. Suddenly a snow bear tackles the horse and knocks it away from Rodrik, then leers over the Forrester Lord before turning away. As Rodrik looks on, terrified, a stranger offers her hand to him and tells him to get up before the Warricks and Whitehills come back. Helping him up, the girl says they need to get out of there before Rodrik bleeds out. Rodrik asks who she is, and the girl responds that she's a friend because they're both against the Whitehills - and that she's with the other things and the snow bear. Rodrik woozily asks if she's seen his family, then collapses. The girl begs him to get up, but Rodrik quickly blacks out.

Rodrik 'wakes up' to Mira shouting his name. Helping him to his feet, Mira says he can't keep falling asleep in the grove. After Rodrik shows shock at her presence, Mira asks who he was expecting. Quickly enveloped by his subconscious, Rodrik says he must have been dreaming. Mira says he asked her out to the grove for something, and adds that she doesn't have much time before she leaves for Highgarden. Rodrik asks how she's feeling, and she says she's excited but anxious. Rodrik comments that Asher seems to be doing well and Mira's life will be much like his except without the tavern brawls and murder. Grinning, Mira says she'll make no promises. Rodrik finally recalls the reason he asked her out to the grove, and gives her a book - Wonders made by Man, by Lomas Longstrider. Mira, surprised at the parting gift, says he shouldn't have given his copy away, and Rodrik says he hasn't had chance to read it as he's a lord-in-training. The two hug and Mira says she'll look after the book, prompting Rodrik to quip that it didn't come cheap. Mira admits it means more to her than he thinks, but Rodrik says it's not that special, but Mira points out that it's not just the book - it's that he asked her out to the grove to see it one last time. Rodrik says he'll miss Mira when she's gone, but hopefully the book will remind her of him. Mira thanks Rodrik one last time and, in the dream, fades away, leaving Rodrik alone.

Rodrik wakes up in a clearing, yelling Mira's name. Sylvi is crouching over him, and calls out to someone to tell them Rodrik is awake. Tom makes himself known, glad he's okay, and a third person looms over Rodrik and is quickly revealed to be Gared. Rodrik asks if Gared found the North Grove, and Gared confirms he did, but didn't find what they expected. He points out that Sylvi was the sister of one of the Night's Watch brothers Gared deserted with (while Sylvi wargs into a hare). Rodrik says he usually wouldn't trust a Wildling but she *did* save his life. Erik thanks Rodrik for saving his life, and pledges his sword to him. Rodrik asks how Gared found him and Gared says it was luck, and that they planned to get a foothold and reclaim Ironrath. Rodrik is about to say there's no use in reclaiming Ironrath while Whitehills are still at Highpoint, but is interrupted by Josera and Elsera. Josera asks Gared who Rodrik is, and Gared introduces Rodrik to his half-siblings, leaving the Lord reeling in shock.

### Talia VI

Talia is seen carving the Forrester sigil in a dream. Royland approaches her and says she's quite good, then Talia looks down at her hands to see blood on them. As she raises her hands to her face, Ramsay Bolton approaches her and compliments her. Looking up, Talia sees that - in the dream - she has flayed Royland Degore.

The nightmare wakes Talia up and, looking around, she sees that everyone is asleep but Namond is missing. She gets up and looks for him, only to find him sitting out on his own, begging the Old Gods for forgiveness. Talia decides not to approach him and instead returns to her bedroll in the tent. After a short sleep, Talia wakes up to find the Glenmores discussing leaving for Timberwatch. Edmure Glenmore is jolted awake by Elaena and, while complaining about a sore neck, he comments that he's never met the Greysons before. The group quickly departs, aiming to reach Timberwatch later in the day.

As the group converge on Timberwatch, a Greyson guard notes their arrival and calls to his companions to let them in. Once inside, Talia climbs down from her horse and quietly studies the keep. Noting her distrust, Lyarra sidles up next to her and says the Greysons can be trusted as they are family - but then again, that doesn't apply to Namond. Their conversation is interrupted by an old friend of Lyarra's - Ostyn Thicket - who is also at Timberwatch. Talia asks if he is a Greyson, but Ostyn reveals he is a squire for Lord Riverstone, and that he was sent good will to the Glenmores. Namond approaches the group and requests Lyarra holds Valeris while Edmure helps Elaena out of the cart they rode in. After Lyarra reluctantly leaves, Namond and Ostyn share a stern exchange before Namond asks Ostyn to stay away from Lyarra as their relationship is untoward. Ostyn respectfully declines and says Namond is welcome to have his men beat him for his disobedience, but comments on Namond's tendency to go behind peoples' backs. Disgusted, Namond turns to Talia and asks what she thinks on the situation. Talia says Ostyn should be allowed near Lyarra, and Namond unenthusiastically responds as if he expected such an outcome, before turning away and saying the Glenmores should enter as the Greysons have been waiting long enough. Lyarra encourages Talia to head inside, and as they do the Forrester daughter notices a man ominously cleaning his bastard sword which she takes as a threat.

As the Glenmores enter Timberwatch's entrance hall, Namond removes the bandage around his head. Lord Greyson comments that their journey must have been tiresome and welcomes them, and Kyra runs straight for one of her cousins - Aaren - as soon as she recognises him. This prompts Lyarra to inform Talia of Kyra's prosopagnosia and Aaren's blindness as the two embrace in the middle of the entrance hall. Lyarra spots Rhaesa, another cousin, and much to Rhaesa's disdain, she runs up and embraces her as Kyra did Aaren. Meanwhile, the eldest Greyson sibling - Hugar - approaches Edmure and asks if Valeris is Lady Glenmore's newest child. Lord Greyson notes Elaena's stomach having grown due to her pregnancy and Elaena tells him the child is Rodrik's and asks for a search party to be sent out for the Forrester Lord. Nestor says there are complications, and looks to Talia. Everyone is surprised as Lord Greyson bends the knee to Talia. Oriele Greyson says he should not kneel but he insists, requesting Talia's forgiveness for not being able to help the Forresters during the Siege of Ironrath. Talia decides to forgive Lord Greyson, and the aged Lord thanks her, but Oriele remarks that he shouldn't have knelt as she helps him to his feet. Namond approaches Lord Greyson and says they need to speak in private, and Nestor says his daughter (Lady Glenmore) has informed him that they do indeed need to have a talk. Hugar is instructed to take Elaena and Talia to the Maester as the former is pregnant and the latter's eyebrow seems to be infected. Hugar lets the two into the Maester's office, and as he turns to face them the Maester is revealed to be none other than Ebbert Whitehill.

### Epilogue

Gryff Whitehill has a dinner with a fake Talia, who he forced into Talia's place after losing the real one. He lectures the girl on her grammar before getting Asher's head on spear and using it to taunt the girl. Harys interrupts and says their guests have arrived. The guests reveal themselves to be Ashara and Remus Ashwood. Gryff hastily welcomes them and Ashara shows disappointment at the state of the keep, prompting Gryff to say it can be made to the Ashwoods' liking if their deal goes through. Ashara then asks where Talia is. Gryff shows the Ashwoods his fake Talia, and Ashara instantly calls him on his attempt to trick them, saying the girl smells like horse shit (which Jacaerys, who is hanging from the ceiling, protests to). Ashara taunts Gryff again and finally causes him to snap. The Lord orders Harys to restrain Remus while he grabs Ashara, and demands to know if the Ashwood Lady wants to die or if she'll marry him 'like they agreed.'

## Point-of-view Characters

* Talia Forrester
* Ryon Forrester
* Rodrik Forrester

## Decisions

Winning choices are in **bold:**

* **Keep Talia's dagger** or Toss Talia's dagger.
* **Forgive Namond's apology** or Reject Namond's apology.
* Kill Grenn or **Free Erik.**
* **Allow Ostyn Near Lyarra** or Request He Stay Away.
* **Forgive House Greyson** or Don't Forgive House Greyson

## Deaths

* Grag Warrick
* Whitehill soldier
* Rickard Morgryn
* Warrick Soldier 8
* Warrick Soldier 9
* Forrester Soldier 2

## Credits

### Talia's Story

* Talia Forrester
* Elaena Glenmore
* Harmony
* Grag Warrick
* Namond Glenmore
* Meghan Brownbarrow (mentioned)
* Arthur Glenmore (mentioned)
* Gryff Whitehill (mentioned)
* Lyarra Glenmore
* Kyra Glenmore
* Edmure Glenmore
* Valeris Glenmore
* Quiver
* Royland Degore (dream)
* Ramsay Bolton (dream)
* Lyarra's Horse
* Ostyn Thicket
* Stranger
* Nestor Greyson
* Oriele Greyson
* Aaren Greyson
* Rhaesa Greyson
* Hugar Greyson
* Ebbert Whitehill

### Ryon's Story

* Ryon Forrester
* Beskha
* Royland Degore (corpse)
* Ortengryn (corpse)
* Whitehill Soldier

### Rodrik's Story

* Rodrik Forrester
* Tom
* Forrester Soldier 1
* Rickard Morgryn
* Randyll Warrick
* Storm
* Forrester Soldier 2
* Errold
* Erik
* Grenn
* Shadow
* Sylvi
* Mira Forrester (flashback/dream)
* Gared Tuttle
* Josera Snow
* Elsera Snow

### Highpoint Story

* Torrhen Whitehill
* Greta Whitehill
* Randyll Warrick
* Myles Thornton
* Cregan Warrick (flashback)
* Boros Warrick
* Meghan Glenmore (mentioned)
* Kyra Glenmore (mentioned)
* Valeris Glenmore (mentioned)
* Lyarra Glenmore (mentioned)
* Roslin Snow

### Epilogue

* Derrock Crowl (corpse)
* Gryff Whitehill
* "Talia Forrester"
* Harys
* Tarrick
* Theron
* Jacaerys
* Ashara Ashwood
* Remus Ashwood

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