#krakenbound

He dropped his head in a respectful bow, but also averted his eyes from her and found the tips of his boots to be the target of his fascination, rather than meet her eye. “You have my thanks for your sympathies, your grace. But I need no reminding of the shadow that is cast over my life.” He then looked back up to her, with a fake, manufactured smile that turned to a sad grimace the higher it travelled up his face. “I am here to celebrate your husband, my friend, our king. I would drink in his name, rather than to drown.”

An analyzing smile appeared on his face, watching as the Northern Queen spoke. She was interesting. A Greyjoy wife for a newly crowned Stark King. Had he read it in a book, it would have seemed implausible. And yet, here she was. His eyes revealed nothing but the kindest of glances, but in his mind gears were twisting. “I’d expect nothing less of a queen. It means you have a better head on your shoulders than the majority of the rabble in this hall, your grace.”

He then turned slightly, looking across the company they had amassed. “An impressive crowd, I’d say. Not a hundred years ago, the thought of Southern Lords in Northern Halls would’ve been enough to see your head lifted off your shoulders. I’m glad such times are over. There is a lot more to be learned when all the World is open to you.”

“I’ve always found a closed dining hall better for secrets. Trees seem to have keen ears and deep roots. There might be little birds on every tree branch. There might be vermin behind every stump.” He smiled a sharp smile. Quietly sitting between the trees, a finger between the pages of a book he had brought from home. A long, dreadfully boring tome that held no value of entertainment. Why he would choose to read it was anyone’s guess.

“Though, in the sense that the depths of these woods might hide all sorts of nastiness, I suppose you’re right. What foul deeds might these trees have seen? What manner of whispers have these old trees have borne witness to? In this dreadful snow, however, you’ll find it is hard to get lost. Secrets only work if you’re lost or paid.”