Iron From Ice

Chapter 1

Ironrath ~ Wolfswood

Wind travels through the thick forest. Leaves rattle on the branches, while some fall gently to the ground. Innumerable trees make up the forest. All different sizes, some large and ancient, while others thinner and younger. In between the trees dart the many denizens of this ancient and gigantic forest. Rodents, dears, bears... it is full of life. Giving the forest a lively and majestic feel.

The sun is at its highest point as it shines its rays on the canopy, and sometimes they will find their way to a young woman. The young woman scans her environment in search of something. Another breath leaves her as she continues walking, continuously looking around for the thing she wants to find.

All the colors of the forest are easily summed up. Browns, greens, sometimes gray in case of a rock. Sometimes a small creek makes its way through the forest, adding a little blue to the mix. The wind picks up a bit and now a white color is seen. Behind a tree, flocks of white hair are seen moving in the air. The girl smiles as she sees the familiar white hair and walks towards it.

"Esther! Finally, I found you," the girl says happily. A pale skinned girl turns her head around the tree trunk, red eyes looking at the young woman. Esther smirks a bit. "Blondie, nice to see you. What brings you here?" She asks. "You're my friend, Esther! Why wouldn't I come to see you from time to time?"

Esther shrugs as she leans against the tree again, her trusty bow next to her. "Don't know. Noble duties or something?" she suggests nonchalantly. "I don't have many duties, you know that. So, how are you on this lovely day?" Talia asks with a soft smile as she takes a seat next to Esther. Esther takes a deep breath as she contemplated something. Something is bothering her, that much is clear to the blond girl.

"Talia, I saw something while I was hunting this morning. It isn't good," Esther says. "What did you see? The Lannisters aren't here, right?" Talia chuckles softly, hoping it is one of her jokes again. Esther glances at Talia with furrowed brows of white color. "No, I saw your friend, Gared. He killed some Whitehill soldiers with your family sword. He should be at Ironrath soon," Esther explains. Talia eyes widen in surprise.

"I-I don't understand. He should be with- oh, oh no," Talia says with shock and growing grief on her face. "I'm sorry, Talia. Your father was a good man. Like you and your family, he was one of the few folk around here that didn't see me as a 'Demon' or a 'Ghost'," Esther says softly. "I n-need to go home..." Talia says, her voice is quiet and slightly wavering. She stands back up to walk back by using the path she took.

"I'll walk with you," Esther says as she starts to gather her items, her bow and sword. In a matter of seconds, she walks with Talia towards Ironrath. "W-why did Gared kill them? I don't understand..." Talia says softly. "It's not for me to say..." Esther says before Talia cut in.

"Please, tell me!" Talia pleads, her green eyes watery from the harsh news. Esther has a soft spot for the blond girl. Always did, ever since they met. Talia was well aware of it. "His family... they were killed by the soldiers."

"By the Gods! How could they..." Talia says, her voice tiny and soft. "I don't have the answers, Talia. You should see what your mother knows. She may have heard something." Talia nods, her lips tight, her eyes watery. Esther sighs. "Talia, if you ever need me. Use this," Esther says as she hands over a wooden whistle, "I carved it so that it makes a bird noise. I will be able to recognize it. If I hear it, I will come," she explains. The path opens a bit and in the distance Ironrath becomes visible. The walls are thick and made of Ironwood and stone. Most building are of simple wooden design with a stone base.

"Thank you, Esther..." Talia says, smiling softly at her. "Of course, blondie. It should be safe from here on out. I'll keep an eye on the surrounding area in case something of interest happens. I owe it to your father," Esther says as she briefly looks around. "That's kind of you, Esther. Be safe, okay?"

"For you? I think I can manage that," she says with a wink. Talia smiles again, feeling her cheeks getting slightly warmer. 'Why am I getting flustered?" She thought to herself. "Thanks, I will see you again when I can," Talia says and walks towards Ironrath. Esther smiles softly as her eyes follow Talia. She turns back around and walks back into the woods, disappearing from sight.

It takes a good few minutes to get back into Ironrath. What Talia found was disheartening. Her mother, Elissa, was mourning the loss of her father, Gregor, and older brother, Rodrik. It seems they both died at The Twins during a wedding. Ryon has taken it hard, as he reacts very strongly to his emotions. Ethan, Talia's twin brother, is a kind person that worries more about his family than what he feels. He is always ready to help Talia, their mother or their youngest brother Ryon.

Talia walks back out of the Great Hall after hearing the news from them. Her heart is heavy, her brows are knitted together as she is lost in deep thought. As she descents the stairs in order to walk to Esther, she spots Gared near the gates. Apparently he is about to leave Ironrath on a horse. Gared is one of her best friends aside from her family and Esther. She starts a jog towards him while taking off her necklace with the Forrester symbol.

"Gared, wait!" Talia calls outs. Gared stops his horse to turn to see who it is. His face is a mix of shame, sadness, and determination. As Talia reaches his side, she holds out her necklace. Gared takes it from her as he smiles softly at her. "Be safe..." she says.

He sends her a nod of appreciation before spurring his horse into action once again. Talia's gaze follows him. It saddens her to lose a valued friend. Gared's uncle, Duncan, stands next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"He'll be fine. Gared is strong and smart," Duncan says in a kind voice. A sigh leaves Talia, nodding softly. "I hope so... Please, tell mother I am going for a walk. To clear my head a little," Talia informs Duncan. "Of course. Be careful," he says, squeezing her shoulder in a supportive manner.

Talia respects Duncan. He has always been wise and kind during his many years of service to her House. She knew he could be stern and assertive when needed, but she valued his wisdom and diplomatic approach to matters. "I will. Thank you, Duncan." Talia exits the gate and heads for the forest.

Talia wonders if she will run into Esther. After all, she lives in the forest, even if she is rather young to be alone. She is not sure exactly where in the forest, but not too far away from Ironrath. Esther sometimes comes to Ironrath for supplies and to sell her gains of her hunting activities; mainly hides and sometimes meat. The small town inside the walls shuns her due to her appearance, but the people are happy to buy what she sells. Talia finds it rather hypocritical of the people. Although, Esther is rather blunt, has too many nicknames for some people, and is overly sarcastic at times. But she is caring, kind, and loyal. Traits Talia greatly values.

As Talia walks through the forest, she feels rather at peace. The calming nature of the forest calms her raging emotions that swirl inside her. Nature surrounds her and the worries of life and duty are far away. Talia takes a deep breath that fills her nostrils with earthy scents. For minutes, she walks through the forest looking around, enjoying nature.

"If it isn't blondie! Missed me that much, did you?" Esther says as she sits on a large rock looking towards Talia. Her usual playful smile visible. "The forest calms me down. I would have gone to the grove, but... it would've reminded me of Rodrik and father. I needed to clear my head. Especially after hearing about... Rodrik and father's death."

"I see. They are watching over you, I am sure they will be proud of you," Esther says warmly and comfortingly. "Thank you... what are you doing here?" Talia asks. "One of my shelters I use for hunting is nearby. I heard someone walking and came to see who it was," Esther explains. "Ah, well, care to walk with me? I could use the company," Talia asks. "Sure, if you'd like," Esther says as she jumps down. "Thank you, Esther. How's everything going with..."

Both walked and talked together for hours till the sky turned dark and both went to their respective homes for some much-needed rest. To wait for the rest of what the coming weeks will have in store for them.