Iron From Ice

Chapter 22

Esther Waters ~ Ironrath ~ the Grove

Esther looks towards Edmund that stands near the Weirwood tree located deep within the grove. He seems to be praying as he kneels in front of the tree. She never had much faith in the Faith of the Seven, and the Old Gods... she finds them creepy, but more real than the ones in the South.

She takes a breath and walks towards him. "My Lord," Esther greets him. He glances behind him to see who it is before looking to the tree again. "Esther, here to pray as well?" He asks.

"No, I'm not even sure how to pray to... uhm, the Old Gods," she says. Edmund nods standing up with a sigh. "You're a Southerner. I did not expect that. May I know your family name?" he asks looking at her. Esther looks to the ground with furrowed eyebrows. "Waters."

Edmund's gaze softens, a firm but gentle hand being placed on her shoulder. "I see. Well, I guess you'll be a Forrester soon enough. What made you come to visit me?" He asks. "Why did you come here, Lord Edmund? I don't get it. All the Lords I've met down in the South are selfish, greedy, and too prideful," she explains.

Edmund laughs as he motions to a nearby trunk to sit on. "You hit the head on the nail, Esther. But not all families are like that. Blackwoods, Tully's, Tyrell's... There are plenty of good folk down in the South. The Lannisters just made the lands toxic with their schemes and ambitions. It also did not help that the Targaryens are gone," he explains to her.

That confused Esther. Edmund supports the dragons? She would have thought they supported the Baratheons during the rebellion. "That's a surprise. I suppose you're right..." Esther says with a sigh. "May I know to which House you're born to?"

Esther shrugs. "I actually don't know. The only thing my mother left me was a vague letter after she died. She said my father was from a proud and old House, from across the seas. That does not help to figure it out," she explains. "Hmm, not really, I suppose. Could be Velaryons, Celtigars, perhaps even some of the houses on the mainland. I suppose it does not matter. Was that the reason for coming here? To ask what I want?"

"Part of it, I appreciate what you did. Killing Ramsay. My dear Talia is also appreciative of what you did. Her twin was killed by him. So thank you," she says sincerely, sending him a soft smile. "Of course, but now comes a difficult war. Taking Winterfell won't be easy. I saw paintings of the castle, and if it looked anything like the paintings... It will be very difficult, many will die taking it."

Esther sighs deeply. "I'd guessed as much. Maybe we do not have to storm the gate and face them behind their walls. Roose Bolton is not one for the confrontation, but we could lure him out. It may be our best chance. Even so, I think it is best to take out the Whitehills and drive them off for good. It'd also take out some fighting men for the Boltons," Esther says as she thinks aloud.

"That'll help weaken them a bit, but we need the other Houses. I hope Jon and Sansa are able to rally them to their side. To be honest, it wouldn't take much to do so. Every family suffered at the hands of the Boltons. And from what I saw when I marched with Robb. Almost every northerner loved the Starks. They will come to their aid, I think"

"I hope you're right, Edmund," Esther says before looking towards an approaching woman and man. Her dress made of brown cloth, brown hair done in a simple yet elegant braid, a faint smile on her lips. It's Elaena Glenmore. The man wears an armor that is mainly made by hardened leather and metal pieces. A sword and bow are carried by the man.

"Lady Elaena, wonderful to see you again. Arthur, I am very happy to see you too. I made sure to make you proud," Esther greets them as she stands up. Arthur smirks as he hears it. "Esther, I'm glad to see you as well. It seems Rodrik is not here?" Elaena asks with a tight smile.