Iron From Ice

Chapter 23

Mira Forrester ~ Ironrath

Mira looks with amusement as Esther is dragged by some servants to prepare her for tonight. She feels an arm going around her waist. To her right, she sees Edmund. "I think we succeeded in surprising Esther," Edmund says with a chuckle. Mira hums in agreement as she leans into the embrace.

"I am very happy that things are looking up for our House. This conflict reminded me of my own family," Elissa says as she joined the two. "We're strong now, mother. Soon we'll have the Starks back in Winterfell and the Boltons will be gone," Mira says, but looks surprised to see an approaching Esther. She looks a bit nervous.

"Elissa, may I ask something of you?" Esther asks. Elissa smiles as she turns to Esther. "Of course, dear." Esther nods, but mostly to herself. "C-could you give me away to Talia? I don't have any family that I am related to by blood. A-and you claimed me as your own. Will you give me away to my wife, mother?" Esther asks softly. Elissa's smile turns almost blindingly bright.

"Of course, Esther! I'm more than happy too! Oh, my child," Elissa says happily, pulling her in her embrace. Esther sighs in content as her arms wind around Elissa. "Thank you, Elissa."

"My ladies, my lord, Sansa Stark and Jon Snow have arrived. They ask for an audience with the Lord," the man says, obviously looking for Rodrik. Elissa breaks of her embrace to look at the man. "Bring them here, I will get the Lord," Elissa says. The man bows a bit before walking away.

—

Mira stands with Edmund as they receive the two Starks. Jon may be a bastard, but his blood is of House Stark. Rodrik sits on his chair while Elissa stands next to him. Close to Mira and Edmund stand Esther and Talia, they also cling to each other even more than usual. Their face etched with joy and happiness. It makes Mira happy as she sees them like this.

The table that will be used for the celebration is slightly pushed to the side, but the decorations are still there. It may not be the most... traditional way of receiving them, but their timing made it happen like this. They may even join them during the marriage ceremony, Mira thinks. She thinks that Talia and Esther have no problems with it.

The doors to the hall open and from them Jon Snow and Sansa Stark walk in. Alongside them is a man with hair and a beard turning gray. Both look around curiously. Mira studied them a bit closer, but both Starks look like they have been under constant stress. Jon also shows he has seen some kind of horror. It makes her worried.

"Lord Snow and Lady Stark, welcome to Ironrath. My apologies for the rather unorthodox decor. My sister is getting married," Rodrik greets them. Jon smiles a little. "That's great news, my lord. I am sorry for coming to you on this joyous day, but I've come to ask for your aid. We need to take back Winterfell," Jon says.

Rodrik stands from his chair. "And our aid you will have, Lord Snow. The Boltons have spit on us for too long. It's time to get rid of them," he says firmly. Jon sighs in relief. "You have my gratitude, my lord. You're the first to come to our aid so easily," Jon says with relief. Rodrik looks at Jon with conviction.

"The North knows no King, but the King in The North, whose name is Stark, Lord Snow. I don't care what the Bolton say. I don't care what those southern Kings say. My family and people bled for the Starks for centuries, as the Starks have bled for us. I won't break my faith and oath to House Stark today," Rodrik says firmly. Jon and Sansa smile gratefully.

"The Houses are unwilling to rally to you?" Edmund asks. "They are, House Glover refused. I haven't heard anything from the other Houses, but only House Mormont came to our aid so far," Jon explains. "How many men can we expect, Lord Forrester?"