✓ | POOR JUDGMENT (A.FORRESTER)

Duncan. Chapter Four.

Cynthia stood beside Talia, an arm draped lazily over her slender shoulders as they stared off into the distance. It was weird to think Malcolm would not be around for a while, though that was not the most discomforting thing that had changed at Ironrath in the past weeks. Gared had come and gone, Rodrik and Gregor were dead, Ethan was now Lord, Elyssa had lost her child and husband yet kept a brave face, and all the while Talia and Cynthia were slowly losing their minds. It was clear to see Talia was struggling, and that she looked to Cynthia for support. How was Cynthia supposed to aid her in anyway possible when all she could think of now was what was to come? Asher. He was to return home in a matter of months, and now that was all Cynthia's mind could process. She'd loved that man beyond belief, and now he was to finally come home, after 4 years of being exiled, he was coming home. Anything that didn't concern her beloved had dissolved in her thoughts, buried by all the resurfacing memories of her and Asher.

"Do you think he will bring Asher home?" The small voice beside Cynthia piped up, eyes hopeful as the young girl gazed to Cynthia. She wasn't sure, perhaps by now, with all of the things that this family had done to Asher, he wouldn't wish to come home. Perhaps he would prefer to remain in Essos where he did not have a care in the world, or any responsibilities controlling his life. But then, Asher was always a family lover, especially when it came to the children; he hadn't really got to know Ryon much, as he had been quite young when he left, but he'd always loved Ethan and Talia, and Cynthia was sure he'd be desperate to see them again. And then there was Mira and Cynthia, whom he loved teasing and fooling around with, and Rodrik whom had always been the closest with him, beyond Cynthia. Asher may have an easy life in Essos, but Cynthia couldn't help the hope she had that he would jump on the boat before Malcolm had even finished addressing him, when the time came. "I am sure he will." The positive words all but flew from Cynthia's mouth, a permanent image of Asher branded in her mind at the thought of potentially seeing him again soon.

With Malcolm having disappeared beyond the horizon, the two girls turned back to Ironrath, finding Duncan approaching them rather quickly. "Are you leaving too?" Talia pouted, gripping her cold hand onto Cynthia's as she stared up at the Castelyn. "I am afraid I must. Lord Ethan wishes for me to take some more Ironwood supplies to the Wall." Duncan sighed sadly, trying his best to send a warming smile to the young girl at Cynthia's side. "You'll get to see Gared!" She beamed quickly, eyes growing with excitement at the prospect. It was no secret to Cynthia that Talia had always taken a liking to Duncan's nephew, and she'd been depressed when he was sent away having only just arrived home again; now the topic had arisen again. "Aye. That I will. I shall send him your regards." Duncan chuckled at Talia, before turning his attention to Cynthia. "Lady Elyssa wishes to speak with you, Cyn." "Alright, I'll go and speak with her now. Talia, why don't you go and assist Ser Royland, I'll be back soon." Cynthia sent a smile to the Forrester girl, who appeared to not be too pleased with the circumstances, though she did not argue. "Be quick." Was all she said, before stomping her way to the training ring to watch the soldiers fight. "Any ideas as to what this is about?" Cynthia asked calmly, turning back to the Castelyn. "You'd best just speak with Elyssa, don't want to ruin the surprise," Duncan winked teasingly, knowing how much Cynthia hated secrets, or waiting to be told of something.

It was quiet in Ironrath now, Cynthia could no longer hear Talia, Ethan and Ryon play-fighting or running through the corridors. She could no longer hear Asher, Rodrik and Gregor talking of battle, or arguing over anything and everything; Asher always found something to argue with his father about, and Rodrik was usually forced to be the parent in that scenario, dialing down whatever heated row the two men had gotten themselves into. And she could no longer hear Elyssa and Mira discussing dresses, or Mira's trip to High Garden. It was all silent. No one in sight but a few servants. Everyone was either dead, gone or just plain depressed, and it was easily shown by the atmosphere inside. Cynthia, having been left alone by Duncan and had walked straight to the doors, anxious to know what it was her adopted mother wished to speak of. Elyssa would more than likely be in the Great Hall, sat with Ethan or sat alone, merely thinking over the past days with a solemn look - that was to be expected from her and everyone else in House Forrester. They had all lost a great deal in a matter of weeks, and yet they were all expected to move on like it had all been for nothing.

Admittedly, Cynthia wasn't really comprehending that Rodrik was not coming back, she had loved him too much to now let go as if he were a distant memory, just looming over her. He had been her big brother, her saviour and best friend. Her hero. She couldn't, she wouldn't, accept that she would never see him again, never speak with him again, never play with him again, never fight with him again, never hug him again, never have her brother again. If she did, it would hurt far too much to ever forget. Her mind had grown used to him being away at war, and had fantasised the idea that he was still there, fighting alongside his father, somewhere better than here. Because the reality of the whole situation, of what had happened to them, was like being stabbed repeatedly in the chest, an undying pain that Cynthia wasn't ready to accept just quite yet.

Reaching the large oak doors, Cynthia found them to be ajar, revealing the blazing fire on the east side of the room. The Great Hall held many memories for this family, some good and some very bad. She could easily remember the fighting lessons Lord Gregor had given her and Mira when they were seven; they'd destroyed the room, having tipped funiture everywhere, and slashed up a few items of it. Gregor had them jumping and rolling around like maniacs all afternoon. Not really teaching them anything but just pretending. She could remember how dramatically he'd fallen, acting as though he'd been stabbed. Mira and Cynthia had been in tears with laughter by the end of the day. However, she could also easily remember the day that had ruined her; the day Asher had been exiled. Ludd Whitehill had dragged him in by the scruff of his neck, demanding he have his head. Gregor had been completely unaware of Asher's relationship with Gwyn, Rodrik and Cynthia on the other hand had been in the light the entire time. Then it appeared Ludd Whitehill had joined in on the secret. He had been furious, calling for Asher's execution. Of course he refused to accept his daughter had played an equal part in that affair, but he was more than happy to place the blame on a Forrester. Asher had argued and pleaded with his father, but Gregor was taking none of it; he had agreed to banish Asher in order to save his life, but no matter how much Asher begged, Gregor barely looked at him let alone stood up for him. That night had been ten times worse; when Cynthia had a bad dream she would have gone to Asher and spent the night with him. But this time she went to his room and found it to be empty. She couldn't remember a time when she'd cried more. All those memories held in one room...

"Cyn." The voice brought her out from her daze, her eyes switching from the roaring fire to lady Elyssa who now stood in front of her. "Sorry, I....you wished to speak with me?" Cynthia brushed off her previous thought line, focusing now on Elyssa, who simply bared a warming smile. "That I did. You must have heard from Duncan that he is travelling to the Wall." Elyssa began, waltzing back to the center of the Great Hall where she'd set up two chairs and a small table. Cynthia followed, none the wiser as to what this was all about. "Aye. He mentioned that when he came to find me." Cynthia replied, taking a seat upon one of the chairs. "Good. I trust you do not know how this involves you then?" Elyssa took the seat next to her, her smile now having faded back to a blank expression. "Me?" Cynthia repeated, shocked and perplexed as to how she could possibly have anything to do with Duncan or travelling to the Wall. "Duncan believes this would be a great opportunity for you to travel, see at least some of the world. We are also under the impression that you have a friend up North, besides Gared?" Elyssa said curiously, and it took Cynthia a second to realise whom it was she spoke of. "Jon!" Cynthia exclaimed, "I get to see Jon?" Elyssa nodded slowly, another smile birthing on her face. "You must promise me you will stay safe up there?" Lady Elyssa stood, holding Cynthia's hands in her own. "I promise."