Dark Wings, Dark Words

House Fair

"Thank you for aiding my sister." Robb said gratefully as he guided Ashanna's companions into Riverrun's great hall. A horde of soldiers and lords followed them inside. Larson bowed to Ashanna's brother, Cedric and Mia quickly followed their father's movements.

"We're terribly sorry to hear about your late Lord Father, Lady Stark." Larson said in condolences. Ashanna's mother and her hand entwined with her's tightly. It was as if Lady Catetlyn was afraid to let Ashanna go.

"Thank you. Thank you so much, truly we are in your debt." Her mother replied in genuine thanks.

"Milady there is no need to thank us. We did what any decent people would do." Larson said softly.

"There are very few decent people left in this world. I'm glad it was you who found her." Robb said respectfully. Mila blushed at Ashanna's brother's words. Larson and Cedric bowed to Robb to thank him for his kind words.

"As a king I can reward you with many, many things. But as a brother... I don't think I'd ever be able to reward you enough." Robb says quietly. Ashanna gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

"My King, we come from a small trading village not far from here. Fairmarket. It was attacked nearly 2 years ago by the mountain and his savages. We lost a lot of our people, our friends and family. We're nearly finished repairing the damages... but in the art of swordplay.. I'm afraid we are severely inexperienced. I humbly ask your permission for myself and my son to learn basic defence tactics from one of your soldiers. We are desperate, My King. Fairmarket will not survive another attack if we do not prepare ourselves." Larson begged. Ashanna gazed at her older brother. Robb listened attentively to Larson's words.

"Ser Arran." Robb called. An older gentleman with white stringy hair below his ears, stepped out of the flock of soldiers and lords.

He bowed to Robb before approaching him further.

"Your Grace?" Ser Arran asked politely.

"Ser Arran, is it correct that Fairmarket is your birth place?" Robb mused. Ser Arran nodded proudly.

"If I may ask, Do you miss it?" Robb asked in interest.

"Yes, My King. My brothers and their families reside there. I was pleased to know that majority of them survived the attack." Ser Arran said while he bowed his head.

"I don't want to send you somewhere where you don't want to go. Do you want to return to them?" Robb asked gently. The knight nodded.

"Yes, Your Grace. I haven't seen them in many moons." Ser Arran sighed.

"Then I give you leave to travel to your home. I ask you to take the title of Master at Arms at Fairmarket. Train and prepare the people." Robb said dutifully. Ser Arran nodded, a smile was etched on his lips. Robb turned to face Larson once more.

"It'll be an honour to learn the art of swordplay from such a talented man." Larson said thankfully. Robb glanced at Ser Arran again.

"Ser Arran do you know this admirable man?" Robb asked curiously. Ser Arran nodded.

"I was gone before his first summer, Your Grace. But I remembered him and took note of him when I visited. He always knew how to rally people into his corner." Ser Arran said with a respectful nod to Larson.

"They consult him with everything, Brother. The harvest, trade, markets, rebuilding.. everything." Ashanna cut in.
Robb gazed at Larson with deep consideration, before drawing his sword from its scabbard.

Ashanna's three companions were once again on one knee before her brother.

"Let it be known, that I Robb of House Stark, The King in the North, knight thee... Ser Larson and Ser Cedric of Fairmarket. I knight thee for your bravery and outmost courage when defending your home, your people and my beloved sister" Robb said as he knighted the father and son. Ashanna beamed with happiness towards her older brother.

"And I will also bestow the greatest honour I can... with the permission of my dear uncle.." Robb said before walking towards their uncle Edmure Tully. The pair had a whispered conversation which ended in Edmure smiling and nodding. Robb returned to the three kneeling at Ashanna's feet.

"My uncle and I have agreed that you are worthy of this title. From this day forth, you are the knighted Lords and Lady of Fairmarket." Robb exclaimed. "Rise."

A thundering sound of applause and cheers filled the great hall. Large smiles were etched on the father and his two children.

"When you decide on a name, please inform me." Robb said kindly as he placed a hand on Larson's shoulder.

Larson glanced at his two children before returning his gaze back to Ashanna's brother.

"House Fair, My King." Larson said gratefully. Robb beamed at him.

"House Fair, it is."