Morning glory (Open)

[Rodrik Cerwyn]

Lord Rodrik turned in his bed, the smell of piss and shit hit his nose hard enough to inform him it was morning. The only saving grace of morning was the smell of a thousand breakfasts being made. When Rodrik emerged from his tent he was greeted by the sight of the tents for the Stark and Tully bannermen. They stretched out as far as the eye could see.

Rodrik's own tent was spacious, the noble folk that weren't staying in Riverun all had spacious tents. The Northern Lord retreated back into his tent so that he could put on his breeches, he was already wearing a shirt that had once been decent cotton. Stain and sweat had rather removed the viability of the term 'decent' from it. Regardless, it was discarded for something a little fresher. Outside his tent he found a bucket of water and leaned forward so that he might pour it over his head without wetting his clothes. Rough hands rubbed the water into his face and he was as fresh as he was likely to get that day.

Adorned and fresh Lord Rodrik of House Cerwyn took slow steps towards a long table where some of the Northern Lords were breaking their fast. A camp follower with attractive dimples and a matching smile brought him a plate. He pitied the more attractive camp followers, lesser men took such joy in doing the cruder things with the more attractive girls.

But he had bread and bacon, he'd worry about whores another day.

[Liesel Mormont]

Liesel Mormont was growing restless. She had been up with the dawn, and spent the early morning picking her way between close-pitched tents, determined to reach the edge of the vast encampment. The tent she was sharing with her mother and sister afforded her enough space that she was content, but outside of that? If she'd wanted to seek out such stinking, cramped conditions, she'd have gone to live above some narrow city street somewhere. They were at war, and she knew that meant a measure of discomfort; she could tolerate that. It didn't mean she wouldn't seek out fresher air when she had the opportunity.

She didn't return to the Mormont tent until it was time for breakfast. A waft of a more welcome smell reached her, and she crossed the short distance to where a long table had been set up. Women were serving up plates of hot food. Whores and washerwomen. Liesel had no quarrel with the washerwomen, but she looked down her nose at the others. A woman who had nothing to offer save what was between her legs deserved disdain from Liesel, who had the pride of Bear Island and believed most women weak and incompetent by comparison.

They had no place here, she thought in irritation. Then again, it wasn't as if Liesel had ever had to pay a man in order to satiate her own desires. There was usually someone both handsome enough and willing. It was perhaps the one way in which women had the easier lot, although most of them didn't realize it.

Once she had seen the dishes that were on offer, Liesel promptly dropped her line of thought and found a space at the table. She called for a plate and, when it arrived, grinned at the man sitting next to her. 'Bacon! Aren't we the lucky ones!' It was Rodrik Cerwyn she had addressed. He was Lord of his house, but also a friend of sorts, and Liesel was in no mood for formality. 'I can put up with a lot so long as I get a decent meal,' she joked, and then took a bite as if in illustration.

[Rodrik Cerwyn]

Not long had Rodrik been sitting down when he heard the voice of Liesel Mormont gaining his attention. "Can't win a war on an empty stomach." Of course, plenty of green boys and farmers sons would die on the field with a belly half full of suspect stew, those of station ate considerably better. Life wasn't fair, but Rodrik wasn't going to complain. No matter if a battle was won or lost, the responsibility of how many lay dead would always rest on the shoulders of the leaders. With power came responsibility and it could be a weighty mantle.

"Are you well rested Lady Liesel?" They were to make for the Westerlands soon, as far as he was to understand. Hit Tywin in his home and draw his forces away from the Riverlands. That was what Rodrik need, to take the fight to the Westerlands, put the Lannister's on their heels and ride them down. A good open field to butcher them in. Clegane was in Harrenhal, what a thought that was! The-Mountain-That-Rides sitting right there. A delightfully large target for his spear.

[Deleted]

The medic was exhausted. She was lucky if she got a scarce few hours of sleep and as the war trickled on, those hours dwindled away. During the days she was pulling screaming, wounded soldiers from the battlefield, helping them to safety, treating them to the best of her ability, before vanishing back into the chaos for another. She had rows and rows of cots that housed the wounded and dying and there simply wasn't enough medics to tend to them all, her conscious was battered.

Her nights were spent chasing away cries of pain with ginger root, fennel seeds, and whatever else she could scavenge. She put her patients before herself too often and it was beginning to show upon her countenance. Her eyes were sunken in, her body thinner, her hair not quite as pristine, her dress covered in various dried blood stains from the night prior. The war was taking its toll upon her but she would be damned before she stopped. She was needed here. The soldiers needed her, the army needed her, and she would not let her husband down... not that anyone knew they were married.

The smell of breakfast reached her nose and quietly she approached one of the more noble of tables. Robb knew better than to announce their marriage, but he had made it damn well and clear that she could go wherever her will wished. Truly, she only approached because it was the closest table to her patients and should they require her, it would be a quick jog and nothing more. She had barely sat down when a pretty young thing brought her a tray of food. She offered her a tired smile, thanking her gently, before her attention turned to the rest of the table.

"Morning... breakfast of champions nay?" She teased lightly, a soft chuckle escaping her as she took her first bite.

[Liesel Mormont]

Liesel nodded to Rodrik. 'As well as I'm going to be,' she told him. 'Fortunately for me, I'm not a light sleeper.' She took her rest where she could get it, and there wasn't much that could wake her, even here where the tent walls didn't do much to block out the noise all around. If there was a certain degree of weariness betrayed in Liesel's eyes, it wasn't lack of sleep that had caused it. She had given the decision to join the fight for the North about as much thought as she would give a decision to travel to one tourney or another. She had thought - well, she hadn't thought, that had been the very problem. While she was by no means regretting her decision, the war was proving to be far more drawn-out and costly than she had imagined it might be.

After chewing on a morsel of the bread she had been given, she spoke again. 'I hope you've been able to sleep too, Lord Cerwyn,' she said. 'As I've heard it, we'll be on the move soon. Might be what everyone needs.' The prospect of a battle did tend to focus people, especially if what Liesel had heard was accurate and they were going to ride back to the Westerlands. Being on the offensive was a good sign.

At that moment, another woman sat down opposite her. Liesel didn't know her by name, but her face was more than familiar. She was one of the women tending to the wounded, and she had to be good at what she did, because Liesel kept seeing her walking by the tents belonging to the nobility. This morning, though, she looked exhausted. Now there was someone in need of a good night's sleep.

Liesel smiled at her encouragingly. 'Something like that,' she replied, with a glance towards Rodrik. 'We're all going to need it.'

[Deleted]

Imogene had visited her family on Bear Island, from them she had heard that her aunt and cousins were in the Riverlands fighting the war with Robb Stark. After a few days at home, she felt a bit out of place there and her mother had suggested that she join her cousins and aunt in the Riverlands. At first she didn't really think anything about it, but then it started to cross her mind more and more the longer she was on Bear Island. Finally she told her mother that she would leave in one day time, to lend her might and skills to Robb Stark. Her mother seemed to approve. Im's siblings had grown up so fast and were working their ways into being fine warriors and hunters of Bear Island. She bid them all fair well and that she would come back soon to Bear Island.

After months of traveling she reached Ironman's Bay via ship and traveled on horse to Riverrun. It had been a long and mostly weary journey. She reached Riverrun in two days time, arriving on the third day in the morning luckily for her breakfast was just being served. Some men inquired who she was though as soon as she told them and showed the symbol of Bear Island she was welcomed with somewhat warm arms. No one knew her that much compared to her cousins Dacey and Liesel. Some of the men made it known that most were eating breakfast and directed her towards the tent.

Upon entering she came to the first table which happened to house Liesel, Sir Rodrik Cerwyn, some men and a woman who seemed even more weary than she. She stood at the end of the table, her hand on the hilt of her sword. She was able to overhear some of their conversation and gathered who the man Liesel was talking to was. "Sir Rodrik Cerwyn, eh?.." Imogene said as she leaned against the table, though she nodded towards Rodrik and Liesel to show them some respect. "Morning cousin..its good to see you," she said to Liesel, a small smile on her face.

Someone had brought her over a plate and she sat in an empty place close to Liesel and Sir Rodrik. She took a bite of bread then spoke again after finishing the bite, "I arrived not too long ago this morning, I've come to pledge my sword to fight for Robb Stark," she said towards Liesel as well as Sir Rodrik she continued with her food a bit famished from her journey.

[Rodrik Cerwyn]

When the healing woman from Volantis joined the merry little group as they broke their fast, Lord Rodrik was the only one to rise from his table and offer a polite bow with a gentle smile. "Your Grace." before resuming his seat. The ceremony between The-King-in-North and a Noble from Volantis had been quiet and discreet, there was no roar of song and great feasting, no bawdy jokes as they were undressed and carried off to the wedding chambers to bed each other. But someone had to witness the union and that was the Lords. Karstark had made his feelings on the union clear and the Frey's....well they responded as one expected from Freys.

"Aye, I've managed to sleep." he had been so busy with his new duties in fact, that he had fallen asleep in an exhausted bundle more times then not, only to be woken before he was ready by the noises of camp. He wasn't going to complain though. Rodrik was a Northern Lord now. He didn't need cushions and feathers to rest his arse like some Southron twit. He had more comforts than some, and they managed to get what they needed, he'd do the same.

Liesel's cousin arrived next, offering a nod in his direction. "Its Lord now I'm afraid. My father has joined our ancestors." House Cerwyn had suffered in the fighting. "His Grace will be glad of another sword. Too many are leaving and not enough joining." When the Greatjon had threatened to pull his troops back way back when it was just Lord Robb, The Young Wolf had threatened to hang him for an Oath breaker when the fighting was said and done. Hopefully some that no longer believed in the cause could be hung for Oath Breakers. Let better men take their places, or lesser men step in to reveal themselves as such. The North kept itself strong.

[Deleted]

Scouts reported the Lannisters garrisoning Harrenhal, as well as keeping forces at Casterly Rock and Kings Landing, still a strong watch was kept around the assembled host of the North and Riverlands. Jason had awakened before dawn and ate a quick breakfast before heading out to inspect the guard posts. Luckily for the men on watch they had all been awake and vigilant. Even weary and tired as they were it heartened Jason to see that they regarded the duty with the seriousness it was due.

As he was returning the smell of bacon and fresh bread caught his attention. Following the smell to a mess tent he was surprised to discover the Volantene woman whom had stolen the Kings heart, as well as Lord Cerwyn, Liesel Mormont, and another woman. A quick glance about confirmed that none were within hearing distance but the five of them. "Your Grace" he solemnly intoned before bowing, "I speak for all when I say that we are blessed to have a Queen whom cares for the men as you do. Your husband could not have found a better wife in all the Seven Kingdoms."

With a hand he waved away a woman bringing a plate towards him, before sitting down across from the newly made lord of Castle Cerwyn. "My condolences on your loss Lord Cerwyn, I too lost both father and brother, to the Mad King it was. Our vengeance was glorious though. The Lannisters and Greyjoys shall pay just as the Targaryens did."

Turning to Liesel and the stranger he remarked "Lady Mormont, I must confess it strikes me as strange this warrior tradition among the women of Bear Island. It has been explained to me several times, but still it seems to surprise me everytime I see one of you armed and garbed for battle. By her blade I take it she is from Bear Island as well," motioning to the sword hanging at the other woman's waist. "I am Jason Mallister, the Lord of Seagard. It is well you are here, we can use every blade."

[Deleted]

Talisa blinked as she approached the table. Lord Rodrik was so fast to rise she almost thought him to be injured and seeking out medical aide. Her brain shot through what little poultices were still on her person. Not enough, that was for damned sure. She was stunned almost to silence at the words that left his mouth. Your grace. That's right... he had been there, one of very few witnesses who had seen her union with Robb.

Flustered and taken off guard, it took her a moment to dip her head back, a soft smile upon her face as she joined them at the table. She opened her mouth to respond to both Lord Rodrick and the lady whose name she knew not, when two more joined their early morning party. A woman warrior and a familiar face. Jason Mallister. Much like Rodrik had done, he greeted her first, except he let the proverbial cat out of the bag and everyone within the general vicinity now knew of her marriage, luckily for her that only consisted of these five souls, but it was still enough to make her turn an interesting shade of red and after she had swallowed her bite of breakfast she turned to face them all.

"Your words are too kind Lord Mallister, I only do what I believe is right and just. Nothing more and nothing less. I am honored by your acceptance and your respect for me, but please, out here in a battlefield of blood and pain where societies standards no longer govern life and death, call me Talisa. I am no more valuable than any other soldier who raises a blade in favor of the North. Here I am a medic, just trying to get honorable men back home." [/b] In truth, she was unaccustomed to having people treat her like she was so special, she didn't like being valued so highly. She was no different than any other person. She bled when she cut, she cried when she was hurt. She worried and cared for her family and her allies... whether she wore a crown of gold or a dress of dirt, that wouldn't change, and she would not have these men wasting valuable time on formalities, when they could just as easily be excused for the time being.

[Liesel Mormont]

Liesel blinked. 'Imogene? Is it you? By the gods, that's a welcome surprise.' She smiled broadly at her cousin, and reached over the table to clasp her arm in greeting. 'Haven't seen you since...well, it was when you were back home last, wasn't it? Dacey told me you'd gone for sailing, a trade ship I think it was...' She shook her head. Liesel was well-traveled, but mostly by land. The journey from Bear Island to the mainland was all the seafaring she cared for. 'It's so good to see you, Imogene,' she carried on. 'You'll have to tell me everything, and I mean all the best details...'

So delighted was she by Imogene's sudden appearance, it took a moment for the actions of the others to register with her. Your Grace? Did Rodrik suppose that was amusing? It was an odd kind of humor, even for him. It wasn't until Jason Mallister too spoke respectfully to the newcomer that Liesel realized that they were quite serious. She was the woman their King Robb had married? The fact of the marriage was known to her, if not the details; her mother had witnessed it. It was odd, the picture Liesel held in her mind of Robb's bride was some timid southern girl in an overcomplicated dress. This Talisa was nothing of the sort. It was enough to win her Liesel's approval, at least for now.

She turned back to Jason. 'You're right, Lord Mallister, this is my cousin Imogene, come to join us.' Giving him a half-smile, she continued, 'And you're far from the only person on the mainland that thinks our tradition odd. It's telling though, isn't it? A woman can fight every bit as bravely as a man, given the opportunity. Bear Island depends on us to keep it safe.' She shrugged. 'No doubt there's delicate flowers who wouldn't be up to the task, but I'm sure some of the women of Seagard might be,' Liesel told him, only half-teasing.

Liesel listened then to Talisa, who was blushing furiously, and nodded at her words. They weren't quite true, of course, she had more value than she cared to admit to, but Liesel didn't have the sense that her self-effacing attitude was an act. Her youngest sister had more confidence, thought Liesel, and little Lyanna was ten! She wasn't going to say anything to make the new queen feel more uncomfortable. 'Then let me congratulate you on your marriage!' she responded, belatedly but enthusiastically. 'Lord Mallister speaks truly once again, our King is fortunate to have you at his side.'

[Deleted]

Imogene listened for a moment as she had walked over and sat near the trio, overhearing Lord Rodrik calling the other woman 'Your Grace' and another man had also come over, talking to the other female and regarding her as 'Queen'. Arching her brow she looked around the mess table, from her cousin to Lord Rodrik and back to the female, supposedly the Queen. Queen Stark. "So, Robb found himself a Queen?" she asked, though it was more so a statement than a question. She had already gathered from the conversation that the girl was indeed Robb Stark's newly wed Queen. She smiled over at Talisa, "Pleasure to meet you, Grace," she nodded towards Talisa before she continued with her meal, a bit famished from her journey. She hardly ate ladylike and used her fingers to eat and pick at her food, though she did take mind to chew with her mouth closed and to not talk while she had food in her mouth.

The new comer, who introduced himself as Jason Mallister, regarded Bear Island's traditions about their female warriors. Imo couldn't help but smirk a bit at his comment, though Liesel introduced her and she gave Jason a small smile and a nod. She may have shaken hands if it weren't for the food upon her fingers. She would then look to her Cousin who had regarded her, quite shocked to see her. She gave her soft smile. She hadn't gotten to know her that much when she was at home, however she was family and that meant something to her.

"Indeed, I was a 'mate' of a ship for awhile, sailing around to the many places of Westeros though it always seemed to be near the North," she began, trying to recall the beginning years of her journey away from home. "It is good to see you too, cousin. There are however too many details to count. I felt almost at home on the sea. Bear Island will always be my home," she gave a small smile, still a bit dismayed by the events after leaving the crew of the ship. That part she felt she couldn't tell them. She felt that she had lost her strength then because of a man. That wouldn't be happening anytime soon however, she wouldn't let it.

"What have you been doing cousin since I left?" she inquired after taking a few more bites of her meal. "How is your mother and Dacey?" she asked.

(OOC: Post may seem a bit all over the place.. sorry trying to reply to everyone)