A Long Days Journey <Rickard>

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Delaney had been traveling for some time, and wandered how much longer it would be till she reached The Crag. She had never been there, so she would not know what it looked like, but only from what she had heard of it. She had learned that it was not really a fortress or a stronghold, it was just there, existing on the coast, that is was out of the Lannister's grasp. Just what Delaney wanted to hear. 

Delaney didn't travel alone, she had two of the guards from Riverrun accompany her, so this time she wouldn't be scolded for being unlady like and travel on these roads unprotected. It was a long ride, Delaney tried to stay strong and alert despite the saddle soreness, and the unpredictable weather that this country had to offer. They took stops to water their horses, and to camp down for the night. If they were fortunate they could find shelter to have a warm bed to sleep in. Delaney was grateful for that. The not make her stand out, and make her an easy target, she wore a simple grey cloaked garb to hide her identity. The Gods help her if she were taken capture, her father would be furious if he found out, and that would be one more reason for war. 

Early in the dawn, Delaney halted her horse on the top of a hill, and looked down on some old ruins. She took a deep breath, " The Crag, my lady," said one of her guards and pointed forward. Delaney smiled a little, and knew that at last she had reached her destination. She tapped her mare's sides, and she picked up a canter as they road down the wet dirt road. She had gotten word that some of her family was staying here, and she wanted to see how they were doing. Plus it gave her an excuse to leave Riverrun and get to see the other kingdoms. She reached the gates of The Crag, and she rode through with her guards close behind. Stopping in the center of the yard, Delaney looked around with her head still cloaked, and she gently got off her horse. Her guards did the same and kept watch. Delaney held the reins of her horse and looked for a familiar face. 

[Rickard Stark]

Rickard had been discussing plans on how to proceed the entire morning, and by the time he finally called a recess to get some food, half the lords in the room followed him out into the courtyard. They were all still going on about how they should retreat to Riverrun from where they had to attack Harrenhall, but Rickard had another plan; To capture Casterly Rock from the Lannisters and take away their home. Rickard decided it was not good to talk about this in front of everyone, and he said it. "My lords, I think I called a recess. This means that we stop talking about strategies until I say we continue. Am I clear?" He asked the men, trying to remain polite. They agreed and went back inside.

Just as Rickard began walking towards the grand hall to get some lunch, he saw two Riverrun soldiers in the middle of the yard. What are soldiers from Riverrun doing here? He thought. He decided to investigate and approached the men. "Soldiers, what are you doing here? Are you not supposed to be in Riverrun?" He asked them while looking at the third person, who was cloacked.

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Upon seeing Rickard, a higher ranking officer than them they stood at attention, and addressed him. " Forgive us my lord, we were given orders to escort your guest," said one of the guards and he then stood at ease and reached his hand forward and gestured towards the cloaked figure. True, the soldiers would have been better to have stayed in Riverrun where they would have better served their purpose to guard the stronghold, but the third person insisted to traveling here. With the upcoming war looming on the horizon, they could use all the strength in men they could use. 

The cloaked figure slowly raised their hand, and stopped the soldiers from speaking anymore. " It is quite alright Mathius, I can take it from here, " and she slowly removed her covering to reveal that the third traveler was nothing more than a woman. A woman, in The Crag! Oh but to see the reaction on her cousin's face. Slowly Delaney smiled, " Greetings Rickard, how have you been? Surprised? Sorry for not sending notice ahead of my coming, but you know how every raven message is checked these days, " she said and continued to smile and she removed her gloves. She looked over his shoulder at the guards and handed her horse's reins to them. Delaney looked around before Rickard said anything, and she took in the sights. " So this is The Crag, " and she looked back at Rickard.

[Rickard Stark]

Rickard wasn't agnry with the soldiers. They were just doing what they were told to do. But he didn't expect a guest though. "No need to apologize, men. He said to them. Then he heard a woman's voice, who not soon later revealed herself to be his cousin, Delany. He was quite surprised/ "Hello, cousin. I am indeed surprised. And although I understand not sending a raven first, you really should have because, well, traveling with only two guards, no matter how good they are, is very dangerous and you could have been hurt." he replied to the things she asked him.

"So what brings you here, Delany? I mean, the Crag isn't exactly Winterfell or Riverrun" He asked. The Crag was little more than a ruin. House Westerling hadn't the funds to maintain the stronghold. He didn't quite like it, and much more preferred Winterfell, but circumstances did not allow him to return just yet. First they needed to win this damned war, and then they had to drive the Ironmen out of the North before they could finally start to rebuild Winterfell.