In the morning, after a quick wash, Jorah and Wylis were escorted to the Godswood where Lord Stark was already awaiting with a few guards and Maester Luwin. There were no fancy decorations or any fancy items. It was plain and simple like North.
Maester Luwin spoke, "Today we are gathered here to witness the oath ceremony of two lordly houses to their Great House, House Stark and its legal ruler, Lord Eddard Stark.
As a maester, I stand here as a witness and guide for the lords!"
Jorah looked at Wylis who gave way for Jorah and Jorah had to walk first.
Taking off his ancestral valyrian steel sword, Jorah kneeled on one knee and bowed his head down before offering his blade to Lord Stark.
"In the presence of Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the North, I, Ser Jorah Mormont, Lord of Bear Islands, swear upon earth and water, bronze and iron, ice and fire, the unwavering loyalty of House Mormont to House Stark. With sword and spear, we shall defend your honour, grant mercy to the weak, and bring justice to all. In peace and war, on land and sea, we are bound and proud to serve your house."
Ser Wylis who was dressed in clean white clothes also tried to follow the process. However, to his sheer dismay, the belt was too tight and the armour was too stiff on his tummy making it hard to kneel.
However, not ready to make a fool of himself on such a sacred event, he pushed himself and followed Jorah before uttering a similar oath, swearing to old gods and new as their house worships the religion of seven, as fast as he could.
Ned clearly had a disappointing gaze at Ser Wylis but he remained motionless before speaking.
"In the presence of Old Gods and New, I, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, accept your oaths of unwavering loyalty. Your steadfast commitments are acknowledged, and I assure you that your places shall forever be secured by my hearth.
As a trusted ally, you shall always find warm hospitality, plentiful provisions, and a seat at my table where mead and sustenance flow abundantly.
Furthermore, I solemnly swear to never burden your houses with any task that may tarnish the honour or dignity of it. Your service to our alliance will be one of shared purpose and mutual respect.
With your swords and spears, as formidable as bronze and iron, joining our ranks, we stand united against our adversaries. Together, we shall confront the trials and tribulations that lie ahead, drawing upon the unyielding resolve that emanates from the realms of ice and fire.
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Let it be known that our houses are now intertwined, bound by the unbreakable ties of loyalty and trust. As we march forward, our alliance shall be a beacon of strength, honour, and resilience in a realm that yearns for unity. Together, we shall face the challenges of the present and future, guided by the enduring spirit of ice and fire."
Ned spoke in his passionate voice before taking their swords and giving them back, completing the ceremony.
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After the ceremony, there was again a feast. The trio were back to their seats with Lady Catelyn bringing her babe with her and Lady Leona joining Ser Wylis.
"Lord Mormont, what do you think about the recent bandit situation in the north?"
"Bandits…considering the last war, I believe there are more men ready to grab land and food than farm honestly," Jorah replied after thinking for a minute.
"We must send soldiers to bring back the order, remove these bandits and properly safeguard our trade routes. Without traders, the aftermath of the last war will linger for a long time and the people of the north will continue to suffer."
"Hmm…. We can't let people suffer." Ned spoke a single line after hearing Jorah but didn't expand the topic and Ser Wylis never got the chance to speak.
"WooooWooo…" Suddenly the babe in Lady Catelyn Stark started crying disrupting the dinner and she had to excuse herself to calm the baby.
"Apologies…the boy is just too young," Ned apologised with a smile.
"No worries, Lord Stark. My wife is also expecting. When my child is born, I will invite all the lords for a feast." Jorah also spoke with a longing in his eyes.
"That's great news, Lord Jorah," Ned replied with a more peaceful smile.
While the men were talking about the babies, Lady Leona had her fists clenched tightly. A baby has become a source of nightmares and pain in her heart. Her husband is worthless in war, worthless in love and worthless in bed.
He might love a pie more than her and his speed of eating is only slower than his speed of finishing inside her, leaving her all frustrated and angry. However, after trying for almost a year, why is her stomach still barren?
Lady Leona refuses to accept that it's her problem. It must be her husband. The worthless pig husband.
After the dinner was over, everyone took their leave.
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At the hour of the wolf, when most guards were long asleep and Winterfell was covered in snow and silence, a shadow emerged from Lord Wylis's room and walked cautiously to Lord Jorah's chamber.
"Knock…Knock…" A soft knock made Jorah stand up who was waiting for the visitor.
After coming back from the dinner, he received a letter from under his door and it was a simple message. However, the message was extremely valuable for Jorah. Jorah hurriedly opened his door and dragged the shadow inside.
"Welcome Lady Leona," Jorah spoke as the shadow took off her coat covering her face.
"You must have received my letter, Lord Jorah. I want to know your thoughts," Lady Leona spoke while she stood inches away from Jorah.
Jorah spoke only one word, "Stony shore".
"Possible. I can make Lord Wylis agree to it," Lady Leona spoke.
Jorah didn't hesitate and pulled her into his arms before sealing her lips.
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