All trademarked items in this fanfiction is owned by their respective copyright holders (A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio by Ark Performance, etc). The ones owned by me are past and future OCs, plot, and author's thoughts. This fanfiction is made solely for entertainment purposes and not intended for any material gain.

A Capriccio of Winds and Earths

Karasu 8

"I suppose we're here," Yahagi said as her entourage approached the looming form of Winterfell. "What do you say, Lord Redwyne? A week of rest before we go back to King's Landing?"

"That would be quite acceptable Ser Kirino," Paxter Redwyne said after a chuckle. "After all, my nephew would have suggested a fortnight or more by how violently he was ill on the way here."

"I'm not going to live this down am I," Loras grumbled good-naturedly.

"You were sick almost all the way cuz," Hobber Redwyne made a jab to his cousin. "Even Horas overcame his sickness by the third day."

"My knight's steed is much too fast," Loras tried to defend himself.

"Much too fast indeed," Paxter said. "Ol' Seasnake would've thrown himself to the rocks of Driftmark if he saw us ripping through the water in that speed. I would suppose your sort of ship could be obtained from somewhere Ser Kirino?"

"Only if you have the weight of the Red Keep in gold to procure and operate it, Lord Redwyne," Yahagi said before a chuckle.

"Halt! Who goes there?" A guard from the tower gate exclaimed as the entourage of ten horses stopped before it.

"I am Ser Yahagi Kirino, kingsguard of King Robert Baratheon first-of-his-name, as identified by the standard I carry. I came bearing gifts and missives from His Grace to commemorate the birth of Lord Stark's son. With me and my squires are Lord Paxter Redwyne of the Reach and his squires," Yahagi replied, introducing herself and the entourage.

"Well met good Ser, your house is well-regarded within these walls," a man said as he emerged behind the guard. "A runner has been dispatched and Lord Stark will receive you at the hall shortly. Pass in peace Ser and Lord."

"Thank you, good man! We shall proceed there!" Yahagi said as a stable boy showed up and pointed the way for them.

"Quite a lively castle," Paxter said as they passed busy porters and teamsters readying a veritable convoy.

"Winter is upon their doorstep my lord," Yahagi said in low tones. "The kind that rouse the dead in their wake."

"Gave me a right scare when The Citadel held a viewing of the wight in Oldtown," Paxter said as he suppressed a shiver. "And your cousin said there was what, forty thousand of them?"

"Triple that... they left before knowing what became of the other two castles," Yahagi said as they disembarked before the hall's entrance. "Kirishima was very fortunate to be able to withstand their weapon at Eastwatch."

"Gods be good, a hundred and twenty thousand… almost as powerful as The Reach and Dorne combined," Paxter grumbled. "Good thing The Wall stands in their way, aye?"

"Yes it is," Yahagi said.

...

"Ser Yahagi Kirino and Lord Paxter Redwyne!"

The crier announced them to the hall and a hush descended to the somewhat packed audience. The two announced nobles strode forward with their attendants bringing up the rear. Eddard Stark's expression hovered between elated welcome and intrigue, but nonetheless signaled for bread and salt.

"Be welcome within the halls of Winterfell, Ser Kirino and Lord Redwyne," Eddard said, a smile on his face after the rite had been observed. "I understand there are missives from the king?"

"And presents for your youngest, my Lord of Stark," Yahagi said as he stepped forward to present the letter. "I also report to you that Lady Yamato would have arrived at Eastwatch at this time, her ship bearing tuns of preserved food, building supplies, and volunteers for The Night's Watch."

"Perhaps the greatest recent contribution to The Watch from a southron noble in my time. On the behalf of The Watch and The North, I thank your house," Eddard said, receiving the scroll before he addressed Paxter. "I seldom see a Reacher this far north… much less one of your stature, Lord Redwyne."

"I was at King's Landing to oversee a routine wine shipment, Lord Stark… and also to get some Pentoshi fine linens at better prices," Paxter replied easily. "Oh, you won't believe how much those Dornish price-gougers charge, by The Seven! But then, I heard news of House Kirino's ships and I simply couldn't resist trying to… by the ser's words, tag along. I also brought some presents, but I'm afraid it would pale in comparison to the king's."

"I see, Lord Redwyne," Eddard said after a nod. "Thus, I shall bade you to present your gifts to my wife in the nursery yourself, Ser Kirino and Lord Redwyne. I apologise if my reception seemed curt and short, but this is a very busy time for Winterfell and as you can see, many more needs my attention."

"I shall impose no more of your time, Lord Stark," Yahagi said as she bowed and retreated from the lord's seat. They are then promptly escorted to the nursery.

...

"Curt and short indeed," Horas Redwyne snorted as he and Loras followed their lieges deeper into Winterfell, gifts on their hands. His twin brother elected to oversee their luggages with Yahagi's page.

"You saw how many petitioners and courtiers Lord Stark is receiving, cousin," Loras replied. "I can see that the staff is not accustomed in arranging a court that size. He's overwhelmed and it showed."

"Aye…" Horas said. A short silence settled for a few minutes before he asked in a reluctant tone. "Did you saw the wight, cuz?"

"Only the hand. Smelled awful," Loras answered with a sigh. "Ser Yahagi bade me to burn a pair of her gloves used to touch the thing. The smell just would not scrub off…"

"Father took us to The Citadel's showing of the wight they received from your ser's cousin. It was missing both hands, so that is where your wight hand was from I guess," Horas replied. "They sawed it in half at the waist and it didn't stop moving, cuz."

"Damn," Loras grunted.

"The bottom half then got loose and kicked a few maesters and acolytes," Horas said in low tones. "Heard three of them died."

"No shit…" Loras hissed. "What happened to it?"

"Some septons went to a frenzy and tried… smiting it," Horas replied to the question. "A Silent Sister just threw a torch on the corpse. Burned like tinder soaked in oil... unfortunately not all of the smiting septons survived."

"Ser Yahagi Kirino and Lord Paxter Redwyne!" The door-guard announced.

...

"Ser Yahagi Kirino and Lord Paxter Redwyne!"

Catelyn was startled a little but managed a response. Thus, the first woman-knight in the history of The Seven Kingdoms strode into her nursery.

The woman clad in mail and white tabard seemed… slight. Not as large as the rumors that reached Catelyn would have it, towering over men and built like a guardhouse. Instead of a stout warrior like Rodrik Cassell or Greatjon Umber, the Kirino knight is more of a heavier version of his younger sister; a coiled snake ready to strike.

"Welcome to Winterfell, Ser Kirino and Lord Redwyne," Catelyn greeted. "I was notified that you have come bearing gifts from the king?"

"You are well-informed my lady," Yahagi said as she motioned for Loras to present her gifts. "Our king gifted your youngest with fine horse figurines, made of the best Kingswood rowan. I was told it was a prayer for the child to grow into a righteous and steadfast man."

"A kingly gift indeed," Catelyn said as she marveled at the beautifully polished horses, its body painted black and gray and its mane gold.

"From our own house, Lady Yamato commissioned these for your children," Yahagi went on, revealing three fist-sized drums mounted on a stick each. Beads tied to a length of fine leather cord stuck out from its sides. "An Old Nihon toy called a denden taiko. It is made with wood varnished in glazes that had been used in Old Nihon for thousands of years."

"A gift of such magnitude… my son is blessed indeed by your house, Ser," Catelyn said. "He tasted your cousin's cooking before he was born, and now you brought him toys from a lost land."

"House Stark was a most gracious host to my kin, what can we do but return your kindness my lady?" Yahagi shot her a rhetorical question as she unveiled the last gift, a blanket of blue and red with animal motif embroidery. Cately could spot a wolf, a stag, eagles, and trouts. "This woolen blanket is from the Lord and Lady Arryn, and they wished that your son would grow strong."

"And a same gift from House Redwyne, although perhaps more suited to ward from strong winds," Paxter said, presenting his own present of a gray embroidered blanket. "Thin Vale cashmere, the seamstress said."

"I thank you, Lord Redwyne—"

"Mother!" Two children suddenly barged into the room. "We heard— the knight— did she—"

"Arya, Brandon! Show some respect for the guests!" Catelyn admonished the children.

"The two next youngest, Arya and Brandon I presume?" Yahagi said after the children curtsied and bowed. "The winds whispered about you two, right handfuls that you are!"

"I am blood of wolf, as father said!" Arya said, chest puffed.

"A right hellion this one would be, my lady," Yahagi replied as she mussed the children's hair. "And you, little Brandon?"

"I wnna be knight lik yoo!" Bran replied, trying to imitate his sister.

"Right… mayhaps one day you will be a page to me, or young Loras here once he gets his spurs," Yahagi said with a smile. "But until then, you shall heed the words of your parents, you hear?"

"Yes Ser!" The two children answered as one.

At that moment Catelyn wondered, if the flash of ache in her heart was simply weariness of a new mother again or something else.

...

"As guest rights has been observed, I bid you welcome at Greywater Watch," Howland Reed intoned towards the Kirino party. "Quarters would be a bit small for your tastes, but not a drop of swampwater shall mar you in my watch."

Jon Snow marveled as further pleasantries was observed. The hall of Greywater Watch was but a third the size of Winterfell's great hall, but it felt like a well-lived home. The people were quiet and slightly suspicious, but once Lord Reed accepted and read the letter from Father, they were quick to warm up.

"Jon Snow, as I live and breathe."

Howland's voice seemed to simply appear in front of him. The man was shorter and thinner than many, but if Father's respect lie with him then surely the lord is none to be trifled with.

"Lord Reed," Jon returned the greeting. "It's an honor to meet you sire."

"When I last saw you from this close, you are but a wailing babe," Howland said while he patted Jon's shoulder. "Now look at you. Broad-shouldered and but a year or two from surpassing my height. Your father let you go from the den, hmm?"

"Yes my lord," Jon answered the question. "I am to look for gainful employment outside The North, with a promise that I will take whatever I learned in the south back to Winterfell if I can."

"I'm sure Robb will welcome you back with open arms," Howland replied, a little chuckle at the end of his sentence. "When my business with the Kirino concludes, find me and I shall tell you tales of our youth."

"You honor me, my lord," Jon replied.

"Now, let us see if my daughter can persuade you to enjoy a good roasted frog leg," Howland said in a slightly mischievous tone.

A/N: Bit fast, I guess? I am playing catch-up, to be fair. Enjoy!