Back at the house Brandon and Alora were greeted by Laloren and the children. Codin had gone home to his own wife. Standing by the fire place Efan watched the graceful young woman the child he had known had grown up to be. His memory of the small girl looking up at him and asking what was wrong had to be blinked back as young woman hugged him, "I missed you Efan." Her grey eyes smiled up at him and her black hair had grown to fall even farther in the wave down her back.
He smiled back at her, "And I missed you Little Wintefell." Looking around, "I missed all of you." Laloren called for Alora then and there was a flurry of activity as the table was set.
Sitting in their old places next to each other Efan did not have as much opportunity to see how Alora had changed over the last year. Instead he heard the confidence in her voice. One instance was when Laloren started chiding her, "You shouldn't run around in mans attire Alora."
To which her sister in law answered, "Why not?"
Drawing herself up, "Because it is not done, thats why!"
Considering Laloren Alora answered, "I think that getting defenses ready is more important than worrying about what is and is not done." Before her older sister could answer, "If my dressing as a man in order to help will speed up that process, then I will do it."
Laloren gave a sound very like a groan, "But Alora, your marriage."
Another shrug, "What about it?"
"No one wants to offer for you, thats what." Looking at the younger woman her voice softened, "Men don't like to have a woman who knows more about building or hard work than them." Before anyone could protest, "Your birthday was eight months ago and not a single person has offered for you."
Addressing her plate, "There is no time before harvest. And we've been busy with the wall after."
Lalroen and Brandon exchanged a look, they all knew that wasn't the reason. But for Aloras sake, "Don't worry Little Winterfell." Everyone looked at Efan, "We all know that no one is good enough for our treasure."
Alora leaned into his side, "Thank you Efan." And as Efans arm closed around her and the dark haired head rested against his shoulder he realized something in a startling moment of clarity, I'm in love with my best friends sister. Fuck.
Far away in the roots of a weirwood tree the Children of the Forest watched the happenings in the pool of blood. Yes, he must ask for her. Only then will the ritual be able to be complete.
They had waited for ten long years. And as soon as these two joined, their patience will be rewarded. And the weapon that would defeat their enemies will start being created. "Soon," they whispered to each other, "Soon."