"You do what you must, Lord Hother," Aurelia sighed. "The decisions we make now will lead us through our futures." She took another sip of ale as Hother and Mors stared one another down. When they weren't staring, they were roaring, and when they weren't doing either of those, they were eating or grumbling.
"Precisely what I am saying, Lady Moors," Mors said, punctuating his stance by slamming down his tankard and slopping foam on the table. "Which is why we should fight."
Hother opened his mouth and Aurelia held up her hand. "Forgive me for interjecting, my lords, but this is getting us nowhere. I understand both your perspectives."
"Do you?" Hother snapped.
Aurelia gave him a look and his eyes grew wide before he reached for his own tankard, taking a gulp of ale with all the sullenness of a scolded child.
"As I have said," Aurelia continued. "I understand the struggles and indignities your house has suffered, and the challenges which lie ahead. What I am trying to fathom is why any man would believe it necessary to put his cowardice on display."
She looked again to Hother, daring him to comment. A small chortle escaped Mors' mouth before he stuffed a chunk of dark bread in it. Aurelia shifted her gaze to him.
"Or why anyone would run headlong into another battle without considering all his options."
"You're a better diplomat than a war counselor, my lady," Hother remarked. "Though better at either than I would have thought."
"Underestimating others' manipulative abilities is what let to the present circumstances," Aurelia clipped.
Both men nearly choked on the drinks they had again taken large gulps of.
"For the time being, you both seem to be locked into your ideas that, while dividing your house, may not lead to fighting your own. I understand your reasons and accept them, for now."
"For now?" Hother murmured.
Aurelia nodded. "Stannis needs support in order to win the North, and then the rest of the kingdom. That means uniting against the ironborn as well as the Boltons and Lannisters, a tactic which will only work with full support. And yet I know that unlike some houses, you have a vested interest in not blatantly supporting Stannis, or anyone except the Lannisters. Aligning yourself with them seems, in some ways, the only option aside from fighting with Stannis."
"Are you suggesting there is another option?" Hother had leaned back in his chair, watching her speak. Mors had resumed munching away at bread and meat, but kept attuned to her.
"Not immediately, but there may be soon. An option which I hope will find a happier union between the two current extremes, and lead to a better outcome."
"What do you require to make such an outcome occur?"
"Eventually, men and arms, and alliances. At the moment, your trust in me that this third option is in your best interest and the best interest of the North as a realm, and your word to pledge loyalty when the time comes."
The two men exchanged glances.
"You need not answer this minute, but I will require an answer soon. I plan to depart within two days, and have only one more request to make of you."
She looked from Mors to Hother and back.
"What is it?" Mors asked after a small burp.
"I need to find Maege Mormont."
"What makes you think-" Aurelia held up her hand again and Hother quieted. Her gaze never left Mors.
Mors huffed, then nodded.
"This other option," Hother pressed, "would it involve at any point getting our nephew back?"
"The timing must be precise, but yes."
"And how do you propose-"
"I cannot divulge any plans now, Lord Hother." Aurelia interjected, looking back to him. "Something I hope you will understand, if not now, then at least when the time comes for you to swear allegiances again. However, your nephew is of great value not just to this place, but to the North, and his loyalty to Robb Stark should not end the way it has for so many others. If my plan is realized, he will be returned home. And the Lannisters will know the strength of bonds reforged."
"By the gods," Mors cackled. "My lady, you sound as if you intend to take them all on."
Aurelia smiled. "And if I do?"
"We're not interested in thrones, Lady Moors," Hother said as quietly as any Umber could, which was just above a murmured growl.
"Nor am I. Not in the least."
"Then what is it you do want?"
"A home. A place where the affairs of this land are managed by those who understand it and cherish it."
"And revenge," Mors added.
He smile broadened, but she did not comment.
"Very well," Hother said after a brief moment. "Can we give you an answer tomorrow?"
"Of course," Aurelia said as the smile faded. She rose from the table and both men followed, giving her a small bow. "I'll see you both tonight for dinner?"
They nodded.
"Very good. Thank you for your time, my lords."
When she was out of the hal, Aurelia took a deep breath and clenched her hands a few times. When she looked down at them, they trembled. Hope is not extinguished if they refuse, but will burn brighter should they agree. Please, let them agree.