Aurelia kept herself busy writing letters to send to other Northern lords and being shadowed by Pippa over the next day. The servants reminded her of those she had known growing up, both in her own home and at Winterfell. Having spent most of her time of late in war camps and councils, it felt good to once again be in an actual home. Last Hearth was fortified, and its halls emptier than in years past, but it still held families. Its history and memories could be seen in the groove of stones in corridors, the worn rugs and tapestries in hallways, the soot in fireplaces. The only two places Aurelia ever felt at home were both burned ruins, and being here reminded her of what was possible, what was worth fighting for - not just for herself and Jon, but for legacy.

As she walked an empty hallway toward the dining hall, she took her time looking at each object and marking of what made this place a home. She understood the need to protect such a place and its people, even if the responsibility for such had yet to fall on her shoulders. Aurelia entered the dining hall to the sound of laughter and clinking tankards. The lords sat at their table seeming to be in one of the best moods she had seen since her first night of arrival. They were either pleased about something, or drunk, possibly both.

"Ah, my lady!" Mors cried when he saw her. He and Hother both rose and bowed as she approached the table. She gave a small curtsy, then seated herself as they plopped back down into their chairs.

"My lords," she smiled. A mug of ale was placed before her and she reached for it, taking a swig.

"We have some to a decision," Hother said with a smile.

She glanced between them. "Very well."

"Don't look so glum," Mors said. "You have given us reason to think we may not have to argue anymore."

"This scheme of yours," Hother added, "whatever it is, you take risk in telling us, or anyone. I don't believe you would do that without trust in the plan, or anyone you choose to tell. We are both weary of waiting, of pandering to some proclaimed new lord or king, but our choices are few. So tell us our loyalty will serve to unite our house again, to reclaim what we can from this bloody war, and we will pledge it to you."

She looked to Mors. "Truly?"

Mors clinked his goblet base gently against hers. "Your family has always been friend to ours, and the Starks have long been as good as wardens as they have our liege lords. If there are no Starks to unite the North again, you are the best hope."

She looked from each to each again. "You're both drunk."

"And honest," Mors said without hesitation.

"We keep up the pretense," said Hother. "Jovial one moment, sullen or fighting the next. Just like Umbers do. I go to Bolton; Mors supports Stannis. But we both support you. House Umber supports you."

Aurelia nodded. "Thank you."

"Now, drink up and see if these two old men can make a pretty girl laugh," Mors grinned. "For tonight the North is united, in hopes it soon will be again."

The smile that crossed Aurelia's face before she took another the drink was genuine, hopeful. It felt good, and dangerous.

Mors came to her the next morning with a letter. "Raven brought it this morning. I don't understand it, but something tells me you will."

Aurelia thanked him and slipped within her room to read it in private. After scanning it once, she smiled. "Clever woman," she murmured. "And loyal still." She tossed the note in the fire and made sure to watch it turn to crumbled black bits. She then dressed, packed, and made her way to the hall to have breakfast and take her leave of Last Hearth. She knew not every encounter with the remaining northern lords and clans would go this well, but it brought small satisfaction to know she wasn't alone in her desire to rebuild.

The weeks spent traveling through the North, winter always dancing on her heels, showed Aurelia some of the best and worst of the land she called home. Returning to the Wall brought more apprehension than relief. What she had planned now could be interpreted as treason against Stannis, to say nothing of the Watch, yet she had to maintain a mask of loyalty to everything but her own desires - with one exception.