Normally a Ranger from Castle Black would come down from the Wall to collect all those who wished to join the Watch, but with their forces so spread out the Lord Commander had suggested that volunteer escorts were needed if the houses wished to be rid of their prisoners.

Tamesys had been more than happy to go, if for no other reason than to get away from Bear Island for a while and had had no idea at the time what would occur. Journeying through Winterfell granted her the opportunity to establish a bond with the younger and very interested Robb Stark.

She had written to her mother the night she had spoken with Robb:

To My Lady Mother Maege,

Sadness has fallen on Winterfell. Lady Caitlyn perished at the hand of Wildings and I passed on our condolences to Robb Stark, who was acting as Lord in the absence of his father.

But perhaps there is also some happiness to be found. While Robb and I were talking, we discovered we were both attracted to each other and he asked if you would approve of our union. I replied I thought it was very likely, since none of my sisters have yet to express wishes to marry anyone.

I know that is a rather tender subject with our family, so I apologize if that upsets any of them. I merely wanted to let you know and I hope you will give your permission, for there is no other man I could imagine being married to at this time in my life.

Your daughter,

Tam.

She was at the Wall in her uncle Jeor's office by the time she received a reply via raven in her mother's own hand:

Tam,

Words cannot begin to express my happiness at your desire to wed one of those we are loyal to. Lord Stark must have similarly be notified by his son, for I got a raven from him not long after yours arrived, giving his blessing on the union if I found favor with it.

I of course approve and wish your sisters would pick spouses as well, but one cannot rush a bear when choosing a mate, nor make hasty decisions as we have learned the painful way.

I will write Lord Stark at once to make all the arrangements. I hope this letter finds you well, my fierce cub.

Love,

Your mother.

"Good news?" Jeor asked as he poured them mulled wine.

She smiled. "The best news, uncle. You are now looking at the betrothed of Lord Robb Stark."

Jeor flashed one of his rare grins as he gave her a cup. "Congratulations my dear, I always knew you would be the first to get married."

"Really? Why is that?" She took a sip, grateful for the wine's warmth as it spread through her body. Though long used to cold, the temperatures here at Castle Black were that of the Land of Forever Winter. Bears had little trouble adjusting, but everyone else up here usually had a hard time unless they had the blood of the First Men in them.

"You thought of romance once before. I cannot say the same for your sisters. Alysane might have two healthy babes through her bear familiar," his tone indicated he was skeptical of those claims, "but she has shown no interest in any man. Maybe that will change, though at present it seems none of the other Mormont women are all that eager to be tied down."

"To be fair, Lyanna is still a child and shouldn't be thinking of such things yet."

Jeor chuckled softly. "True enough. That gives Lyra and Jorelle little excuse, even if Mormont women tend to marry later in life."

"It has become a tradition. I am certain Dacey will find someone she is interested in, though I am not so certain of Alysane. Though with two children, it is a little harder to find an accepting male."

"Shouldn't be too difficult since she has her mother's good looks just like the rest of you girls."

She chuckled softly. "You're not too bad yourself, uncle."

"Bah, I am just an old ice bear now. You're just flattering me."

"Maybe a little." She finished her drink. "How are things here?"

"Looking better. Ranger Benjen Stark reported in recently, assuring me he was still alive thanks to a woman named Nymeria Waters. Apparently she is an illegitimate Targaryen who crossed the Wall to the other side and has been there for some time. He hasn't pressed her for details since she is helping him and seems trustworthy enough. I also made a decree that all who join the Watch may wed of their spouse fights with them against the terrors of Winter, especially once Night falls."

She nodded. "I think that will improve quite a bit. I know from your letters to my mother it hasn't been easy."

"Indeed. The Wall is at it's lowest point and currently it's a struggle to maintain it." Jeor sighed softly. "Hopefully this new decree will bring in fresh blood. I wrote your cousin Jorah and invited him to join us in the Gift. I hope that won't make things awkward?"

"Not at all. Did everyone know about my crush on him?"

"I doubt he did, if that makes you feel better."

She chuckled. "A little. Dacey kept teasing me about it while Alysane just laughed."

"You have a good family, Tamesys."

"The very best. It's nice to see you again, uncle."

He smiled. "You too, lass. Last I saw you, you barely reached my knees and now you're a woman. You do us Mormonts proud."

"You flatter me, uncle."

"Flattery would imply I am not being serious. Your mother often writes me and while she has never openly said so, I have always felt she was most proud of you."

"Parents aren't supposed to have favorites."

"Sometimes that cannot be helped."

"Indeed."