Chapter 76

Version 2.0

After a quick visit to the newly conquered villages with oaths of loyalty they were eager to give, they returned triumphant from the Amber King's lands. The familiar sights of Winterhaven greeted them as they returned home, and the weariness of their journey was overshadowed by the sense of accomplishment.

In the solar, the usual party gathered around the table. The air was thick with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction. As Brandon took his seat at the head of the desk, he glanced around at the familiar faces some with worn armour and tired expressions worn as badges of honour.

"I have messaged the more rural villages that are now a part of our land, my King, as ordered. They know of the change and were expected quite happy for the shift, especially with our lower taxes," Theon stated.

"Good work, Theon," Brandon said. "Alright, then, for the final part before we can all head off. What about the medical team?"

"From the soldiers' perspective, they are already loved by everyone. Plenty of men have come up to me expressing their gratitude to the team, and us for teaching them. In terms of the team itself, I can't say anything else," Theon stated.

"For only just starting to learn, they did quite well," Edric started. "They took to the challenge like true Northerners. They did good work."

"That they did. I also think I found a captain for the team. She took charge when the centre line took its most casualties; I believe her husband was fighting in that line. She organized the teams to get wounded men out when they got to the back lines to an area where they could work on them. She showed true guts. Any other suggestions?" Brandon asked, receiving none.

"Alright, then, that is us done. Get some rest; you all deserve it," Brandon stated.

As the others headed home to rest and celebrate the victory, Brandon decided to attend to a bit more work. He sought out the to-be-appointed captain of the medical team. When he entered the castle barracks, he found her diligently tending to her husband, a Kings Guard member who had fought valiantly in the recent battle.

Neat rows of beds, each with a chest placed at its foot, filled the room, providing a designated space for the castle's household guards and king guard to rest and store their belongings. The wooden bed frames were sturdy, and the simple bedding offered a semblance of comfort amid the military efficiency of the space.

Dimly lit torches hung from the walls, casting a warm and subdued glow across the room. The air usually carried a mixture of sweat and the subtle aroma of oil from the soldiers' gear. The chests on each bed served as personal storage for the soldiers, containing their uniforms, spare clothes, and personal belongings.

The room was now filled with the faint scent of herbs and the murmur of a conversation. There was now only one occupied bed as the rest of the King's Guard had gone home after being tended to whilst the guards who stayed at home on still out on patrol.

The to-be-appointed captain of the medical team, Elara is the embodiment of a gentle and nurturing presence and is well-known within the bustling castle barracks. With her soft-spoken and kind demeanour, all the men in the castle couldn't help but dote on her. Her long, chestnut-brown hair cascaded down in gentle waves, that seemed to always look lovely.

Elara's eyes, a captivating shade of hazel, held a depth of compassion and understanding. They sparkled with wonder, as she always listened to the wows and problems of the soldiers and her friends.

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As Brandon approached, he began to overhear their conversation. "Dear, stop moving the bandage; it is just going to make it worse," Elara commanded.

"I know, it just itches," Ben commented, Elara's husband, a hardworking and devoted soldier always honing his weapon skills whenever he got the chance. Just like his wife, he was a kind man, assisting his fellow Guards whenever possible and always willing to offer tips on skills or help the men with any problems they might have. The epitome of what a soldier and man could be.

"Well, the more you move it, the longer you stay here. I can't be fussing over you when I need to clean up these supplies, can I?" she stated, giving a warm smile to her husband.

"No, I suppose we can't, though it makes no difference if we spend time here or at home, as long as it is together," he replied.

"So sweet," she added, kissing him on the lips. Unfortunately for them, the moment was interrupted as Ben noticed Brandon walking into the room.

"Ah, my King, we," Ben started, while Elara began to flush and tried to sputter a sentence.

"It is quite alright, Ben. Elara, I was intruding on your time together; I won't be long. Elara, for your leadership on the battlefield and taking command of a team of medics to help the men, I want to appoint you as the captain of the medical team."

"Ah, my King," she started before getting an elbow from Ben and a look as if he could already read her mind, telling her to accept and not refuse.

She smiled at Ben before turning to Brandon. "I'll do it, my King. Thank you for this opportunity," she stated.

"You created this opportunity, Elara. I look forward to your work. You can report to me tomorrow about what you need, from tents to organizing your teams and such." With that, Brandon left them, though as he departed, he heard the faint squeals of laughter and happiness coming from the barracks.

As the moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over Winterfell, Brandon decided to take a moment for himself. Before retiring to bed, he made his way to Elinor's home. The soft candlelight flickered, revealing the warmth in her eyes as he entered. They spent their quiet moments together, sharing stories and laughter, finding solace in each other's company.

The following day dawned crisp and clear. Brandon, Elinor, and his friends decided to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the village market that had started to take life. Stalls were erected, and farmers proudly displayed their bountiful harvests, the fruits of their hard labour. The air was filled with the pleasant aroma of various goods.

Farmers from the surrounding lands showcased their finest produce—bushels of ripe apples, plump vegetables, and fresh dairy products. The scent of baked goods wafted through the air as skilled bakers offered an array of bread, pies, and pastries. The few traders from distant lands set up their stalls, offering goods of their homeland or products they picked up trying to make a living. They see blacksmiths selling their weapons and crafts and taking jobs of repair from soldiers in need of repairs.

The market square buzzed with activity, as villagers and visitors alike explored the diverse offerings. Brandon and his companions strolled through the bustling market, enjoying the lively atmosphere. The village market had become quite successful as it brought the needs of people to the people who could provide them. It also did well to provide the King's House with tax from the stalls and would help Harlan and Benjen in their new crops.

As Jon mingled through the vibrant market, he spotted a familiar trader with whom he had a longstanding acquaintance.

"How have you been, Barth?" Jon started as he shook hands with Barth.

"Ah, Jon, good to see you, lad. Oh, things have been good for me; metal trading is becoming more lucrative. The demand for bronze is on the rise, and that means copper and tin. Though copper is cheap in these lands with your mines, tin from Barrowlands and The Rills makes lucrative deals for me," Barth said.

"Oh, you hurt me, Barth. I thought you came to this land for me, so cruel. Haha." Jon slapped Barth on the arm. "As always, Barth, you got anything interesting for me, rumours or such."

"I do. I got a new metal all the way from the far reaches of Umbar Lands; they call it silver, and though they haven't found a use for it, it does look beautiful. Interested in it?" he said as he took out a clump of it from a chest next to his stall.

The silver ore gleamed in the sunlight, revealing a radiant metallic sheen. Composed of intricately intertwined grains and veins, it exhibited a spectrum of silver hues, ranging from polished brilliance to a more subdued, tarnished gray. The surface bore a captivating lustre, reflecting the ambient light in a dazzling display.

As Jon examined the silver ore, he marvelled at its innate beauty as his mind started to think about it, his mind racing with ideas that had been playing on his mind for a while.