Finding Bran

"Good." The Hound turned about yet stopped as he realized Jason was standing close by. His eyes narrowed, his right eye almost closed because of the burn scars. "Ugh…you again. What do you want?"

"Checking up an order, that's all." Jason simply answered back.

Sandor grunted disinterest as he'd move closer towards Jason, who didn't move an inch back from the intimidating warrior. Up close his sharp nose could smell alcohol coming off the man, explain his gruff speech and heavy step to keep balance.

"So what is your big plan huh? Why are you sticking with the Starks?" The man asked gruffly. "Not exactly the wealthiest family among the Kingdoms, especially compared to the Lannister's. They have a good reputation yet too stuck on it from what I can tell. Have a lot of lands…that is if you don't mind forests and snow.

At that point, Jason realized what Sandor was getting at, making him frown slightly at the man. "If you're saying I'm here for personal gain, you're wrong." He'd remark back. "The Starks took me in after my encounter with the Wildlings. They could have sent me on my way after questioning me, yet they let me stay. Even offered to help me find my missing friend. Besides that, they've also shown me more respect and kindness than most back home."

Sandor laughed quite loudly at Jason's answer, shaking his head in amusement. "So you're here because of gratitude? Heh…quite the softy for such a fierce fighter." The man remarked back even as Jason's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "The Lannister's earned my loyalty by making something out of my family. As for Robert, I respect him for his efforts during the Rebellion. Yet you…" He'd look right at Jason, smirking slightly. "…you'll just cling to anyone who shows you a hint of kindness. They'll drag you down in the end when times get tough. That is the price you pay when you make friends of others." Pausing, he'd saw how Jason's expression not weaving, making him grunt and wave a gauntleted hand about. "Just the advice 'friend'. Overall I recommend you move on from here while you have the chance."

"Noted…now will you move aside?" Jason calmly muttered. In the end, the Hound grunted as he'd shift by Jason and walk across the yard for the Great Keep, no doubt to watch over the bothersome prince. His attention focused on the blacksmith, who seemed quite baffled that the Surgebinder had talked down the Hound with such ease. "So how is the crossbow doing? Is it ready?" The Surgebinder asked casually, making the man snap to attention and nod.

"Yes indeed! Followed the instructions to the mark. Used the best materials we have so it will be more durable as well." The man remarked before picking out the one-handed crossbow from the workbench, offering up for Jason to inspect. Taking the weapon, he'd examine it over closely to ensure it was in working order and good quality.

"Draw seems strong…flexible and easy to pull…" He muttered as he'd test it out. "Quite well done."

The man nodded, giving a small smile from the compliment. "Give my regards to Bran. I'm sure he will put it to good use."

The two shook hands before Jason departed, heading back for his room to get the last part of Bran's gift ready along with relaxing for a good while.

As the afternoon began to creep in, Jason gathered up Bran's crossbow along with the leather bolt quiver had he also ordered, a small yet flexible holder which even had the Stark house symbol on it. Yet as he got the holder filled with extra bolts, there be a sudden knock at his door.

"Come in." He spoke out, the door opening to show it was lady Catelyn and Ser Rodrik. The woman had a worried look in her eyes, something he hadn't seen from her. The Master-at-Arms seemed tense, yet calm overall.

"Jason. There is a matter that I need your help with." Catelyn asked in a calm manner. "It's about Bran…"

Curious, he'd turn to look at the woman. "What do you mean? Last I saw him, he was off exploring the grounds just outside the walls."

"Wait…you let him go off beyond the walls alone?" Catelyn asked in surprise, a hint of anger in her tone.

"He has Summer with him. The dire wolf may be young, but it's big enough to guard him while he explores the grounds." Jason assured her. "Besides, he can be too far off from the keep's walls."

Despite her frustration, Catelyn composed herself from snapping out at the Surgebinder. "Then I take you'll go off to find him. He's been gone for hours and I'd like him home for when his father returns from the boar hunt." Her tone of voice made her request sound more like an order, despite the formalness.

"Alright. I can understand that." He'd put Bran's crossbow and quiver aside before looking for Ser Rodrik. "I haven't been outside the keep too much. Any unique landmarks or areas that Bran may have gone to?"

"Aye. I have a few worth seeing. The area around Winterfell did have extra fortifications from past generations. Watchtowers, walls and minor buildings. Good few are still around yet been neglected for a long time." The Master-at-Arms answered back.

Jason nodded, before grabbing his swords, which made Catelyn nervous for a moment. "Sounds like a lot of ground to cover. Get a few horses while I gather some of the men. Think Jon and some of the guards should be finished with their duties for now."

"Good idea Surgebinder." The knight said with a nod before he'd move to leave, waiting for Catelyn to follow. The noblewoman did show a hint of dislike at the mention of Jon being part of the search party yet she didn't speak out against it.

"Thank you, Jason. Please have Bran back soon." With that, she'd leave the room while Jason finished getting his gear sorted out. Heading outside, he'd see that Jon was chatting with Graffin and the other guards who had finished sorting through the armoury for the day. The group quickly noticed him approach the group and cut the chatter down.

"Hey there, Jason," Graffin spoke out, waving slightly while the Surgebinder gave a small nod to him.

"Didn't expect you out and about so soon," Jon remarked. "Still going on that ride around the grounds like we planned?"

"Small changes of plans on that. Lady Catelyn asked me to look for Bran. He hasn't come back since the late morning and she's worried." Jason quickly explained. "Good chance to practice your tracking some more. A larger area like the grounds be fitting for that."

"Sure that's a good idea? Bran is missing after all." Jon questioned.

"I'm sure he's fine. Doubt an animal could bother him when Summer is around him and he has a dagger last I checked. I doubt hardened criminals are sneaking around the plains of Winterfell." Jason reassured Jon before looking to Graffin. "Can you and some of the men come along?"

"Sure! Sort of our job to protect the Stark's after all." The soldier chuckled before nodding to two of his fellow men.

By this point, Rodrik arrived with horses for the group. They quickly split into groups with Jon paired with Jason, Rodrik with one of the soldier and Graffin with the other soldier. They'd ride out of the main gate of Winterfell before splitting up to cover a different area around the vast castle. Jason's group to the north, Graffin to the south and Rodrik to the east. Jason and Graffin agreed to meet in the western area if they found nothing in their sections.