House of Wolves

Jason slipped off his mount after a stable hand had gotten the horse tied to a post, Graffin and the other soldiers doing the same. He'd take the time to gaze around the courtyard, getting an idea of his surroundings. The overall castle was well designed, being split from his understanding into multiple quarters which were separated by smaller inner walls and interconnected buildings. From his guess, this place was at least a several acres large, fitting for a family line supposedly as old as the Starks.

"No time to gawk around Jason. Lord Eddard is expecting us." Graffin spoke up, getting the Surgebinder's attention.

He'd give a small nod before following the soldier across the courtyard and towards the inner eastern wall where another thick wooden gate separated the spaces. Voices spoke out as the gates were opened and two filed through before being closed behind them. The eastern yard was smaller than the main courtyard yet hosted the largest building he had seen in this hold, a massive hall. The grey stoned building was covered in the banner of a snarling grey wolf, the royal sign of the Stark family. The great wooden and iron doors into the hall were opened as two armoured guards saluted to Graffin he gave a respectful nod to the guards as they passed by.

The inside of the hall was quite vast, having eight long tables set evening across the room. Empty braziers were set around the centre along with a big fire pit, no doubt lit during dark and colder nights. At the far end of the hall was a small platform with a ninth long table set across it with a series of comfortable wooden chairs set behind it, facing out to the hall. Three men and one woman sat at this table, the oldest of the men sitting in the largest more throne-like of the chairs.

Jason focused on the oldest individual who was at in his forties by his estimate. He wore a fine yet simple leather best with bands crossing over it along with a regal cloak with a wolf pelt across the shoulders. Even with the heavier clothes, Jason could tell the man was very much fit for his age, honed through years of training and exercise. His hair was a fine deeper brown and beard well-kept to give him a handsome northerner look befitting of a lord. His gaze was hard to read, yet it seemed deep and thoughtful

The two younger men, at least at or reaching their twenties were no doubt his sons because of their similar looks. The one of the left had long flowing hair of a rich darker colour along with a shorter shaven beard across his face. Much like his father, he wore a leather outfit although lacking the more regal hints the lord had. As for the young man on the lord's right, his hair was short and curly yet had the same darker brown colour to it. His beard was more grown then his brother, yet finer shaped as well. His clothes were more similar to his father, perhaps hinting him being closer in line to lordship. Both of them had a curious look at Jason, the recognizable hint of young warriors sizing up another. He guessed the two blades on his back was what got their attention.

The last individual at the table was a woman, at least in her mid or late thirties by Jason's estimate. She didn't seem like a northern like the few women he had seen, being softer and fairer looking. She tied up hair was a lush auburn colour and her eyes a piercing blue. She was dressed in a greyish blue gown, showing her quite slim figure. Her gaze seemed quite judging, cautious even from what he could tell.

Graffin stepped up before the gathered nobles, dropping to a knee and giving a short bow of his head. "Lord Eddard, Lady Catelyn, Lord Jon and Robb." He said formally to each individual at the table. "I'm surprised you were prepared for my arrival…I didn't expect news of-" He started before the Eddard spoke up, his voice having a resounding command to it yet friendly in tone.

"We were having a small meeting among the household on other matters. Yet from my understanding, you've travelled back here in quite the hurry along with…interesting company." His gaze drifted to Jason, who locked gazes with the man, remaining silent still.

"He is a traveller was found a few days north during our patrol. This man encountered bandits, a band of a dozen." Graffin quickly explained, drawing looks of concern between the three men and a worried frown from the woman. "However they didn't escape sire if anything this man slew them all." The two younger men looked to each other, muttering lowly as they glanced back at Jason. The woman though had a doubting look to her. As for Ned himself…that, steady gaze didn't falter in the slightest at this new detail.

"You are certain? That is quite a claim." Ned questioned calmly.

"I have no reason to lie about it, sir. My men searched the area well enough, found no trace of anyone else fighting the raiders. No other footprints or bodies. From what I say of my companion here, he had just finished battling them when we found him."

"You are certain? That is quite a claim." Ned questioned calmly. He looked at the Jason who appeared to be around the same age as Robb.

"I have no reason to lie about it, sir. My men searched the area well enough, found no trace of anyone else fighting the raiders. No other footprints or bodies. From what I say of my companion here, he had just finished battling them when we found him."

"I see…" Ned paused, looking back at Jason. "Stranger, state your name if you will and tell us about this encounter."

Jason stepped closer to the table, taking a small breath before speaking. "My name is Jaso Black. An elite sellsword, Jah Keved where I come from." Pausing, he'd continue speaking. "I will admit sire, I don't know how I ended up in those woods, only waking up worn and battered. One of those raiders found me, tried to lower my guard before attacking. The rest soon followed up in smaller groups...three or four from my guess. I won in the end, lucky only getting roughed up in the end. They weren't that skilled considering past foes I faced."

"Quite the confidence about you." The short-haired son spoke up suddenly. "Skilled or not though, you were vastly outnumbered. Surely you had something to even the odds."

Eddard looked to his son and then back at Jason. "My son Robb has a good point, Jason. Such a skirmish would have even the most experienced fighters at their limits. A deeper explanation is desired."

"My style of fighting is very unique and adaptive thanks to my training along with decades of experience. Also, my tools go beyond blades and more…exotic weapons which I have surrendered to Graffin." The mention of the soldier's name quickly drew attention back to him.

"Ah, right…Jason is correct. The clearing where the fight happened there was an explosion from what we saw."

This drew a more surprised look from Ned's gaze as he shifted forward slightly in his seat. "I need to know more." The man moved to stand up from his seat. "A man with a sword, strange weapons, hair and skin as pale as snow along with eyes fitting of a beast." One hand tapped at the table as Ned tried to find some logical explanation about Jason. "I feel you have a lot more to share about yourself."

The Surgebinder was silent before nodding. "I do. I hope you won't mind hearing my tale?"

Ned sat back down as he gave a small wave to Graffin. "Go ask the servants to get food and drinks ready. I feel we'll be here for a while."