Guffaws of Winterfell

Age 296 AC

Winterfell's gates were just ahead, the group could see it now. Robb was speaking with a few of his men to ride ahead and inform them of our arrival. Seeing archers start to line the battlements and prepare. Alexios grinned thinking about what he would do if he really did come with hostile intent. He quickly shook his head, ridding himself of the dangerous thoughts that plagued his mind.

As the group approached the soldier along the battlements started to relax upon seeing Robb. Robb waved his hand to the soldiers and the gate was already opening from them receiving word from the riders. "Your men seem a little wary of our little party." "Well in their defense, your party does carry some giants in it, haha!" Alexios and Robb's banter stopped with both laughing as they rode through the gate.

Robb kept showing Alexios and his companions all the different places. Especially the tavern and training grounds to which Toros was very happy to see the first and Alexios was happy to see both. As Alexios walked through with everyone enjoying the sights of a new place. He caught sight of two women, or more like girls. A red headed girl with blue eyes and was roughly five foot three.

She looked at Alexios with curiosity and confusion. A little brunette hair girl with greyish eyes stood slightly in front of her with her mouth open in surprise looking at the group. "Sansa! When did we get giants!? Look at how big they are. Wait… Sansa I think one is looking at us.. ah!" The younger one said before being nudged by the older one. Alexios chuckled seeing the exchange before continuing his journey.

Upon entering the hall, he was greeted by Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Stark. "Ah, you are finally here, welcome to Winterfell!" Alexios was shocked but held his composure as he replied curtly. "It is an honor to be invited to your home Lord Stark. I brought you and your son a gift from house Dragen." With that, the chests filled with gold dragons and a sword wrapped in fine silk was presented.

Upon seeing this, Catelyn was surprised to say the least. She didn't think too kindly of this boy only because of his ability and that she wasn't sure he was loyal. Now with this display, it gave face to the Starks and would show everyone where he stands. Even if only momentarily, she was impressed and awed.

Eddard on the other hand was shocked simply seeing so much gold in one place at the same time. The thought it was just a gift was absurd but he accepted it after some convincing. What shocked him more was a perfectly crafted Valyrian steel long sword given to Robb. Not only was he given gold but his son received a treasure. Eddard smiled and accepted his defeat at trying to win over Alexios.

He knew no matter what he offered or said, it wouldn't be enough from this showing. He could see the Valyrian steel weapons on Alexios and his companions. He had no idea how but he knew better than to ask too much. Alexios smirked when seeing both of their reactions. 'Hook, line and sinker.'

Robb saw the sword, he smiled when seeing its design. He walked over and before grabbing the sword looked at Alexios and then his father. His father nodded as Alexios smirked and chuckled, bowing his head. Robb's hand reached out and grasped the sword which felt natural to the touch. "It's beautiful… what's its name?"

Alexios's eyes raised ever slightly before smiling. "The name is determined by its wielder. The choice never belonged to me." With that, Robb thought carefully before saying a name that felt as natural as it's cool touch. "From this day forth, I name it Winter's Howl."

-

Name: Robb Stark

Age: 15 years

Strength: 4

Dexterity: 3

Constitution: 4

Intelligence: 4

Wisdom:4

Charisma: 4

Abilities:

Weapon mastery(3)

Hand combat(2)

Diplomacy (2)

Stewardship (3)

Perks: Bright, Attractive, Strong, Robust, Erudite, Trained Fighter, Brave, Diligent, Family Person, Administrator, Honest, Trusting, Honorable, Leadership aura, kind

Titles: Heir to Winterfell, Young Wolf

-

Alexios unconsciously brought up Robb's stats and was stunned seeing it. Even without growing up with him, Robb had grown quite well on his own. He would make for a fine lord one day. 'If only he had magic...unless… maybe that would work?' Alexios's thoughts swirled with no end as he thought purely hypothetical.

As Robb was testing the sword, Toros walked forward and handed him a sheath for the blade. Robb nodded in thanks and put it to his waist. "Toros, you are a fine blacksmith, and Alexios, your mind must have some otherworldly beauty to design such blades." The strong words of praise to the two men did not go unnoticed to Lord Stark or his wife. "Oh, Father, Mother, Alexios and I are now Sworn brothers and I would like to train and travel with him."

One sentence was all it took to make the whole hall burst into a uproar. "How did you become sworn brothers?" "This is too sudden, I think you should just train and study here at home for a while longer." "Do I have no say in this at all?" Everyone had their own thoughts on the matter as Robb was just laughing.

"We had a contest under certain terms for the loser. He lost and my terms were his loyalty." Eddard Stark listened but chuckled afterwards. "That was all there was to it?" The question made Robb think of how much he had to drink that night and grew paler at the thought. "As for the travelling and training, I am sure we can arrange something that will please your mother."

"So tell me Alexios, what kept you so busy in Essos? Also please do introduce your companions." Alexios smirked and took a step forward. " Well Essos has many possibilities to take advantage of. It is where I hone some of my skills and gave me new ones."

With a pause he waved his companions to step up side by side. " The brute is Toros but he's a jolly man who love a good ale. He's a good warrior at that and a even better friend. In front of his axe is a bad place to be even for me. He is currently single and looking."

Toros's cheeks grew slightly red not sure from either anger or embarrassment. "This is Garold, A man whose voice can rile up a good mood in any place. He is aloof and mostly likes to stay out of the spot light. Best archer I have ever known and proud to have as my friend. Don't leave your daughter alone with him ever though."

Garold seemed to be puffing his chest out with the praise till the last line where he deflated. "Lili is the brains of our operation. We are always winning and losing against each other in games that require a keen mind. Her skills are not the best as a warrior but let her lead from a tent with a map and you would win even outnumber ten to one. She's too young for matters revolving the heart though I pity the poor man that she captures when she is old enough."

Lili pouted with that stepped on Williams foot who yelp asking why him to which no answer came. "William is man who I am glad has my back instead of aiming for it. He can vanish even when you're watching him and often wont know where he will appear. His looks can kill just as easily which gets him to be quite the trickster and prankster so to say. Better watch him even more than Garold or else be ready to see a naked man jump out of a window."

William didn't seem bothered at all as if it was all good things about him. "Reana a fiery spirited warrior who is closely encroaching on the second strongest in the group. She works the hardest and always strives to improve. She inspires us all when were tired because we know we can do more. She really knows how to get along with anyone and I have never once seen her have a bad quality about her."

Reana was waiting for the rebuttal but when it did not come, she looked at Alexios who was smirking while looking at lord Stark. Lord Stark started to laugh loudly while Catelyn was red faced while saying something to a maid. Robb was off to the side laughing as well and Alexios couldn't help but laugh too. "I am sorry lord Stark, It would seem my use of informal speech with your son became a habit now." The remark made Robb look at Alexios is confusion than surprised as Alexios laughed harder with lord Stark.