White Harbor

[Septon Arlyn]

Brother Arlyn had not seen the ocean for many years. He had smelled of the salty air while traveling to Kingsroad to the north but he had missed the ocean and seeing so much water, as well as hearing the roar of the ocean, like the lapping of the lake echoing in a cave, and with each reverberation amplifying until it makes the thoughts almost down from his head. The only distraction from this was the punctuated by the cry of sea birds, the white of their feathering and grey and black wingtips a distinct difference from the large grey body of geese that Brother Arlyn had seen recently.

There smell of fish and sewage mix together and assault the noses of the two Brothers as Brother Arlyn and his traveling companion, Brother Thomas, crest the hill that overlooks over the harbor of the Manderley’s seat of power, White Harbor. In the mouth of the natural bay is a small island standing sentry a nearl ruined castle standing vigil against attacks from across the narrow sea. Brother Arlyn looks back to his traveling companion, another brown brother. This brother's name was Thomas. Brother Thomas had spoken with such certainty about the tresspasses against the smallfolk by the Bolton's in the north that Brother Arlyn had waylaid his journey. For when Brother Arlyn had started making his pilgrimage to the north in order to see the wall, he had not planned on meeting anyone else, nor stopping at White Harbor.

However that changed with Brother Arlyn met Brother Thomas, so much conviction had been spoken about the treason being done by the Boltons that Brother Arlyn thought I must investigate these claims myself, Fro if they are true then we should move to help those people who are troubled. It is the least I can do as a Man of the faith. It does not matter that these smallfolk follow the old gods, For all are children of the seven. Besides, thinks the Septon sarcastically, the wall will always be there, it has been there since the time of Bran the Builder, I doubt one little detour will dissuade me from seeing this wonder. What is the worst thing that could happen? I might have to make the trip next season? Brother Arlyn thinks to himself.

The island where the Brother Thomas stated they could find their assistance was the one that Brother Arlyn had just seen. Brother Thomas stated that he knew of a man in the Wolf’s Den that could help them find the evidence they needed to ensure that they would receive the support from the Manderly's of White Harbor. This was the reason why Brother Thomas had insisted on coming to White Harbor for assistance. For much of the North followed the Old Gods, the religion of the first men. However White Harbor was the gleaming exception to the rule as it was the place were the seven were strong in the North. For the Manderlys were originally reachmen who had moved to the North when they were pushed of their lands by the gardeners.

As House Manderly had fled the reach, being repelled by Lord in the Peake, they had been members of the faith and when they fled and became bannermen of the Starks, teh starks allowed them to keep their faith and then the Starks had granted them the Wolf's den. But The manderlys had built a new castle and now the Wolf’s Den was merely a prison, its gaols were overseen by a lesser branch of the Mnaderlys. It was there that Brother Thomas was going, searching someone to help find the truth of the matter of the boltons. It was his hope that with The man who he knows assistance that they could find the evidence they needed in order to secure the support they would need.

Brother Arlyn looks out across the bay and begins taking in the sights and sounds, it was a familar experience to see so much water in one place, to taste the briny air. But with each breath he took it was rich, almost like a salty moist cake. While Brother Thomas found a boat to travel across the bay to the small island, Brother Thomas meanwhile had charged Brother Arlyn with speaking with the Septon of White Harbor to try and enlist his aid. They parted ways when they reached the city, promising to meet back at the stables outside of the city at dusk. As Brother Arlyn moved through the town he felt the movement of his robes and enjoyed the salty windy movement that ruffled brother Arlyn’s dark brown hair. Housing in this section of the town is well made but squat, and many of them are painted with a whitewash paint that is made from limestone, which the cliffs nearby appeared to have, giving White Harbor its name.

Brother Arlyn arrives at the Sept of white Harbor and Seeks out the Septon. He then relays the tale that brother Thomas had told him. Of when Brother Thomas had barely escaping with his life after stumbling upon the Boltons Flaying a man in the woods. Brother Thomas had hid in the bushes attempting, Trying to find out why the Boltons would be flaying this man. One of the things the Bolton's repeatedly asked the poor soul was to find out where his family had gone. Brother Thomas had asked the gods to release the man from his to from his torment, then escaped as quietly as he could back into the woods.


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Brother Thomas approaches Samuel Manderly, "
My Friend, I remember when you helped me escape, I never told you what I was helping you escape from, but now I will. The boltons were tortuing one of their small folk, they were flaying him, seeking information about where his family went. I wish to provide a safe passage for any of those who wish to flee the Boltons, but we need proof that the boltons have broken the Starks treaty. Could you help us gather some evidence so that we can present it to our father and maybe even the mandelrys themselves? I know that the Manderlys have no love for the boltons, and if we could help preent the boltons from causing any more suffering to their smallfolk that would be what the gods desire."

[Samurel Manderly]

Life inside the Wolf's Den wasn't something particularly tasteful for Samurel. His father stuck between the Way in the North and the Way of his family's original homeland. Time and distance did not sooth the dissonance within the Manderlys to the seven and to the old gods;
and Sam didn't enjoy it one bit.

Seeing the brutality of the North when it came to punishment as being just, while the brutality of the Boltons as unnecessary. Flaying a man had its place after all, but not on those whose suspect is only minor or inconsequential.

In this way Sam regarded the Boltons in much the same way that his father did, and his father before him, and his father before him, all the way back to the founding of House Manderly in the North;
With distrust, and Enmity

Its no wonder then that Sam saw any opportunity to leave the Wolf's Den as a blessing, and any opportunity to spite the Boltons as his Familial duty.

"
I'm sure we can arrange something, the important aspect is, do you have a information in particular..."

[Septon Arlyn]

"
Yes, I have heard rumors..."
replies Brother Thomas. He looks around in the small godswood located in the wolf's den, to make sure that the only eyes and ears present where those of the animals. Brother Thomas gestures for Samuel to move in closer, so his words would not be overheard by any prying ears. "
Rumours of the most foul deed. For it was said that while Brenden Stark was out hunting for rams out in the lonely hills, he had a camp at the base of the weeping water that was abandoned when some trappers from house Hornwood set upon it. The rumor is that he disappeared, most likely hunted by some form of shadowcat."
Brother Thomas looks at Sam, "
But if the Boltons where caught flaying a man by stark, they may very well have tried to make Brenden disappear. For it is well known that the Boltons have no love for the starks, and what better way could a bolton find pleasure then in torturing one from the family that made them promise to not flay their prisoners anymore?"
asks Brother Thomas.

"
Besides, We need to find out what the small folk are fleeing from the Boltons for, and find some way to help them escape to safety."
Brother Thomas looks down at his own two hands then back up to Sam. "
If only I had been chosen to be blessed by the warrior, then I could have stopped those Boltons from hurting that man. I could have done something to help end his suffering."
Brother Thomas's voice cracks slightly in remembrance. "
It is good you will help me in this My Lord samuel Manderiy, perhaps it was the Crone herself who helped guide me to you."
Brother Thomas gives a slight smile and bows deeply to the young lord. "
Now tell me, is there anything else that I may help you with?"



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Septon Arlyn picks his way through the streets of white harbor, he passes a busy marketplace full of fishwives hawking their wares. One old women, reconzing the brown robes of a begging brother, gestured to Brother Arlyn, "
Come over here boy,"
She calls over the din, Come here so I can see your face. Obligeninly Brother Arlyn approached the old women, her grey curly hair sticking out wildly from beneath a dirty gry bonnet. She gives the young man a smile, reveling 3 missing teeth, the rest various shades of brown. Brother Arlyn can smell the sweet smell of rot on her breath as she speaks. "
Brown Brother are ya?, we don't get many of them in these parts, too much bad land to cover, and our fair city is simply too small to be visited freqent enough to be of note to most brown brothers, only the very old or very young seem to make their way up here. So tell me,"
She prattles on, "
Have ou been a member of the faith long?"


"
Of course my lad,"
Replies Brother Arlyn with respect. "
I spent time in oldtown learning under some of the most devoted there"


"
Old town, most devoted,"
the old women gives a merry chuckle,"
Seems to be I'm standing in the company of giants!"


"
But giants are just legends, with all due respec my lady,"
comments Brother Arlyn, "
Unless you count the size of my gullet!"
Brother Arlyn pats his belly, it is a firm thing, but a paunch does still exist.

"
Here in the north boy, we know better. But come, let us give you some cod for that belly. I doubt it will grow to the size of a giant all on its own!"
With that the Old Women grabs some dried fish and hands it to Brother Arlyn. Brother Arlyn noticed that the old women did not have any customers, and no one was waiting in line for her stall.

"
My Lady, Your offer is generous, but I'm sure that the gods will provide for me,"
reassures Brother Arlyn.

"
Provide your death if you do not eat young man!"
Declares the old women. "
Now, eat up and do not worry about an old women. I have surrvied a long time without our help boy, and the gods bless those who help the unfortunate."


"
My Lady is king, and well versed in the word of the gods."
Brother Arlyn's stomach rumbled as he took the fish in between his teeth., chewing slightly to ensure that he could taste the oly smoky flavor in Brother Arlyn's mouth."
This is delicious,"
brother Arlyn declares.

"
You heard it here first folks, The seven approve of my fish! how many of those other mongers can you hear tell truthfully of that.

"
My Lady, could you point me to the Sept."
Asks Brother Arlyn.

"
Of Course ,"
states the women and points off in a direction of a large building, "
Sept of the snow is what it be called. If you hurry they may not yet be closed."
She Smiles at brother Arlyn, "
Good luck my friend"
she tells Brother
Arlyn as he leaves

[Samurel Manderly]

A visible scowl raced across Sam's face when the implication of the fate of Brenden Stark was brought up.
The Starks have loyal bannermen and not so loyal bannermen.
Borne from the conflicts which brought them under heel.
The Reeds, The Umbers, The Mormonts, and The Manderlys counted themselves the most loyal of the banners.

And this Rumor, this implication struck Sam like a knife in his gut.
Family And Duty Meant quite a lot to Sam, one of many reasons why he did not seek womanly charms. His marriage would be saved for someone political advantageous
And the Duty to His father and Family's Liege lord stood as stark as the their name would imply.

"
I will look into these rumors brother... I would tread lightly, invoking duty to an northerner is a dangerous proposition, and this investigation may turn not to anyone's liking..."


Turning aside, Sam places a small strip of cloth covering a simple hard object into the brothers hands.

"
There is a vial in here brother... a small mercy for yourself or anyone you find that may need it... a reprieve from whatever the Boltons may or may not be doing."

[Septon Arlyn]

Brother Thomas notes Samuels look and takes the vial, hesitating for the briefest of moments. "
The stranger comes for us all I guess,"
Brother Thomas says with brevity. Brother Thomas takes the vial and brings it into his robes, Samel can hear some clinking of coins as the vial is stored in a pocket inside of the robe. "
I hope that my suspicions are just that, but you must see why I came to you. For a man who can move so silently and such, I imagine that you could find the truth of this matter better then anyone else I know. Besides, I would prefer some proof before making these accusations to any Lords, For Lords have prickly senses of honor, and if these rumours do turn out to be nothing more then rumours, then I doubt that things would go well for me."
Says brother thomas simply.

Brother Thomas gives a nervous smile before asking, "
so... I do not know if there are any loyal to the dreadfort in white harbor, but that possibility is there. I feel that they might question why a young lord is suddenly heading out to the north, especially one who is traveling by himself, or only with a few companions. Do you think we should attempt to make our way out unseen? So as to not draw attention to ourselves?"
asks Brother Thomas.





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Brother Arlyn makes his way through the crowded streets. As he rounds the final alleyway and comes out onto the plaza leading to the Sept. Brother Arlyn lets out a low whistle as he sees the Sept. Surely the only Sept grander then this one is the Sept in old town, or possibly the one in kings landing. It is truly magnificent! Brother Arlyn could only see three of the seven walls of the Sept , but he could see tall figures on each of the corners, workmen and sculptors had scaffolding built up around a few of the statues, but even that did not detract from the gleaming splendor of the sept. No wonder they call it the Snowy Sept, the light reflecting off the white stone and marble make it appear to be covered in snow. The Manderlys surely spared no expense in showing thankfulness to the gods for their safe journey to the north. Brother Arlyn carefully picked his way through the crowd, working his way to the large heavy Iron bound oaken doors, which were open wide, allowing Brother Arlyn to catch what the inside of the domed ceiling looked like, its beautiful mural depicting each one of the seven, Lit up by the natural light let in though windows placed below the domed ceiling, as well as small sconces placed along the wall. The seating was placed in a circular fashion, with an elevated stage so the Septon could be seen from all sides. Imagine what it would be like to give the message of love and mercy of the seven to everyone who could fit into this chamber. That would be quite a sight, The feeling of sharing the good news Brother Arlyn felt gooseflesh crawl over his skin at the thought. Not today, Brother Thomas is counting on me to speak with the Septon here, so let us find our way to him. And with that brother Arlyn made his way to the farthest door, hoping that this was where the Septon and his associates would be at.

[Samurel Manderly]

Pensive and quiet, Sam remains for a short while.
"
Regardless, this is a serious issue if true, like you say... I'll begin my work immediately."


a moment of lightness enters Sam's expression
"
there are few and far between who hold the Boltons in high regard here Septon, but I do agree with your statement, I'll remain here for a day before leaving, and you'd be surprised how often it is I travel just outside of white harbor, so there shouldn't be any trouble there..."


Soft eyes but a firm voice
"
Take care of yourself, you are dealing with those who often have no qualms about severity"

[Septon Arlyn]

Brother Thomas gulps nervously at Samuels words then nods in acknowledgement of what has been said. "
Thank you Samuel. Do not worry, I will not share your involvement with anyone unless you request it of me."
Brother Thomas looks around swiftly before moving to depart. "
Be careful Samuel, I have seen what the Boltons are capable of and would not wish that fate upon you. May The gods go with you, both the old and new. I feel that there may be some trouble in the north if my supsioins are confirmed. Hopefully we can help the small folk move in safety from the Boltons. I have another Man working on that right now, trying to get support for setting up a passage of safety for those whom wish to flee the Botlons lands, that way there is no more repeat... incidents. Such as the one you helped me escape from."
Brother Arlyn stretches out his hand and shakes Samuels, "
Until we meet again."
Then he turns to leave, exiting the ancient gods good and making his way out, leaves crunching underfoot but the Brothers passage. Subconsciously Samuel can see Brother Thomas check the gift he gave him as he rounds the corner and vanishes from sight.

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Brother Arlyn crosses the open area under the domed roof of the Snowy Sept. As he approaches the door he knocks loudly, his knuckles smarting slightly from the effort of making the oak iron bound door announce his presence. Slowly the door creeks open and Brother Arlyn can smell the sent of burning wood and heated metal. The Septon of White harbor answered the door, and the leather hinges groan slighlty with the weight of the door. "
May I help you?"
Asks the Septon, briefly pausing as he glances over the brothers brown robes.

"
Yes, My name is Brother Arlyn, I was wondering if I could speak with you for a moment?"
Brother Arlyn approaches, hopefulness in his voice.

"
Of course, come in brother Arlyn, let it not be said that the Septon's of the north have any less generosity then their southern counterparts."
The Septon opens his door wider, and gestures for Brother Arlyn to take a seat. "
Now what is it that you wished to speak to me about?"
Asks the Septon, eyes boring into Brother Arlyn.

"
There are some foul deed on the Boltons lands Your Grace,"
Brother Arlyn begins, "
And we need your help in helping to protect the smallfolk, and providing them safe passage,"


"
What sort of foul deeds do you speak of?"
asks the Septon.

Septon Arlyn begins to recount the history of what Brother Thomas saw.

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