3: A Wintry Ball By Wolves Part 2

(Winterfell, The North, The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, Westeros, GoT Universe)

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(Barthogan Stark POV)

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Barthogan Stark was torn in two directions, on the one hand he wanted Ashara Dayne, but on the other hand he desired Cassandra Baratheon. It would ultimately be decided on one of two things: A Coin Toss or who made the better impression. The latter would require a dance and a conversation.

And Unfortunately he didn't have the luxury of being so flippant as to being able to judge based upon a Coin Toss.

Might as well get it over with...

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(POV Shift: Cassandra Baratheon)

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Cassandra Baratheon was dancing with Barthogan Stark.

''Your beautiful Lady Baratheon, and you have a Dancer's Grace, have you ever tried Water Dancing?'' Barthogan complimented her.

''I prefer Sailing to swimming.'' Says Cassandra earning an amusedly dry chuckle from Barthogan.

"It's not that kind of Dance. Water Dancing is the Braavosi Sword Form. Users rely on a Needle-like blade and their own fluidity and grace to land crippling thrusts and cat-like stabbings. Not my favorite style but picture if you will using the leaps and flips of the style in accordance with a Knife.'' Says Barthogan.

''Sounds interesting, but I prefer the Great Sword myself.'' Says Cassandra.

''Admittedly it's not for everybody, but the compliment stands. Tell me, what is it you expect from me should we ever Wed as both a Lord and Husband.'' Says Barthogan, with undertones that were equal parts kind and curious.

''As my husband, I'd expect from you fidelity, courage, tenacity, and respect. As my Lord, I'd expect you to honor your promises, protect your people and family with a Wolves Fierceness, and the ability to what is right and what is necessary.'' Says Cassandra.

''You don't mix words My Lady, but something tells me your no blunt instrument. I thank you for your honesty and this dance, but alas I have others to speak and dance with.'' Says Barthogan, as he kisses her knuckles before seeking out a dance with Mira Arynn.

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(POV Shift: Mira Arryn)

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Mira was Dancing with Barthogan Stark, who though nor as adept in dance as she, was by no means a clumsy and blundering oath. The boy asked her questions with unnerving maturity and wisdom. It wasn't that it had been rehearsed, because obviously it would have been, it was how un-rehearsed it felt, and yet it came off as a natural and innocent number of questions.

Barthogan finally asked her something important.

''What would you expect of me as your Lord and Husband if we were to Wed, Lady Mira?''

''In either case I would ask for and expect of you honor, respect, and truthfulness. Nothing more, nothing less.'' Says Mira who as an Arynn and indeed a Woman of the Vale likes to keep things simple and direct.

''Straightforward and Simple, fair enough.'' Says Barthogan as he begins to mull over her response.

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(POV Shift: Barthogan Stark)

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Mira Arynn and Cassandra Baratheon were the two key players he had to consider more than the other's. With Ashara Dayne, he knew what he'd be in for, more or less. But Cassandra was as much an unknown as Mira which warranted these talks. The fact that Mira asked for less than Cassandra didn't necessarily mean that he hadcless to consider. If anything, he had a little bit more to consider.

If he selected Cassandra, he'd have a guaranteed connection to the big, dumb, and drunken wifebeater. But that wasn't necessarily bad, of course it wasn't necessarily good either. If he married Mira it wouldn't necessarily mean a better or worse War of The Five King's, but loathe as he was to say it Catelyn and Ned needed to happen.

The Sense of safety in the Cannon being kept to a degree was certainly going to be appreciated, but it also gave the North Control over the only inland entry to the North without getting in through the Sea.

And that Was another problem that he'd need to address sooner or later.

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After what felt like minutes even hours but was only within the span of a few seconds, Barthogan thanked Lady Mira before heading to another suitor.

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(Time-Skip: Two Hours Later)

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(POV Shift: Lyarra Stark)

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Lyarra Stark watched with nerv as her middle Pup finished dancing with the last of his possible suitors.

He looked at her and nodded at her once silently informing her that he'd made up his nind on his on his betrothed, a corresponding tilt indicated he wasn't as sure on a Fostering just yet.

His head tilted in the direction of the Suitor he had decided on and held up two fingers, pointing left indicating the second one from the left.

This gave her a sense of relief as by all accounts he'd chosen quite well...

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(POV Shift: Barthogan Stark)

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Barthogan had narrowed down his Future Fostering to one of two individual Houses; Houses Baratheon and Tarly. It was not an easy choice, but it had to be made and knowing what he knows he has to choose.

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''My Lord's, My Ladies, and esteemed Royals. You have my thanks for joining us in this celebration. But now it has come time to acknowledge the Betrothal between Houses Stark and Baratheon. My son Barthogan will Marry Lady Cassandra Baratheon when they've both come of age and will rule as The Lord and Lady of Moat Cailin with their Children being The Lord's of the Causeway after them. In addition Barthogan shall be fostered under Lord Steffon's Roof, in order to deepen his relationship with Lady Cassandra.'' Says my Father.

''Furthermore we're pleased to announce the Betrothal of our eldest son Brandon to Catelyn Tully of Riverrun and that our youngest son Eddard shall be fostered under Jon Arryn of The Vale.'' Lyarra continues on from her husband.

''We thank you for your attendance, your friendship, and your goodwill, and so with that, we fear we must at long last bid you a peaceful sleep and pleasant awakening.'' Barthogan finishes for his parents.

Barthogan walks away, needing some time to think alone.