Meeting of the Mountain Clans

[Lucius Malfoy]

With the elevation of King Rickard Stark, the mountain clans to the north have decided to come together once more at the place where they once elevated King after King of House Flint of Breakstone Hill to rule over them. It was an old Kingsmoot location, secluded within the most remote parts of the mountains. Present there were a number of weirwood trees with a large one standing in the middle of the meeting area. All of their faces different from the next, representing the gods that always watched over their lands for eons since the dawn of time itself and the Age of Heroes.

Many clans came to this meeting. The Harclays, the Liddles, the Knotts, the Burleys, the First Flints, the Norreys and the Wulls all of whom once swore allegiance to House Flint in times of old before they were made vassals of House Stark. The one who made this call was Jeor 'the Wull' as his clan was the most powerful of the mountains, save that of the Flints who held prestige and the noted history of ruling over these peaks for many generations. Jeor stood with a few of his kin; sons and daughters whose blood still held the thickest of the First Men south of the Wall. The clans began to gather, giving Jeor a moment to gaze upon those present. He began to wonder about what needed to be spoken given the transition of power between one Stark to the next.

[Jokern]

The ring of weirwood trees gave the the gathering an ancient air of importance, as if ten thousand generations looked upon the men of the clans, watching and judging. For the First Flints, it was so much more. Their clan had ruled these mountains and valleys as kings since ages long forgotten, chosen to be first among equals on this very ground. Those days were gone however, now the Starks of Winterfell claimed kingship over the whole North, including the mountains. Yet the clans kept to their old ways as they always had done, rarely bothered by outsiders except for the occasional raids and reavings of Wildlings and Ironborn.

Morgan Flint, chief of his tribe and known as "The Flint", stood at the head of his group, as still as statues. He gazed out at the other clans, especially at The Wull, who had called this meeting. Morgan wondered why they were all there, though concerning recent events, it was not hard to guess. The Ironborn had slain the King of Winter and honor called for them to exact vengeance upon their enemies, even for the clans who rarely left their homes. A dead king also meant a new king, and The Rickard was young and inexperienced. Morgan saw good things in the boy and did not doubt he would become a great king like his father, though it was not a short and easy road ahead of the young king. What would the mountain clans do? Should they do anything? Morgan reminded himself of the call to arms that had been sent, riders for Barrowton. Should they answer it as well? Honor dictated that they uphold their oaths and go to war, but what if those men were needed here? Bear Island was not far away, still a nest for the damned squigs. No, he had to send his men, his king demanded it.

The Flint kept silent, letting no thoughts shine through and reveal his true emotions.

[Blastoise Groudon]

Sitting down, waiting for someone to speak first, Ruldolf Norrey looks around with his son Michael in attendance. The grandchildren remained home to reign in the time being. Being around many years, being an vassal does not bother Ruldolf. Being among The Starks and Flints is a bit awkward, considering they both shared power over his house, but it's of no matter now. He is old anyhow and who knows how long he will remain in power. He only wants his House to have a secured future, if there is such a thing in this part of the realm.

Michael leans over and whispers some thoughts to his father then stand back behind him. They await the first words to be spoken.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Jeor would see that the Flints did not speak first, which granted him the floor first. The Wull stepped forth and began to speak openly to the gathered clan chiefs.

The Old Gods have taken Jon away and left the second son as his successor. i remember the Stark's older brother, Torrhen, a man who already had deeds under his belt. It is unfortunate that both king and heir have been taken away.

His gaze turns to the Flints, who he knew had attended the sudden ceremony in which Rickard was crowned by the command of the dead Jon.

What do you think of Rickard, Flint? Is he a man worth following or not?

[Jokern]

When The Jeor spoke, Morgan Flint listened intently. When the question to him, The Flint wondered what The Wull was planning. The clans had always followed strength, which the Starks had claimed for many generations of kings. Did Jeor plan to rebel against The Rickard if he found the boy wanting, or merely stay in his hold and ignore the rest of the kingdom? Morgan wondered suspiciously, though he decided to answer the question truthfully.

"He is young and inexperienced from what I can tell, though strong of body and with a fierce grip. I saw him when the news of his father's and brother's death reached him and the crown was presented to him. He took in his hands and placed it upon his own brow, then he drew the ancient Ice from its sheath and held it up. What I saw there was not merely a man, but one with the blood of the ancient house of the Kings of Winter. He is young, but he will prove himself and show that he is a wolf. That is what I believe, and the late king must have seen that as well, otherwise he would not have chosen The Rickard to be his heir."

Morgan's gaze narrowed on The Wull.

"Or does Clan Wull see another man to lead us, if our king had been weak?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Jeor snorts visibly at the question. He had always been a content man, living in his clan's ancestral lands, slaying Ironborn upon his shores and doing what any Free Folk would do.

I am merely curious to see how the Stark plans to treat the Mountain Clans, Flint. Jon was good to us in a way that he didn't mingle in our affairs, as long as we were loyal. We have been treated as friends and allies before, but there have been times we have been treated as dogs. What will this Rickard do? Follow his father's example or not? I want to make sure that the mountain clans can trust Jon's son as we trusted him.

The Wull would then turn to Flint once more.

If is he inexperienced, that let us hope that time will make him our friend.

[Blastoise Groudon]

Ruldolf looks around and ponders the same. He wants no issues with the new King if possible. If not for him, at least for his son and grandchildren's sake. Everything in life is an chance, we must take a chance on him. He turns to the men and speaks softly.

Gentlemen, we must take an chance on him. If he treats us well in return, we will be fine. If we are treated like dogs, then we must band together and act accordingly. I just want peace and if luck should favor us, hopefully we can get it and keep it.

[Jokern]

Morgan nodded at the Norrey's words.

"I understand your concern, Wull, all the clans know your words to be true. Our kin do not number what the other mighty lords can muster for their armies, and we are seen as backwards. We have suffered bad treatment under the Kings of Winter, but we have been treated good as well. As for The Rickard, I cannot promise anything. I think that we can expect the same treatment as under his father, but in the end he will have to prove himself as our liege, or suffer the consequences for oath breakers. Should the clans ever be treated as dogs under his rule, I will personally deliver justice to him."

[Blastoise Groudon]

"This is all we can do. Lets take an chance on him and see how things fall."

[Lucius Malfoy]

All we can do is ensure the mountain clans are not ignored nor forgotten. We may be seen as backward folk, but we know these mountains and lands better than anyone. We have the thickest of First Men blood within our veins south of the Wall.

Jeor was glad to see his fellow chieftains understand his concerns. He would not be ignored, but he would enjoy being left alone to tend to his clan and the feuds they held. The Wull would look at his fellow chieftains once more.

There is one other matter that must be discussed. Long has it been since we have been united under a single ruler, not since the days of the First Flints. There are many High Lords of the North, but none that represent the mountain clans. Perhaps we should pursue the opportunity to prove ourselves to the Stark in the hopes of having one of our be elevated to such a noble position. A united and single voice of the Mountain Clans that can be heard from the highest peaks.

[Jokern]

The Flint nodded in agreement.

"Aye, we couldn't agree more. The clans united is stronger than any who would threaten our homes and kin, from Wildling raiders to Ironborn reavers. We should unite our hosts and march to join the king's army, and bring justice to our enemies."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Our clan has already begun to muster the men and prepare to send them to join the Stark.

[Blastoise Groudon]

We, also, will begin the mustering process to join the fight.

[Jokern]

"My clan stands ready to march at a moment's notice, so when the rest of the mountains are ready, we shall move."