Castle Hornwood, 4th Moon, 146 AC

A letter arrives at Hornwood Hall, addressed to Matilda Hornwood and written in a stern, almost flat hand.

To My Sister,

I apologize that I have not been as communicative of late. I have spent these recent months plagued by two great problems:

My duty as Master-At-Arms, as always, is at the fore of my thoughts. The training not only of the House Guard but of the Stark boys is both a great honor and a burden. How is it that I might teach this boys lessons not just in sword, but in honor? In spirit? In rule. I am not their father, I know, but it is a concern nonetheless.

Secondly, I am in the midst of consternation that is curious to myself. I am seeking marriage and have been courting Lady Irwen Cerwyn - sister of Lord Caladog - and have also caught the attentions of Lady Branda Dustin, with whom I have maintained some correspondence.. In truth, I believe Cerwyn to be a better match both in spirit and in politics. But still, I am worried and seek some consultation. As our mother is who she is, I feel that you would be best to discuss with on these matters.

With that in mind, I would like to extend an invitation to you and your son to join me at Winterfell for a short while in the next few weeks, to speak more properly on the matter and, I imagine, it would be good for young Eadwin to see Winterfell.

With Love and Affection,

Eadhelm.

Matilda smiled at the letter, almost laughing. How long had it been since she had seen her brother act as a boy, and not a man? When he was taken to Winterfell, he had hardened himself, breaking her heart. The boy she had known, when she first saw him in the years after his "warding," had disappeared beneath a strange veneer of loyal stoicism that felt alien to the boy she had known. The boy that had run with her through the woods and held up little Arya on his shoulders even though the girl was too heavy for him to hold for long.

She set to writing.

To My Brother,

I would be delighted to visit, and I am certain Eadwin would be as well. Although I imagine he will spend more time with peasant boys and the castle maester than any of House Stark! I will set out within the next week or so.

With Greatest Affection,

Matilda