Iron Grows Anew

Iron Grows Anew
Part Four

Written By	Badgershite
Creative Assistants	Peggyoung
Episode Guide
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"Iron Grows Anew", also known as "the Epilogue", is the final part of Badgershite's Season Two AU.

Plot Synopsis

Retribution

At Rillwater Crossing, many members of House Glenmore, as well as guests from House Riverstone, have gathered in the central courtyard. Lord Waymar Riverstone gives Lady Syrena Glenmore his condolences for the deaths of her husband and daughter. Syrena is grateful and thankful for Waymar's presence, but notes that Lord Ryswell has said nothing about Errol Glenmore's death - even though the man was like a son to him. It is noted that Stanys Overton sent a raven with his condolences following Errol's death, and that Elaena has remained at Timberwatch as she is heavily pregnant and unfit to travel.

Waymar apologises for the lack of Riverstone presence at the funeral, but excuses himself by explaining that his Maester told him he should not be moving around so soon on account of his recent blindness and states that while he was not present for the funeral he would be present for 'this occasion', swearing that the men who previously harmed them will see his comeuppance. He then asks where Ostyn is as they need to speak. Syrena tells him she is, but instructs him to make it quick.

Waymar tells Ostyn that they need to speak about his position. Ostyn assumes Waymar is telling him his services as squire are no longer required, and while the Lord confirms this he says it is because he cannot properly train him as a blind man. He tells the boy he is a good man, prompting Ostyn to say he can't be any worse than his father. Waymar says his father is not who he thinks he is, and bids him farewell.

Meanwhile, Kyra Glenmore asks her mother if this event has to take place in front of the whole house. Syrena says it does, but if Kyra does not wish to watch she can return to her chambers. Kyra assures her mother that she wants to stay, but believes they should be alone during the event. The Lady tells her daughter that all of their men have an axe to grind, but the Glenmore family will be at the forefront of the proceedings and gives a command. Two of the Glenmore Elite Guard bring the prisoners - Hullen Cooper and Boros Warrick - forth. Syrena tells her house that the men who affronted them have been punished - Boros has been beaten by each member of the elite guard and castrated, while Hullen has also been beaten and blinded for blinding Lord Riverstone. Despite this their punishment is not yet complete and they are to be hanged in front of those gathered in the courtyard.

Syrena turns to tell her new ward, Colton Warrick, that he does not have to watch his brother hang, but he says it will make him stronger. On the gallows, Hullen remarks that while Boros' brother is present, his own would not 'piss on him if he was on fire'. Syrena asks Boros for last words but cuts him off in spite. Nelsor Carring asks when he should drop the two men, and Syrena tells him to do it whenever he is ready.

Nelsor pulls a lever and Boros and Hullen are dropped and choke to death as the gathered crowd watches, including Kyra Glenmore who is initially scared but steels herself. Once the two men are dead, Syrena says they should be cut down and thrown in a ditch - then walks away, sorrowfully stating that she will not have them dumped in the same river as they held the funeral of her husband and daughter. Namond Glenmore notices this and calls out to her.

Syrena admits she feels little even though she's had revenge - that it wasn't satisfying enough. She questions if Lyarra knew how much she adored her, but Namond puts these doubts to rest by stating Lyarra knew how much he adored her despite their disagreements - then goes on to blame himself for her death. Syrena admits Namond's errors of judgement cannot be excused, but he did not outright murder his father or sister and she still loves him as much as she did the day he was born. Namond expresses his belief that he should not remain at Rillwater Crossing as he feels cursed and does not feel prepared to take on the role of Lord, but Syrena says if he abdicates Kyra would become head of the house and she believes that would be an unfair burden to place on a child.

Namond agrees not to abdicate, but still says he will take time away from the House while Syrena remains as regent. Though Syrena disagrees with the idea she lets him go through with it and tells him to inform Kyra himself as she deserves to hear it from him. Namond is torn but approaches Kyra regardless.

He tells his sister of his coming absence and the girl asks if she can come with him. Namond states it is too dangerous and that he needs her to stay and look after their mother, baby sister and Ostyn - but herself most of all. He then passes her the family sword, Glendon's Fist, but says she does not need to know how to use it.

Kyra hugs Namond and tells him not to be gone for long and the man says he will come back. He tells the girl he loves her, then departs. He is called back by Kyra, who stares him down and states the House words to him; "never relent, never yield".

Meanwhile, Syrena asks Edmure Glenmore how large House Warrick is. The man says they're small and only throw their weight around because of House Whitehill's protection - which prompts Syrena to note that Torrhen Whitehill has withdrawn this protection without telling the Warricks. After Edmure asks what she intends to do, Syrena explains she will mobilise the Glenmore army. She instructs Edmure to visit House Overton and recruit them, as well as the Lords of Stillport who will likely desire vengeance. Edmure asks what their goal is, and Syrena merely states that they will make House Warrick burn.^[1]

Admission

At Highpoint, Torrhen Whitehill walks with Myles Thornton in the great hall. Speaking with his squire, the Lord admits that he was wrong – that he shouldn't have dragged him into a war when he already had a home and family. He notes that his daughter Roslin was scarred, and that he put Myles in harm's way when it could have been avoided.

Myles states that he does not desire to stay at Highpoint – he wants to go home to Stillport and inform his mother of Ned Thornton's death, as well as hold a funeral for him. Torrhen acknowledges that Myles deserves rest – and deserves better than to be brought into House Whitehill's affairs based on the fact he's an estranged nephew, but tells the boy he is always welcome at Highpoint.

Myles thanks Torrhen, referring to him as 'uncle', then the air falls silent for a moment. When he speaks again, Myles asks if his biological father, Karl Whitehill, would have wanted him had he lived. Torrhen admits he's starting to have doubts about Karl, whom he previously almost worshipped, but notes that there are people at Stillport who love Myles. He acknowledges that Eddard Thornton came all this way just to save him, and admits that now he believes the Thorntons need Myles more than ever.

Leaving the great hall, Myles says he'll keep in touch – and adds that he'll say hello to his mother for the Lord.

Shortly after Myles' departure, Greta Whitehill and Stanler Pike return from Warrick Bastion – the former carrying her son Karl in her arms. The woman is frenzied, asking and begging for Roslin to be okay. Torrhen hunches over a table and tells the woman she's fine – fine now – but is unable to turn and face the woman. Greta asks what happened, and Torrhen admits he got cocky and didn't send his family away when he should have – informing her that Ned Thornton got to Roslin and scarred her face. To this, Greta tells Torrhen that he's not infallible, and Torrhen says that the past few days have highlighted how dim he is, that he needs to stop pretending he's his brother and start worrying about the Karl that matters; their son.

After a pause the Lord tells his wife that he made peace with the Forresters. Greta is confused, asking why he did, and Torrhen tells her while he has no interest in being Rodrik Forrester's ally, he gained respect for Talia Forrester; there was something about her that he admired and that she was part of the reason he made the deal. He notes the Ironwood War was his father's battle to fight, not his own, and all that matters to him is Greta, Roslin and Karl. Greta tells him he did the right thing, and confesses her fears that their son would have to fight in the future had the war continued indefinitely – that she doesn't want him exposed to that as she doesn't like what war does to Torrhen. Torrhen says he feels the same, that he doesn't enjoy it now he has his wife and children.

Greta is left uncertain by this, and changes the subject to the losses they suffered during the fight. Torrhen tells her that Varen Parge is dead, Alanna Snow is missing and notes she is aware of what happened to Arys Mount. Greta asks if a funeral has been held, and Torrhen tells her he wanted to wait for her before laying the guard to rest. He then goes on to note he turned Boros Warrick and Hullen Cooper over to the Glenmores – that he had been ignorant by hoping keeping them by his side would keep them under control, but they just abused their rank, and that he has no doubt Syrena Glenmore will execute them sooner rather than later. Greta sternly and solidly responds 'good', glad that those two men will finally see their comeuppance.

The Lord and Lady are interrupted by a new voice, which is revealed to be that of Lord Lothor Ashwood. Entering the great hall with his two bastards, Rickon and Dorren, the man admits his disappointment that no men were at Highpoint's gates to welcome them. After being welcomed by Torrhen, Dorren Snow remarks that the lord seems to have lost something and shoves Gryff Whitehill in his direction. Torrhen thanks them, and Greta asks who the captive is. Torrhen tells her it's Gryff, and Greta seems somewhat troubled by the man – telling her husband that she didn't expect him to look how he does. Torrhen quickly jokes that he got all the good looks before Lord Ashwood interrupts them again – stating he brought Gryff back to Highpoint as thanks for the information Torrhen sent them regarding Gryff having imprisoned Ashara Ashwood. Rickon Snow adds that the Whitehills can do as they please with Gryff, as the Ashwoods do not want him.

Lord Ashwood suggests taking the Ashwood-Whitehill alliance further by marrying Gwyn Whitehill to Remus Ashwood and Roslin Snow to one of his younger bastards in future, but Torrhen turns him down. He says Gwyn is her own woman and he cannot speak on her behalf, nor does he want to plan his daughter's future for her at such a young age. Lothor admits he feels insulted but understands the man's concerns, pushing to speak about it at a later date. He says he will leave the Whitehills to their business, getting in one final jab about there being 'things to do in life aside from battle over trees'. Torrhen tells the man to give his regards to Lady Ashwood and the children upon his return to Westmount.

As the Ashwoods turn and leave, Dorren bows mockingly and gives his regards to Lord and Lady Whitehill – dragging out the latter's name as if to suggest some form of attraction. Once the doors are closed and the Ashwoods are out of earshot, both Torrhen and Greta state their disdain for the other House.

Torrhen tells Gryff to sit down and Greta asks her husband what he's going to do with him. Torrhen is undecided but tells Gryff he's not very good at his job – he told him to keep hold of Talia and because he failed the Whitehills almost lost everything. Gryff is despondent and tells Torrhen to just kill him. Torrhen notes this is the easy way out, stating that their mother died to bring Gryff into the world and that he won't disrespect her by taking her out of it – at least, not himself. Gryff tells Torrhen to get one of his guards to do it and the Lord asks what his brother's preference would be, listing off names of the Elite Guard still at Highpoint.

Before he can pursue the torment Torrhen is silenced by Greta, who calls his name and draws his attention. She stares at him sadly, reminding him that she does not like what war does to him. After flitting between Gryff and Greta for a moment, Torrhen recalculates and declares he's changing his plans – that he's thought of a solution for them both and that they'll never have to see each other again. Gryff gets to live, but he never interferes with the Whitehills any longer.

He tells Gryff to do the Seven Kingdoms a favour – to go to the Wall and make something of himself, that their mother gave the man a life and he should do something worthwhile with it. Gryff stares at his brother, confused, until the older man orders him to leave before he changes his mind.

As he departs, Gryff walks past Greta and eyes her, baffled about how or why she would spare his life. Once he is out of earshot Torrhen tells his wife that Roslin is going to write to Gryff but he won't stop her as it would put a wedge between them. Greta admits she is proud of Torrhen – that he seems to be on a good path. Torrhen says he's not sure what he'd do without her, and the woman jokes she keeps him “firmly rooted” - her maiden house's words. Torrhen suggests they reunite their two children before she makes an even worse joke, and as they walk away Greta tells her husband that they will have three soon – the Maesters are saying it's looking like another boy.^[2]

Restoration

Rodrik wakes in his bed to find Talia sitting by the window. She informs him he's been unconscious for two weeks due to his injuries and she's writing to their allies. She notes that Ned Thornton has sent them ravens, Namond Glenmore has not been heard from since he left Rillwater Crossing, and begins to comment on what Hugar Greyson did after leaving Highpoint until Rodrik stops her and asks who she's writing to.

Talia says she's writing to a house in the Crownlands, the Lady of whom had previously contacted them claiming to be their father's half-sister. Rodrik asks if it was Genna, prompting Talia to question how he knows but he says it's a long story. Talia then asks how her brother is feeling and Rodrik expresses he feels like a corpse both physically and mentally and that he feels like a coward for accepting the Whitehills' offer. Talia reassures him that he did what was right for the House and his child will not have to worry about being in another War. This makes Rodrik panic about Elaena and ask where she is and Talia tells him she's unfit to travel. Rodrik says he needs to be there when the baby is born and is concerned about how much time they have until it happens. Talia states there's three or four months left and looks away when mentioning that she hasn't been reading the letters from the Glenmores. Rodrik asks if she is going to be all right and Talia says not to worry - changing the subject to say they should show their faces now he's awake. Rodrik says he isn't ready and Talia says she will go and tell everyone he's up herself. Rodrik asks her to tell Gared he's sorry and she tells him she'll keep it in mind.

Upon leaving Rodrik's room, Talia is approached by the new Maester of House Forrester, Argus. He asks how Rodrik is and Talia says he doesn't want to come out of his room. Argus responds that he has been through a traumatic ordeal and losing a limb could take a long time to get used to - he won't be better just because he's awake. Talia agrees and asks if the Maester came to check on him, to which Argus replies that he came to tell her Ryon is getting better and the 'man in the cellars' is tended to and healing - fit enough to visit. Talia says she'll head down there as soon as possible and walks away, but Argus halts her and says if she ever feels overwhelmed he is there for support. He suggests they go through Gregor Forrester's journals over some tea and Talia agrees to. Argus says she just needs to make an appointment or visit his quarters whenever she wishes.

As Talia walks away she enters Ryon's room and sees him in bed, still unconscious. She quietly asks him to wake up soon as they have their home back.

Talia then visits the cellars, where she meets Arnolf Snow, Lady Ashwood's eldest bastard. She tells him she intends to speak with someone and asks for space. Arnolf says he will get his things together to head home to Westmount, stating his sister Ashara is supposed to come with him but she is preoccupied. Talia waits until he is gone and then walks up to a cell.

The man inside tells her he heard her voice. The girl says she is there for answers and he says he's not the best person to ask. Opening the cell and walking inside, Talia asks if the man present killed Royland Degore. The man, Harys, says he did in a way - if he hadn't cut Royland's eye out he may have seen the killing blow coming. He also tells the girl that if she wants revenge, Gryff killed Royland and Gryff is long gone; likely executed by Torrhen.

Talia mocks Harys's usefulness and Harys responds by sarcastically saying he's 'definitely' going to help a Forrester. Talia tells him it'd improve his living standards and if he doesn't want to answer her questions she can get Josera in to ask instead. Harys is fearful and tells him she doesn't want to do that.

Talia begins to leave, but commends him for telling the truth by saying he'll get a decent meal later. Harys feigns gratitude and asks if he can attend his urinal unattended soon, then tells Talia that the Forresters' only redeeming quality is their dogs, and that they should be grateful he kept them alive instead of letting Gryff cook and eat them. Talia ignores him and says she'll be back, then leaves. Harys glares at the door for a moment, before calling the girl a "bitch" under his breath.^[3]

Family

Gared informs Beskha that he has offered his farm to Signa and her children as he is going to be at Ironrath taking up the role of Castellan. Beskha solemnly congratulates him and the man asks if something is the matter. Beskha later admits she plans to leave Ironrath as she feels she does not belong. Gared believes it is to do with how Ryon was injured on her watch. Beskha confirms this and says she does not wish to hear Rodrik berate her. Gared claims the Lord is not up to it and is interrupted by Rodrik who asks what he means.

Gared tells him Beskha is planning on leaving and though she tells him not to try and stop her, Rodrik still attempts to appeal to her by telling her that she was Asher's family and is his too. Beskha laughs at how she has been convinced and returns to her chambers to unpack, stating she should get a better space to live and Gared jokes that Finn would gladly share.

As Beskha leaves, Rodrik turns to Gared and apologises for how he acted when they first reunited at Morgryn's logging site. Gared tells him not to excuse himself and he understands, but wishes to drop the topic and move forward. Rodrik agrees and the duo appears satisfied.

Meanwhile Talia sits on the courtyard steps, disheartened. She is approached by Josera, and asks him if he slept poorly, alluding to the man having copulated with Ashara Ashwood the previous night. Josera claims the woman to be eager, then notes that Talia appears upset. Talia admits she is thinking of Lyarra Glenmore and blames herself for her friend's death, but Josera says her survivor's guilt is down to hindsight. He notes that he admires her strength and that she embodies her house words – that he knows she can best her demons. Talia thanks him for this, going so far as to call him 'brother', which shocks the man but warms him.

The duo are approached by Elsera, who says she needs to speak with her twin. Talia wishes to hear but Elsera is reluctant until Josera sticks up for the girl and says she deserves to be involved.

Elsera explains that when she came back to her senses after the Liberation of Ironrath, the Spirit of the North Grove left a prophecy with her. She hands Talia and Josera a piece of paper with the prophecy written on it, and the two of them are shocked. Josera asks if Elsera believes the prophecy, but the woman cannot confirm it. She returns inside saying she will think about it more and return when she has thought more about the topic.

Talia retreats into the courtyard claiming she needs some air and Josera agrees that things don't seem good. While walking the length of the courtyard Talia spots Sylvi and attempts to break the ice with her, but Sylvi is withdrawn and shows disdain for the Forresters as they have ignored or looked down their noses at her, and do not care what she has lost. Talia assumes she has lost someone close to her and Sylvi is taken back when the girl asks her who it was. She tells her it was her brother, then asks why she is interested. Talia says it looks like she could use someone to talk to who cares about what she is going through.

When Sylvi scoffs and says Talia doesn't care, the Forrester lists the deaths she has been affected by – most notably her own brothers – so she gets it and she does care. The surprises the wildling and makes her think twice. Talia tells her to keep that in mind and goes to leave, but Sylvi halts her and asks her if she can read. Confused, Talia asks why and Sylvi awkwardly requests if she would be willing to teach her. Talia agrees to after she has some things sorted out and the two retire inside together, speaking about the Free Folk and combat.

Later, Talia visits her chambers and sits down at her desk. She begins to write a new entry for a journal – intending to continue her father's work – and starts by writing her name and occupation; serving as Lord's Sentinel for Lord Rodrik Forrester. She goes on to explain the truce and restoration of House Forrester, and that she is continuing her father's journals can learn from her experiences.

She writes of her family, how most died in a period of three or so years and that the only survivors are her, Rodrik and Ryon. She likes to imagine she has become stronger due to the experience but does not recommend future Forresters do the same.

The rest of her monologue is accompanied by imagery of other characters. As she speaks of House Forrester's current position, Ryon is shown awake as his siblings and half-siblings watch. The council is also shown consisting of Rodrik, Talia, Gared, Maester Argus, Mundy and Remus Ashwood. Talia's thoughts on her father's bastards are accompanied by Ashara Ashwood stroking Shadow as Josera has an arm over the woman's shoulder.

Talia then goes on to note those who left Ironrath after the day was won, and Signa and her children are shown at Tuttle. Beskha and Gwyn are shown looking at the Forrester and Whitehill tapestries respectively as Talia writes about family being more than just blood – it is allies and friends and past and future. Ebbert and the Greysons, along with Elaena Forrester, are displayed as Talia describes that family is also those who we come to accept as our own through their services and friendship.

She expresses that family is important as Myles Thornton embraces his mother Isabel, and continues that family gives us a reason to keep going and be a better person – which is paired with an image of Torrhen Whitehill and his family, for whom he has sworn to be a better man.

Talia states family is a reason to live on and something to fight for as Ostyn Thicket, Kyra Glenmore and Quiver stand in front of the Glenmore tapestry at Rillwater Crossing. The Forrester notes how she has fought for her family and would do so again, but hopes her descendants never have to as Syrena and Edmure Glenmore receive the attention of the Glenmore Elite Guard.

As Namond Glenmore is shown embracing his wife, Meghan, Talia says that instead of fighting, she hopes that House Forrester sends a message to those who are lost, damned or have nowhere else to go. As she lists these qualities, Alanna Snow is seen at the Limping Lord Inn, Harys sits in front of a dog on the courtyard steps of Ironrath hinting at some sort of work release, and Gryff Whitehill stands atop the Wall with Astor Greyson.

Tallard Pyne and Harlen Hardy are shown leaving Bronzeholm as Genna Pyne watches on, then Malcolm Branfield and Angus Croft - alongside a mysterious sellsword - are shown heading to Westeros on a ship as Talia says that if someone can pull their weight and not make trouble, even if they live at the ends of the earth, they can be part of the Forrester family too.

The images of cast members end on Gared, accompanied by Sylvi and Finn, shaking hands with Osric Garryson, who is accompanied by Janos Ironsmith and Rickard of the Barrens. Talia notes that there is work to be done, referring to the Ironwood trade.

As the images return to Talia in her chambers, the girl admits her entries may be rough around the edges to begin with as she is not her father, but hopes her words make sense to those who read them - and that her wishes are honoured. She signs off with the house words, “Iron from Ice,” then smiles to herself.

As she turns away, her face quickly falls as she sees the piece of paper Elsera handed her earlier – the one containing the prophecy. Shakily picking it up, she examines the words again; “The death of the Forresters bleeds my blood and their deeds breed scars.”

Talia warily turns to her right and looks at her arm, then pulls the sleeve back to expose burn scars earned while fighting Torrhen Whitehill. Fearful at the prospect of her being the aforementioned 'death of the Forresters', she stares at her arm fearfully.^[4]

Houses and Factions Primarily Featured

House	State	Seat	First Appearance	First Member Seen
Glenmore	Active	Rillwater Crossing	Retribution	Syrena Glenmore
Warrick	Active	Warrick Bastion	Retribution	Colton Warrick
Riverstone	Active	Slabstone Keep	Retribution	Waymar Riverstone
Thornton	Active	Galehaven, Stillport	Admission	Myles Thornton
Whitehill	Active	Highpoint	Admission	Torrhen Whitehill
Ashwood	Active	Westmount	Admission	Lothor Ashwood
Forrester	Active	Ironrath	Restoration	Rodrik Forrester
Free Folk	Active	Tuttle (Signa's Family)	Family	Signa, Newt, Willow
Greyson	Active	Timberwatch	Family	Hugar Greyson
Brownbarrow	Active	The Oldbarrow	Family	Meghan Glenmore
The Night's Watch	Active	Castle Black	Family	Gryff Whitehill, Astor Greyson
Pyne	Active	Bronzeholm	Family	Tallard Pyne, Genna Pyne
Hardy	Active	Seawater Pass	Family	Harlen Hardy
Branfield	Exiled	N/A	Family	Malcolm Branfield
Hellhounds	Active	Meereen	Family	Angus Croft