The fire crackled in the hall of Castle Black as Sigorna stood before the gathering, her heart filled with an unfamiliar mix of impatience and reluctant curiosity. The southern way of marriage was a complication she never understood. They stood in a circle, the warmth of the flames too distant to melt the chill that had taken root in her bones.

Alyn Karstark stood beside her, smiling softly too soft, too warm. She couldn’t help but feel the slight prickle of irritation at how effortlessly his presence seemed to settle the discomfort in her chest. Commander Snow’s plan was clear: a union of Thenn and Karstark to solidify their hold on the north.

The red woman’s voice broke through the silence, smooth as the wine she had poured earlier to calm her nerves.

"Sigorna, will you share your fire with Alyn, and warm him when the night is dark and full of terrors?"

Sigorna’s lips parted as she looked to Alyn, then back to the red priestess. Her voice came out strong, though the words felt strange in her mouth.

"I swear me. By the red god's flames, I warm him all his days."

The red woman's eyes moved to Alyn.

"Alyn, do you swear to share your fire with Sigorna, and warm her when the night is dark and full of terrors?"