who: @starkwhitewolf where: the northern settlements, dorne
there was no stopping the amount of sweat that seemed to form the minute he stepped into the dornish sun, regardless of however many times he had taken to washing in a single day or changing his attire. his clothes had reluctantly become more and more dornish style, realising that really was nothing else that would help but the cool linen that would not stick entirely to the body. the northern court had remained in some tension, especially between the king in the north and the his hand considering the impulsive move that had occurred north of the wall. brother had grown angry with brother, emotions had clouded his usual patient, sound judgement that had ensured brandon karstark was in no mood to listen.
their relationship had been strained since he and prince adam stark had returned from beyond the wall, capturing the wildlings that had involved themselves in an attack upon the prince himself, resulting in the untimely death of the lady of karhold. there was little brandon karstark would consider unforgivable, and yet this had seemingly made the last rays of sun from the warmth of winter completely extinguish. further stirring anger and resentment with the wildlings was a consequence of their joint impulsive, reckless actions; if he was a prideful man, he would claim he would never regret it.
truthfully, he did - though his concerns remained valid and legitimate regarding coordinating a proper trial for those involved considering they were not part of the kingdom of the north, he knew the way he had gone about the matter had only potentially caused a spark for further conflict. that had never been his intention, and yet, he was able to see now, weeks later, that it had been the result. thus, when finally a summons came from the stark king, the lord of karhold had long since resolved himself to setting aside his own pride for the sake of ensuring the northern court was united once again.
that, and the fact he genuinely treasured his dynamic and years of brotherhood with the man who was distant kin as well as king; adding the weight he already bore could have been dealt with entirely differently. being led into the office, brandon karstark stood calmly before the orbs of the stark king, bowing in respect as he usually did day in and day out. "your grace." he spoke, his tone low as he straightened his back once again, looking upon the facial expression of the king. exhausted, when was he not, attempting to navigate and help the kingdom of the north thrive? "i am at your service."