Torrhen Karstark Au: Kept From Glory Kept From Death - Tumblr Posts

Sister‌:

❝ This is your chance. ❞ Rickard had given a tremendous opportunity to his son. He had placed his trust in Torhhen and left him to rule their House’s castle and lands. And yet it was perceived as a punishment and it paled in comparison to the promises of war. Alys did not understand how her brother could not see the chance that he was offered. He was not the heir and unless he married well, he would never rule. He could prove his valour at home and did not need a sword for that particular task. 

❝ Father was smart. In war sons die. ❞ Her voice broke as she thought about Harry, Edd and Daryn. They all left and the young lady understood that they might not come back. ❝ He perhaps saved your life. ❞ And also insured that Karhold would not fall into the wrongs hands. Alys would have been heir but she was destined to leave for Hornwood. She would give Daryn children and they would carry his name not hers. The main branch would die. 

❝ I believe a time will come in your lifetime when you can win glories in war. For now you must stay with me and protect your sister and home. Is that so terrible ? ❞   

Torrhen knew that Alys was right, that there was a reason that their father had left him in charge of Karhold. It was not smart to take all your heirs into battle, but he was still unhappy that it was him. He wasn’t trained to be a lord of an entire vast holding, Harrion was. And who would keep Daryn from doing something stupid that would leave him unable to return to marry Alys? He hated that he had been left behind, but Alys was right. Someone had to stay and make sure that she was safe. Wildlings had been seen in Last Hearth again, and their uncles... ❝ I still wish that I was marching with them. ❞

Torrhen clenches his jaw and takes in a sharp breath, wanting to scream at the world that he did not want the responsibility. He felt like he was drowning, lost beyond all belief and in well over his head.  ❝ Alys, I don’t know how to run a household, let alone one this large. It would have been better if he had left Harrion or Edd. If he has saved my life and sacrificed theirs, then it is hardly fair to the people of Karhold. ❞ He wanted nothing more for his brothers to return whole, now.

❝ I need help if I am going to do this... Will you help me? ❞