ɪʀᴏɴ ᴘᴏᴇᴛʀʏ | ꜱᴀɴꜱᴀ ꜱᴛᴀʀᴋ

It was a long morning for the small council. Sansa Stark's advisory body underwent a number of changes, the most radical of which was her decision to strengthen the female input during political conversations. Noble ladies and warrior women close to the Queen with vast knowledge of the North were invited to the governing table to assume key positions amongst men, creating a well needed balance in the discussions at hand. Hours before the meeting was held, Sansa wrote to Bran, requesting that Brienne of Tarth ride north to serve as Lady Commander of the Queensguard, with the King fulfilling her wish and guaranteeing the Knight's safe return to Winterfell.

Supplies and provisions remained the center of discussion as several advisors confirmed that the measures and precautions adopted to combat the winter onslaught had produced successful results. The meeting ended on a satisfying note and each council member stood from their chair to exit the chamber, leaving Sansa to her thoughts. It was the master of whisperers who lingered at the door, waiting for the footsteps to fade before he moved back to where the Queen sat.

"My Lord," she addressed him quietly, her voice losing its usual commanding tone to build an air of secrecy meant only for him.

"Tell me what you know of Ser Duncan the Tall."