❅ Fourteen (Video)

[stonebird]

(As much as she wishes she could block out the cold wind and stay in her new home, Sansa knows she must venture out at least once a day - if not more. She is rubbing her hands to bring circulation back when she first addresses the populace.)

My family is accustomed to conditions of this nature, though for much of my childhood, it wasn't this harsh. I don't pretend to be someone who could survive without shelter and food and warmth; I'm not. Unlike some of you, I am only human.

However, I did learn about certain precautions. Our supplies might be scarce, yet if you must go out in the snow, please wear several layers and protect your face. Furthermore you should know the signs of frostbite. Your skin will become red and painful and you shouldn't ignore it or the symptoms will spread and worsen. I've heard body parts grow black before they fall off.

(Toes and fingers are the most susceptible - as is the tip of the nose and ears.)

If for some reason you become drenched or you are wet from falling in the snow, come indoors quickly. Your body will freeze quicker under those circumstances and it might take only a few minutes if the wind is strong enough.

(She sighs and sits down, wrapping her fingers around a hot cup of tea.)

Going out in pairs or in larger groups seems the safest. Please don't venture out alone. Even if you think you can bear the cold, your mind could be tricking you.

Comments

[iron_beneath_beauty]

I imagine the wars after Robert's death didn't help the production of supplies. Less hands means less harvests. Winterfell must have taken a knocking as well?

[stonebird]

We only recently took possession of it again. The crops were not planted as they should have been and so we have had to gather supplies from the South. I am hoping we have enough to withstand the worst part of Winter.

[iron_beneath_beauty]

The North has managed before during bad harvests and ill times. So long as you have a good system of rationing in place and don't let yourself get bullied by greedy bannermen, you should manage well. Simply knock them over the head.

[stonebird]

Those times did not include a war from the South and White Walkers. (But she is fine hitting people over the head - or slitting throats. Arya is good at that.) We must do our best. With Queen Daenerys's dragons, we might survive.

[iron_beneath_beauty]

You have seen the Others?

[stonebird]

Not yet, but they are on their way to Winterfell.

[iron_beneath_beauty]

If it weren't Ae-Jon saying it, I would think he was having a laugh at my expense.

[stonebird]

He wouldn't lie and men have already perished and joined their ranks.

[iron_beneath_beauty]

I know he wouldn't and that it is serious...but these were only stories until now.