Well the previous one was fucking dreadful. I only tweaked the end.

First off thank you for the comments. I really appreciate it.

And to answer some questions

Cancer- Chris :yes, Tyrion was young during the war but he won't always be young. He grew up and he hears things so it's possible for him to doubt it with the big brain of his.

Ned is ooc since it is an AU and the real Ned wouldn't work for the story.

Sorry about one thing Robert doesn't come to winterfell and we won't find out about Dany but he is practically knocking the doors by the end. I focused it on ned's character building. I dropped a big surprise in the middle of chapter. Hope it will be good and entertaining.

Hope it is good.

Eddard

Eddard Stark Woke up early in the morning. He wanted to spar with his little girl, Arya in the godswood. He knew Catelyn would not approve of it but he wanted to keep Arya happy. But to be true to himself Ned liked sparring with his daughter very much. Her style was very unorthodox and far more entertaining than sparring with Robb and definitely better than losing to his five and ten year old Son Bran.

He woke up quietly so as to not wake Catelyn. She was not particularly happy that he was content with Arya not being married and as the Lady governess of Cregan's port. But she didn't see her daughter for what she is Ned decided. "Arya looks like wildfire but behind that all ill courtesies and wildness. There is a good girl who cares for the people like a winter fire and will not shy away from the problems and an steely resolve. All the traits necessary for ruling." Ned thought.

He quietly made his way through the sleeping castle and the empty hallways. He wondered if winterfell would be this calm tomorrow with the king present and half his court.

He entered the godswood with a tourney sword. Ice, the Starks ancestral great sword was not safe. He would never forgive himself if he accidentally hurt his daughter. Arya was already present.

"You are late father." Arya said.

"I am sorry but let us begin." her father said.

He immediately charged against his daughter aiming his sword at her chest. Arya expected this and side stepped to his left. But Ned has just feinted the strike and has bought the sword from his right to left hand and hit her legs. Ned was surprised he hit her this easily. She was usually very quick. Ned knew her strength was in her legs. She dances around a lot with rhythm so as to not get tired easily. "That Syrio Forel has taught her well and she was a good student." Ned cursed some words that would make a septa turn deaf and jumped back. Ned turned around to face her expecting her retreat. But Arya surprised him by jumping at him wildly he raised his sword just in time to meet hers but it was an weak and poor attempt. Ned lost his sword and Arya's sword struck his shoulder. Ned cursed in pain. He tried to grab Arya but he was too slow. The clever girl expected that and retreated back. He picked his sword up and looked around to find his daughter. He heard a crunch of leaves behind him and swiftly turned to meet his daughter's strike. Arya made a mistake to slash at er father that directly. Her strengths doesn't lie in direct combat. This time it was she who was disarmed. Ned expected her to fall down along with her sword but she only lost her balance and regained it very quickly. Ned quickly kicked her blade aside and pointed the pointy end at her daughter's neck. "You are angry. May I know what is it that is bothering you. I have never defeated you this quickly and easily." Ned said.

"I don't like to be made a fool of, father. I don't want any of your empty promises."

"What are you talking about?" Ned asked.

"Cregan's port. You said I could rule it, if I never marry. But, I know it's just a tactic for scaring me. You and mother will never pass it on to me. It will probably pass onto Jon. I am not a fool father. You will just use me in a marriage alliance to strengthen our family just like you did for Sansa." Ned was first surprised and happy that Arya has saw through his intentions but he was sad that Arya thought they would stoop that low.

"After all I have done for you and your brothers is this what you think of me. I had a very tempting offer with the Tyrells for Robb but I refused because he loved Selene and I had to spend many a sleepless nights to convince myself that I was right and cook half baked reasons to prove it. I could have Bran marry to the daughter of any high lord. Every maid of north would have jumped at that offer. I could have had Sansa as the Queen of and the Andals, The First men and Rhoynar and the seven kingdoms. I refused my king and my friend for it and married her to the man she loved.(A.N. Ned doesn't know it yet). I could have owned the westeros with such beautiful and able children through marriage alliances. But, I respected Robb's wishes, Bran's wishes and Sansa's wishes."

"But, not Jon's wishes,? Father. All he wanted to know was who his mother was and you couldn't grant it. Did you expect him to forget his mother, just because mother and you gave him the Stark name."

"He will know eventually. When his time comes." Ned said. But he had no idea when it was. He kept an arm on his daughter's shoulder and said "If you say the word you will be the Lady governess of Cregan's Port. I swear it on my honour as a Stark."

"So you are really serious about it." Arya asked looking up at him.

"Yes I am. Now sit we need to talk."

Ned removed his hand from her shoulder and caught her hand and took her to his usual seat under the wierwood tree.

"When we reach king's landing. You should remember that every action of yourselves will reflect on me and everything you do wrong can and will be used against me. If you go out into the city make sure you take guards with you -."

" I can fight and keep myself safe." Arya complained

. "You can't fight Arya, you can only duel. In the crowded streets of king's landing and in the battlefield you won't have the place to fight to your skill. Don't take Nymeria with you into the city. Also under any circumstances never ever reveal yourself as a warg. It might not put you in harm but Bran's kingsguard dream will be shattered. The faith are very radical to us wargs."

"For Bran I will be careful father. Did you tell this to Bran and others too." Ned shook his head.

"Bran and Jon are sensible men you aren't." at this Arya made a face at her father."Robb and Rickon are in the north and Sansa isn't a warg."

At this both daughter and father rose up and made way out of godswood after hiding their swords.

"This will be the last time we would spar here in a long time." Arya said.

"We will again, Arya one day." Ned said his voice full of hope.

"Promise me Father."

At this Ned stiffened. All the promises he made to people came rushing to him but none more loudly than his sister's begging her big brother with her last breath. Ned felt tears in his eyes. He was heartbroken to see his sister who was always full of life, so weak.

Like all the times Ned said " I promise you Arya. You go ahead Arya I need some time alone."

After seeing his daughter run away. Ned felt tears streaming down. He silently let the tears out. No matter how many years passed he could never forgive himself for not saving her. After crying to his heart's content. He wondered how many years it will be before he could sit here again. The last hand served the king for ten and Seven years and died before seeing his home again,before that Tywin Lannister has served the mad king for twenty years.

Ned wondered if he really would stand a chance in king's landing if his three and ten years old daughter could see his intentions. "She was just paranoid." he convinced himself. Another half cooked reason, gods know how many more he will have. Ned started to wonder if this would be the death of him. "Damn it to all seven hells king's landing won't be the place I die. I will tear the seven kingdoms apart to reach Catelyn again and fulfil the one promise he swore to keep above all. To grow old and die with Catelyn by his side. Before he knew it Ned fell asleep right there.

Winterfell was buzzing with life by the time he reached the Great Hall. Everyone was rushing and running around to make sure everything was in order before the king arrives. Ned made his way to the courtyard and into the afternoon sun.

The sun was high in the sky but it's rays that are hitting Ned have no sting. He felt cold. "Winter is coming there is no warmth in the sun." he thought. Ned didn't like to leave Robb in charge of north when winter was so close. He may be a winter child but he never faced it's calm unyielding merciless fury. "How will he keep the people safe when he himself doesn't know it's fury. Damn the king for wanting me as his hand and fuck the bastards who killed Jon Arryn to the depth of hells." he thought.

"Are you happy now father. Now that I am the hand of the king." he laughed at that and thought "bet you didn't see that coming. You had southern ambitions and it robbed me of you, my brother, my sister and now my home.

"I am still reaping the from the seeds you sowed whether they are ripe or rotten only time would tell." he decided. Ned knew whichever hell or heaven his father was in he wouldn't approve of his son to slander him.

He was making his way to his brother Benjen's chambers. He felt that he needed to talk to him. He was awfully quiet in the council. Which meant he has something in mind and Ned knew that there was not a single shitty idea in his brother's mind. All of his plans were good one and also very bold, daring and risky you either win big or lose big. But, he needed him to drop that now, his place is with Robb now. Cregan's port has a good hierarchy it can manage without his brother. He has given ground to Benjen until now but he will listen to him now Ned resolved.

He reached his brother's chambers and entered without knocking. Benjen was not Robert he need not worry about finding whores in his room.

"Brother, you couldn't have come at a better time. I was just finishing up my work so that I can meet you before our king arrives in the evening and rob you away."

"Ah that's my brother Benjen. He has a way with his words which would make any man sympathise and agree with him. He is a good commander that way." Ned thought.

"What do you want brother?" Ned asked he wanted to hear what he had in his mind. Ned was very intrigued.

"I need men. We have ships but they are useless if they are not manned by good men. I have gathered many great seafarers from Braavos, Pentos, Volantis ironborn refugees and even from our own master of ships Stannis Baratheon."

Ned raised an eyebrow at mention of Stannis. He was an aloof men and not exactly what you call a sharing type. "You corresponded with Stannis and he gave you what you needed. It's a big fucking miracle brother. What's your secret"

"You need to say what they want and need to hear, brother and they will give you what you want."

"You should be the one going to king's landing brother not me."

"Thanks but no thanks, brother. I don't have the stomach to survive it."

"Do you think I have, brother." Ned thought. "I will give you men. But, you have to promise me something in return." Ned said. Benjen just nodded.

"I need you to guide Robb winter is coming and he has no idea what it is, I need you to lead him, guide him and teach him. He is young and in love he may forget his duties I need you to keep him in line."

"Nonsense brother Robb doesn't need me. He has his mother. Besides you were also near his age when you first became the Lord of Winterfell and you did well even though you were never groomed for it but, Robb was groomed for it. You just need to have a little faith."

Ned stopped pacing at the last words of his brother. Was he too worried. The last time Ben said to have faith he went on to build the best port city of westeros. Should he heed his advice or should he go on with his plan.

"He is raised a Stark Brother. His concern will always be of the north. That little stunt he pulled with the council should convince you of that. I heard young love is very blissful but it won't last long. Robb will grow out of it." Benjen continued.

Ned didn't want to agree but decided to agree with his brother.

"I understand brother but keep an close eye I will tell Catelyn to keep informing you of all the affairs. If you feel something is wrong you shall correct it." Ned said and continued on a different note.

"I will give you ten thousand men. Take all the ships out of the docks and fill them. Half will be in the east coast and use Cregan's port as it's base. The other half will carry out the naval exercises on the west coast. Use the iron Isles as your base. They are ours now by the right of conquest. Besides there is no Lord to worry about."

"The old lion will not like wolves so close to his home. Our reach has increased greatly since the last twenty years. First the Tullys then the Arryns and now the iron born lands." "Well Tywin Lannister Just has to deal with it." Ned snapped.

"I heard whispers that the Tyrells and Lannisters are not amused they are trying to forge an alliance. One misstep could lead to war. Are you sure brother, the seas are wide we can accommodate our host comfortably in the east coast."

"What use is a fortress if it doesn't have walls on the four sides. Our lands are very vulnerable on the west coast. We are blind there. This naval exercise would give us an opportunity to test the seas and also protect the north from the Redwyne fleet should the worse happen. As for the nonsense about the Tyrells and Lannisters aligning. I am glad it is happening they both are alphas they won't settle for spoils they would crumble from within no one will give the other an inch of their territory (metaphorically)."Liar you don't know it for sure." a voice inside Ned's head screamed. He was experiencing this for some time now.

But Ned ignored it and continued "Every political alliance has winners and settlers they are too proud to realise it. We won in the riverlands and the Vale was never a political one. Those two houses will never accept to be settlers their pride is too high to share it with anyone."

"Mayhaps but they each have a huge host and armies win wars." Benjen replied.

"Armies also lose wars, brother remember that. Besides if the Tyrells pose too much threat I will pull the reach into a civil war. The Tyrells claim of highgarden is very shaky. If the right strings are pulled we can depose them."

"oh you can do that too. Next time why don't you say you canslay a dragon." the same voice said.

"Shut the fuck up. I can do it. You said the same about the iron Isles. But, I did it. Ha! In your face if you have it wierd voice that I don't know where it comes from" Ned snapped back in his mind.

"You needed your first daughter or was it the second ?, to die for that. You won't always have a daughter to die to do what is necessary or are you ready to sacrifice another."

Ned was shocked that the voice knew about his first bastard.

"Oh don't worry Lord Boss. You are me and I am you. Your secrets are safe with me."

If Tywin Lannister is a issue then we will fuck him from the two ends, sea and land." Ned said.

"Wow someone must have surely spiked your drink or you lost your marbles. Tywin Lannister was fucking his rivals before you could raiseyour swords up. If you know what I mean."

Ned gritted his teeth but otherwise did nothing. He Couldn't fight a voice.

"So there is an ulterior motive to the west coast naval exercise. Continue like this brother, then you will be the master of the game." Benjen said with a slight smile.

"I intend to." Ned muttered.

"Bravo, brave words indeed."

"So it's settled. The navy shall be split into two. I will make sure you will have the necessary men in a fortnight brother. If the gods are good the men will return to their homes in seven months just in time for the beginning of the new century. You shall be in charge of Cregan's port and keep the man Stannis sent in charge of the western coast." Ned said.

"I agree completely Ned. Believe me when I say you won't regret it." Benjen finished with a smile. Ned nodded

"Oh by the way,what is the name of the man Stannis sent."

"Ser Davos Seaworth, the onion knight."

Ned vaguely remembered him as the man who bought onions for Stannis and saved his and everyone's else life during the siege of storms end. Stannis repayed him by not hugging him or regarding him but, in the usual Stannis style by removing the front part of his hand's fingers as a punishment for smuggling and knighted him.

"Sounds like a wierdo Lord boss."

Ned smiled at that. But, frowned after that. "Am I going mad. Is this how madness starts. Will I be the mad hand." Ned wondered

He didn't get any reply but he certainly hoped not.

Ned got out of his brother's room and asked his steward Vayon Poole to gather his sons daughter and his wife in his solar. After that Ned made his way to the solar and found two letters awaiting him.

First was from his friend Lord Reed.

Ned,

I hope this reaches you before the king does. Be careful with Tyrion Lannister. He is sniffing around our only secret from the world. Tread carefully with him. I did my best to dissuade him but he is too clever for that. He never approached it directly but only gave subtle hints.

Be careful

Yours sincerely

Lord Howland Reed.

Shield of the North.

"So shall we kill him, Lord boss. He shouldn't be poking around our business."

"There is no us. There is only me." Ned snapped back.

It troubled him greatly. The imp was too clever for his own good. Even if he fails he would raise too much smoke and before I know it there would be a wild fire. The imp can't be stopped." he decided.

"You can always kill him, Lord Boss."

"If I kill him it would mean war."

"Better Tywin than your friend if the truth comes out. You have to do what is necessary Lord Boss."

"It won't come to that death is not always the right answer."

"I think it's time Jon knows about his mother. If he has to know about his mother. It should be from me and me alone." he resolved.

He took the second letter which came from Serwyn fort.

My Dear Friend

I have sent the best wargs of mine to king's landing. They will reach king's landing a week before you and will give you as much information as they can.

However I regret to say I can't join you in this mission of yours. Things are stirring beyond the wall enemies long thought gone are said to be making an appearance and I feel I am needed here more than there.

Hope you understand.

Yours sincerely

Lord Mance Rayder.

Watcher of the wall.

Ned frowned the night's watch has lost prominence even in the north after Cregan Stark solved the wildling issue. He knew there were still wildlings beyond the wall but they were very less and mostly distant from the wall. But, he trusted his friend he isn't senile.

"Oh you can never tell it Lord boss, look at you would anyone believe that the honorable Lord Stark is mad. For all you know your friend is as bonkers as you."

" I am not mad" Ned snapped back

"Then why are you arguing with yourself Lord boss."

"I quite enjoy it, wierdo. Yes, that's your name from now wierdo it fits you perfectly." Ned didn't hear any voice so he waited for it.

After some time Ned snapped back to reality."What the fuck was I doing?" he wondered.

Just then the door to his solar snapped open and his children and wife poured in and took their seat. Robb and Jon were very bruised and Bran was beaming brightly."He must have kicked their asses again." Ned thought. Arya's and Rickon's hair were very wild so Ned assumed they must have returned from riding.

"Good you are all here. I won't keep you for long and I repeat again so listen carefully."

"Nice, keep going Lord boss."

"The king will be here in few hours. I want you to bring your best manners out. Keep your direwolves fed and locked up." At this everyone groaned." Robb I might not be back here for many years. So know this I am making you the warden of north now and I have decided to step down. You are a man now. You don't need to act as one anymore."

"So you are no longer a Lord boss, Lord Boss?. If so can I call you Neddy" wierdo asked

" I will be again soon. And no you may not." Ned replied

"Ah you are no fun Neddy."

He looked at Catelyn to see her expression. She caught his gaze and gave a nod of looked surprised at this and said."I hope I can make you proud." Robb said.

"You will."

"You need to check your confidence levels boss. They are at crazy level. But, it shouldn't surprise me since you are crazy."

Lastly you Arya, I don't want to see you in your brothers breeches you will wear the dress your mother picked for you and you will be courteous to the guests. If you are to be Lady governess of Cregan's port one day. I will not have you do anything that upsets your mother further." Ned said expecting backlash from Arya. But surprisingly Arya said "I will not father." Ned nodded approvingly at her and said to all "you may leave now." At this every one rose up and prepared to leave.

"Not you Jon." Ned said.

At this everyone stopped and gave his brother congratulatory glances they believed their father would say Jon's mother.

"I didn't ask you to stop you can go now." Ned said. But no one budged. Even when Catelyn told them to move.

"Fine, then I will take Jon away." He turned to Jon and took his hand and left.

"Well that was disappointing. I imagined you would do something more theatrical than that soon-to -be Lord boss. It was so cliche. I might leave you."

"That would be very welcome."

Ned stormed out of his chambers with Jon in tow. He took him to the crypts.

He ordered two guards to stand guard and allow no one. He turned to Jon and told him to follow.

Jon

"Okay that was wierd" Jon thought. At first he always yearned to know his mother. When he was young he always imagined her to be a beautiful angel from the heavens and that's why Lady Catelyn took care of him. But life isn't fair and one of its shittiest aspect happened to him. He grew up. He learned there were no angels but there were whores aplenty. He was afraid to find out that his mother was a whore may be Lady Catelyn was giving him such pitiful glances because of it.

Jon was scared that all his dreams would be shattered. Even though he knew there were no angels a little part of him clinged to it desperately.

Then he heard rumours that a beautiful Lady called Ashara Dayne was his father's old flame and when he confronted his father he harshly said no and to never bring it up finally convinced himself that he was better But then he had to overhear his father's conversation with his mother.

Even though he knew it was foolish. He realise that his innermost fantasy about his mother could be true and he opened his big mouth to ask about it.

His father was taking to him to the far end of crypts and stopped him near his father's statue.

"Before I tell you about your mother know that it was for your own safety. Also tell not a single soul or utter a single word about it to anyone and please I beg you Jon to find it in your heart to forgive me, Catelyn and your uncle."

"Father, I don't understand what are you talking about. Why would I be angry at you and my uncle and lady Catelyn is my mother in all but blood I can never repay her enough. Why would I be angry at her." Jon questioned.

"Promise me Jon." his father asked with tears in his eyes.

"I promise father." Jon said

"You were born in dorne your mother died because of no medical attention. She was too young to give birth but she did pouring all her life into you. She even gave you your first feeding." his father said moving to the next Stark in line his brother Brandon.

"You were not a whore son, Jon. Your parents loved each other very much. You were very important to them and the realm." Jon frowned why was his father saying parents like he was not.

"They have left three of the greatest kingsguard of that era to protect you."

With each passing word he realised with dread who his father actually was. Jon paled at that realisation.

His father took his hand and dragged him forward. "Yes Jon you are not my son. You are my sister, Lyanna Stark sole son." he said turning his hand to the statue.

Jon followed the hand and found his mother's statue looking at him.

Jon was too shocked to do anything and stood there looking at his mother's statue after a long time "Mother." Jon whispered.

"You were the love child of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen and in another life Prince Jon Targaryen. I would understand if you are angry I made you a Stark."

Jon now understood all the pitiful and sad glances his father mother and uncle throw at him sometimes. He looked painfully alike to his mother not to his uncle Ned like everyone thought.

"Why didn't you tell me before. And why now especially with the king so close."

"When I saved Elia Martell and her daughter Rhaenys I expected Robert to appreciate it. But he cursed me for it and when your half brother Aegon was presented with his head dashed. He said " I see no children but dragonspawn" then I found your mother. She knew everything that happened and was sorry for everything she has caused and begged me to raise her son and extracted a promise from me to protect her child from the fate of his half -brother. I promised her and she died holding you in her arms and with a smile knowing that her big brother would not let her down." his father said.

"I told you know because you will never be in your mother's presence again in a long time." His father said. He muttered something after that but he didn't care.

He found who his mother and father were and was busy wondering how things would have turned out if they were alive."

"What do you know of my father."

"He was a great warrior, a great bard and would have been a good king. If fate was kinder to us. You got his build and his nature. You look like my sister but every action and word of yours is Rhaegar."

"So, what now?"

"That's your wish but before doing anything tell me what you are doing." his father said

"Can I still call you father and Lady Catelyn mother."

"It would be our honour."

"Then I will come with you father. I have been in my mother's home too long. It is time I visit my father's." he said.

His father looked at him long and said "You will still be attending today's welcome feast. If not it will look suspicious."

"That man murdered my father." Jon said angrily.

"It was war." Ned said and turned away. "Take your time but you will attend the feast." he said finally making his way to the top.

But Jon didn't hear it. He just sat there in the crypts looking at his mother for a long time and shed many a tears. Knowing that she will never call him Jon or see him wed or her grandchildren. His real father was the prince who never was the king.

Jon always felt sad that unlike his peers Robb and Edwyn Arryn he would not inherit any great castles and lands. Even though Jon knew he was loved, he knew he will always be the bastard of winterfell.

But, when his father legitimised him he hoped that he would get Cregan's port or moat cailin. But he was disappointed to find out that they would pass onto Arya and Rickon. Now his father dropped a big surprise on didn't know the full ramifications if the truth came out. But, he knew his adopted father was right about one thing. The consequences would be very unpleasant.

Jon wondered if he should rise and reveal the secret to the world and take his father's throne. He always felt he had no place in the north for him. He was always overlooked in the favour of his brothers and sisters. "Maybe that's because of my father's blood." Jon thought.

"Would anyone fight for me. Robb and Edwyn are wardens of the north and east now, they are my brothers and friends. Is asking them to help take the throne a bit too much. Even then the real power was his adopted father and he would never take up arms against his friend, the king.

"Even if I win would it be worth it to bleed the realm? Can I be a good king. If I don't even know how to run a castle. How can I hope to run the seven kingdoms. Can I keep peace and flourish the kingdom into prosperity? Would Robb and Ed approve of it?" All this questions buzzed in his minds. Shaking all that questions. He looked at his mother's statue.

"When I was small I imagined my mother to be an angel. I am glad it was true and that you didn't make me a fool out of it." Jon said and laughed lightly at that.

"I don't know what future you and father planned for me mother. I can't promise you that I will take the throne. But I will promise you that I will live and die a good man. Whichever world you and father are I hope you and him are together and watching over me." Jon said.

He knew it was foolish and hopeless. But, he waited for a sign to know that they were listening but it was not to be. There was only silence.

Jon tried to sink in all of his mother's features into him before moving out. He knew he has to move quickly the king's party is right outside of winterfell.

Regretfully he said to his mother "I need to go now mother. I will come and see you again tomorrow I promise."

With that Jon took the long march out of the crypts watched on by all the winter kings of past.

Wierdo will play an important role in the story. Please tell me what you feel about him.

He is the reason for Ned's change in character.

His origins will come later.

Also remember Ned is an excellent swordsman.

In the story he killed Prince Lewyn not Corbay.

Bran is the best sword of Starks.

Please review like I said 100follows = 1 review.

Reviews mean a lot.

Also can anyone be my beta reader. It is very much appreciated.

By the way what is your opinion of the unpopular, demeaning and unlikely possible theory.

A+J = Tyrion

Please let me know.