Starfall was a beautiful sight, with its white stone turrets rising into the evening sky. Arthur's face softened as he beheld his home. Beside him Eddard sighed slightly, longing for the day he would again lay eyes upon his own home. After the skirmish at the tower of the joy, they had buried the two slain knights and their own fallen comrades. Lyanna's bones were taken with them to be interred into the crypts of Winterfell. At first, Eddard had planned to simply ride back to the North, but Arthur had insisted he take a ship from Starfall. It would be faster, and allow Arthur to show his gratitude for sparing him the fate of his fallen brothers.

Though he had agreed to this, Eddard was uncomfortable. Ever since the tower of Joy he had been having many strange dreams. Sometimes he saw shades of the ones he had lost in the war, all of them pointing to the North. They seemed to be speaking as well, but he could not hear them. There were times when he was walking along the moors of the north, enjoying the sights of his land. Every time he could felt as if he was being watched. When he turned around he would always see nothing. He would run, but the feeling would get stronger until he felt a hand on his shoulder. Once he had seen 10 winter roses grow to a giant size, only to be wrapped by many decaying plants and pulled into the ground.

He had spoken to Howland Reed about these dreams, as he had grown closer to the man during the campaign. Reed had nodded seriously, not at all phased by the strange dreams. "I too have felt it Ned. These dreams the rebellion, the upheaval. There is a change in the air." Eddard was slightly reassured that it was not just him. "What do I do Howland? I cannot simply ignore these dreams, for they plague me near every night. I fear this is more than the terros men receive after a war."

"My lord none can predict the will of the gods. You're only way forward is to listen and learn, because only a fool ignores this type of sign."

He put the dreams in the back of his in the back of his mind after vowing to follow through on them later. Starfall was nearly upon them. He spurred his horse a bit to keep up with Arthur. "What will you do now Ser? Join the new Kingsguard?"

Arthur snorted, finding the idea entertaining. "Serve that drunken oaf? Never. I will serve the son of my prince, who was a hero no matter what the realm says." Eddard sighed, because he had guessed this answer. He had learned the truth of the Lyanna's kidnapping and how the rebellion need not have ended the way it did. Aerys had to be ousted, but a great council was already in the works to achieve that. Rhaegar's actions has thrown everything off. "What did you see Rhaegar? What did you see that drove you to do such things?" Ever since his own dreams had started, he had been wondering more and more as to the true motive behind Rhaegar's actions.

At last they arrived before the gates. Ser Arthur drew dawn and held it aloft, speaking loudly in a formal tone. "By the power of dawn, I command the great gates open!" The gates creaked open slowly, as the guards inside heard their Lord's voice. They rode inside and the servants, who recognized Arthur, took their horses and provided chalices of wine. Lord Dayne was informed, and he came to greet them in the courtyard.

Arthur warmly greeted his brother, and Eddard was about to issue his own greeting when his breath caught in his throat. Behind Lord Dayne stood the Lady Ashara, looking as radiant as ever. She wore a purple dress which matched with her enchanting eyes. Her long dark hair cascaded softly over her shoulders, bouncing slightly as she walked. "Arthur you're alright!" she shouted, going to embrace her brother. Seeing the siblings reunite snapped Eddard out of his trance and he too greeted Lord Dayne. Ashara turned to him and smiled a little mischievously. "And if it isn't the fearsome wolf, slayer of men and armies alike." Eddard struggled to respond, but Ashara was not finished. "As I remember he had to ask his brother to talk to me for him, as he was too intimidated by my beauty at the tourney." Her voice carried easily in the silence, and his own men laughed uproariously at the revelation.

He gave them a the best glare he could manage, but could not help chuckling along. "That was a then my lady, I was a mere boy. Things are different now." She raised and eyebrow. "Oh really now?" Their conversation was ended by Lord Dayne clearing his throat. "As wonderful as this reunion is, I feel it would be remiss of me to not invite our guests inside to eat and rest. The formalities can be observed later" With that they went inside, Ashara promising to talk to Ned later. Arthur was not too surprised at their interactions, having regular correspondence with Ashara.

As they made their way to their quarters, Willem sent a sidelong glance at Eddard. "It is good that you have at least one person like her my Lord."

"What do you mean Willem? We are not… involved in that way, nor were we ever. And I said to call me Ned"

"I did not mean that my lord." Willem smiled. "You have brooded constantly since King's Landing. Finally there was a hint of joy on your face, or at least something other than darkness."

"Tis true my friend. You need to let go of at least some of your pain or it will consume you." Howland added his own advice.

"Perhaps you are right. I will try to enjoy myself a bit more." For the first time in a while, some of the pain left his mind. He had become so used to the grief, that he had almost forgotten it. Like an old wound which throbbed with a dull pain, he had learned to ignore it but it still weighed on him. Now, with the shock of seeing his old friend as well as the advice he received, he realized that perhaps he was going too deep in despair.

Once they had unpacked and refreshed themselves they were invited to dine with they Daynes. Before they began to eat, Lord Dayne stood. "Today our Sword of the Morning returned to us. With him came one of the heroes of the rebellion, and a friend of Dorne and Starfall. To Eddard, and his companions, we offer our thanks." They all began to eat. Eddard was confused when he heard himself referred to as "friend of Dorne." Lord Dayne must have seen his curious look, for he elaborated as he ate. "Word of your deeds in King's Landing has reached us. You saved our princess, who was a hostage to the throne. Dorne will not forget that there is at least one man of honor in Westeros."

Eddard had the strange urge to laugh at the last part of that statement. He remembered long ago when he had resolved to become a more practical man, and learn how to protect his loved ones. It seemed that though he was far more willing to compromise, it was not in him to be as brutal as the likes of Tywin. He liked to think of it as striking a balance, but only time would tell. "Thank you for your kind words Lord Dayne. How goes the ruling of Starfall?" And so the dinner went on with idle talk of Lords. Ashara was curiously silent, finishing the spicy Dornish meal rather quickly. Eddard did not have much of an appetite, and so he too finished his food early. Finally Ashara spoke. "Would you care to walk with me Lord Stark."

It was clear from her tone that this was not a suggestion. Also clear was that this was not like the teasing conversation earlier, but more serious. "Of course my Lady." He quickly excused himself, and went with her into the halls. They walked until they reached one of the many balconies, the soft light of the waxing moon falling all around them.

"We need to talk Ned." said Ashara. He simply nodded, content to let her speak first. "First of all you need to know that I had a child." Ned's eyebrows raised to his hairline. Cautiously he spoke. "Is it. . .?" He did not need to finish the query. "No not yours. A stillborn girl. Brandon's. He was charming, and I wanted to be with someone at the time. I did like you however. You are a good man, if a quiet one. I want to know your feelings." This earned a wry smile, for it seemed that the name "quiet wolf" would never leave him. "Ashara when I first saw you I was enamored. You were the most beautiful women I had ever seen, and that has not changed. Yet I have grown a little since that time, and I realize it was not truly love for you. I am a married man now, and while we may have made a good match, it is not painful for me." Ashara relaxed at his confession, nodding as if this confirmed her thoughts.

"Forgive me if this was all a bit direct, but the war changed my perspective, especially with Elia's ordeal. There is no time for the dance of words that is we usually perform."

"It's alright. I am glad that we have an understanding between us."

"I'll write you occasionally. Friends like you are hard to come by."

Eddard smiled and nodded, and they lapsed into a comfortable silence. The sound of the waves washed over them, both of them feeling a little more peace of mind then before. After a while, Eddard excused himself, and went to rest. It was going to be a long journey back to Winterfell.

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The ship sailed gracefully through the waters of the summer sea. They had boarded the ship the morning after their stay in Starfall. Arthur too had joined their party, so as to remain with Jon. They had fabricated a story where the kingsguard had all been slain at the tower of joy. Arthur had eschewed his white enameled armor for a simple grey set. He had also dyed his hair and cut it short. He was now unrecognizable from the other men at arms from the North. The other men of the contingent had been sworn to secrecy.

Lord Dayne had told him the ship would stop at Sunspear for a short while, allowing Eddard to be properly received by Doran for his rescue of Elia. Eddard had no known how beloved the princess was in Dorne, as nearly all the lords had personal relationships with her. She had traveled through Dorne in her younger years, fostering goodwill everywhere.

Eddard realized that he would also need to stop in King's Landing and go on land from there. Though he was appalled by Robert's actions, it was still Robert. The man he had grown up with, his friends. Their years of adventures and friendship at the Eyrie could not be erased over one argument or deed. Yet Eddard had seen a part of Robert that made him certain that things would never be the same. Robert had the potential to be great, and good, but often his impulses drove him towards terrible things. Sill, he could not leave things in flux and would go settle it.

He also needed to take his lady wife from Riverrun to Winterfell, and at least give her a chance. As it was, they were barely better than strangers. There was also the strange pull he had been feeling for a while now. It drew him back towards the North, more than his own homesickness. He felt it in his bones that it was something which could not be ignored.

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Jon Arryn ran a had through his hair as he went about the business of cleaning up yet another mess his errant ward had made. Except this time, the mess as the realm, and he as hand had to stitch it together. Eddard had done right in saving the princess, because only for that would Dorne come into the fold. The Reach was quiet for now, and the Westerlands were pushing for ever more influence. Tywin's daughter was already betrothed to Robert, and golden haired lordlings were filling up many positions in King's Landing. It was all he could do to counter their influence as well as manage Robert. He had planned a trip to Dorne to ensure they were back in the fold.

Robert had gone into a state after his best friend had left him. Unable to deal with such contempt from Eddaard, he had resorted to wine and whores to forget his shame. He had left ruling to Jon, wo feared this would become something of a pattern these days.

He had some help at least. A minor lord from the Vale who had managed Gulltown was quite helpful with the finances, and happily took up many other tasks Jon did not have time for. He was thinking to have him named master of coin, so as to curb Lannister influence, and keep the man here where he needed him. "Yes." he thought. "Baelish shall be a great help in this city."

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Sunspear and the shadow city stretched west from the coast in a sprawling chaotic mass. The Tower of the Sun was the most prominent, its golden dome gleaming in the afternoon light. The smell of the sea was strong as their ship docked at Sunspear's harbor. They were immediately received by men of house Martell. It seemed lord Dayne had sent word of them ahead to Sunspear. It was much the same as Starfall. They were escorted inside, and treated as if they were royalty. Eventually it was time to meet the rulers of Dorne.

They met them in the tower of the sun. Doran sat upon the high throne, while his brother and sister sat beside him. The princess Elia looked much better now, her ordeal nothing but a bad memory. Time in her childhood home had no doubt done her good. "Welcome Lord Stark. We know you are anxious to return home, and so we thank you for stopping here at our request." Doran said. "You have done us great service in protecting our princess."

"Yes" interjected Oberyn. "We shall not forget this. If ever you are in trouble, Dorne will rise to your aid." Doran glanced at Oberyn but continued nonetheless.

"We also want to have closer ties with the north. We are Rhoynar and you are first men. Our cultures are proud and free from the ways of the rest of Westeros. I believe it is time we took advantage of this."

Eddard nodded. He sensed that this was moving into the political space, and that having Dorne as an ally would be beneficial for the north. "I am thankful for the great welcome I have received. I look forward to Dorne and the North being closer to each other in the future." After that they retired to the solar, where they continued to discuss the particulars of their new alliance. It was decided that Oberyn would later visit the North to decide the particulars.

They stayed another few days in Sunspear, feasting and celebrating. Eddard had many conversations with doran on the subject of ruling, and found him to be a thoroughly competent administrator. He learned quite a bit from Doran about trade and managing the economy, for those were the lifeblood of Dorne. The desert people relied on the free cities trade to keep their nation strong. Their circumstances were quite similar, and Eddard already had a few ideas on how to improve the North.

It was soon time to leave Sunspear, and they set sail again. This time their destination was King's Landing, where Eddard hoped would be his last stop before going North.

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Kings Landing was just as terrible as he remembered. The smell had not at all lessened, and was actually worse at the docks where the smell of rotting fish mixed with everything else. Sighing, he made his way to the temporary quarters in the red keep. He would leave the city as soon as he could. First though, he had to speak with Robert.

When Robert heard he was back he put all else aside, and threw a welcoming feast. It seemed Jon Arryn had gone to negotiate with Dorne for the iron throne, and they had just missed him. At the feast they sat with next to each other and drank like they used to. After Eddard had told him of Lyanna, he drank even harder. He told no one of Jon. Eventually though, they would have to speak of what happened with the murder of the prince. It seemed that Lorch had gotten away free due to Tywin's influence. He was quite furious at the death of his attack dog however. There was nothing he could do about that now though. Robert was very apologetic, wanting things to go back to the way they were. Eddard had already decided though, that things would be different now. He also had to think of the North, and how having Robert begging his friendship could be used.

"All right Robert." he said as Robert continued to justify Aegon's murder. "I will be your friend again, but you must promise that you will be a better ruler, and a better man." Even as he said it, he knew it would not last, no matter Robert's eager nodding. Then he thought of something. "Robert, the fighting men of the North have suffered a lot, and winter is never far away in my homeland. It would be very kind of you to allow the North an exemption from taxes for maybe 3 years, just until we can get back on our feet." Eddard felt a bit dirty for using his friend like that, but he knew Robert would never say no to him. "Whatever you want Ned, you northern men deserve a break." he replied.

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After his feast with Robert, who entreated him to stay a few days, Eddard and his men left King's Landing to finally head North. On the way though, Eddard wanted to revisit the God's eye, and the island at its center. It had become a recurring part of his dreams lately and he could not rest until he visited it. It took them a few extra weeks of riding, but they had finally reached the lake where the battle had happened. It was now being called 'the ruby shore' after the rubies that had fallen there when Rhaegar died.

Curiously there was a boat already waiting for them, but it looked like it would only seat one of them. Eddard and Howland looked at each other and knew without speaking that it was for him. He climbed into the small boat, and began to row to the center of the great lake. As they grew closer to the isle of faces, he felt a power in the very air. The whole atmosphere seemed alive, similar to the feeling in a godswood. The weirwoods and other trees on the island had grown giant, likely a hundred feet high. Eddard reached the shore and disembarked. In front of them was a figure dressed in green with an antlered hood. "A green man." Eddard thought. "So they are real."

"Welcome Stark. We are the pleased you have come. There is much to see, much to do." the green man said. "Follow." And with that he disappeared and the trees moved to make a path for them, going to the center of the wood. As he walked, he saw more weirwoods then either had ever seen, with faces of all expressions carved upon them. Finally they reached the center of the island. There was a great circle made of nine weirwoods, probably the tallest on the island. In the center of the grove there was a raven, standing unmoving. As he got closer, it opened its beak and cawed loudly. On its forehead, a crack opened, and a third eye stared into his. Eddard fell into the trance, and felt like he was falling. His vision blurred.

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Eddard awoke slowly, and when he opened his eyes he saw he was in the throne room. Not in Winterfell but in the red keep, upon the Iron Throne. Its blades pricked at him. "Lord Hand? Lord Hand!" said Catelyn, who was right next to him.

"What?" he said slowly, confused.

"Long live the hand! Long live the Hand!" shouted a crowd of Gold cloaks in front of the King.

"What in the name of-" he was cut off as he blinked and the gold cloaks were now standing upside down on the ceiling, continuing their chants.

He heard Catelyn laugh slightly. "Lord Hand does not know he dreams."

Eddard turned sharply to his left, where she stood speaking to Howland Reed. Suddenly, Catelyn's hairpin transformed into the raven and flew off.

"The Raven!" he shouted. However now he was suddenly in the dining hall of Starfall, sitting across from Ashara Dayne.

"Eat your dinner my love. I prepared it just for you."

"Ashara? But how. . ." he looked around and realized he was not in reality. When he turned back he was shocked once more. In front of him Ashara was gone. In her place as Howland. "Howland? What is-"

"You haven't much time my lord." said Howland. "You must find this Rave-" he was cut off as his mouth froze over. One of his hands suddenly had a mouth in the palm which continued to speak. "Find this raven and catch it. It is your only hope."

"Howland what is this? A green dream? How can…" Howland disappeared. Eddard got up and walked to another table, where he saw Benjen. He looked like he was older and was with a woman that looked vaguely like a Mormont. "Benjen!" he shouted

"Ned? Thank goodness. This dream is far too real. It must be some strange magic."

"We must find out what it is trying to tell us. We have to find a raven."

"Like that one there?" Sure enough, the raven was peering at them from a table nearby.

"Yes! After it." They ran after the raven leaving the now frozen women behind.

As they ran their surroundings transformed into a deep wood. The raven disappeared again and they came to a stop.

The next moment, their father sat in front of them, painting like an on an easel leaned against a tree..

"Father?" they both asked at the same time. Their father simply gave them a half smile and continued to paint. They were entranced as his brush seemed to dance across painting. It was the raven!

It came to life and cawed, struggling out of the confines of its brushstrokes. Eddard was ready this time though. He quickly stepped forward to catch the little beast in his hands. Benjen stopped him though, by pushing him aside. "Benjen what are you doing?" It was not Benjen though, but a corpse. A walking corpse. He kicked it away in terror, and looked back to the raven. He quickly caught it again in his hands. As he opened them up, it seemed to smile. He noticed that it had three eyes. "Very good." it croaked. Eddard dropped it in shock. Upon hitting the ground it immediately became a man he recognized. The surroundings changed yet again to a snowy mountaintop, and Brandon Stark stood in front of him, grinning widely, his hair like writhing snakes. A shadow was upon his face.

"Brother! Come come, gather your strength." Eddard stepped forward. "Sound the horn brother." his voice became ominous. "Sound the horn." Again the man changed, into a handsome Valyrian looking one, wielding a dark Valyrian steel sword. "Find me in the north or all is lost." Abruptly, there was blackness.

When he woke up again, he saw the weirwoods around him. That was not all though. He was surrounded by many green men, who were staring unblinkingly at him. "What the hell was that?" he asked them.

"You have been called upon." they responded. "The blood of the andals, first men, rhoynar, and valyrians mixed in the waters. It gave us strength we have not felt for centuries, as these roots took in the power."

"What are you saying?"

"Eddard of house Stark, you have been chosen as the agent of the old gods in westeros. After many years of waning, finally their power has returned. Even still it is almost too late. We will work what magic we can from here, to stop what is coming and to ensure the true god's rise. You must find the one who sees with a thousand and one eyes, and seek his guidance. We may just have a chance to save the world of men. For now we will give you a gift, to ease your way." At this one of the men came forward, and touched Eddard's forehead with his palm. He felt power pass into him. "You will know how to use the gift when it is time."

As he looked around, he realized he was again in the boat, headed towards the shore. He knew he would not get much more out of the men of the isle, and so decided to return to his men and finish his journey North.

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AN: Just some ideas for fun. Kudos to anyone who catches all the references. OMAKE: The Master Sword

Eddard slowly walked to the grove on the isle of faces. He had been attacked by strange puppet creatures and a dancing ghost child as soon as he set foot on the island. His bow and made short work of most of them, but the tiny creature had led him on a merry chase, finally stopping at this grove and disappearing. He was near the center of the island, and in front of him was a massive weirwood tree. In front of it was a triangular stone platform. Thrust into the platform was a longsword, which glowed with a golden light. It's hilt was purple, with winglike crossguards. As he approached the sword he was startled by a great voice. "Welcome Eddard." Looking around he saw that the tree itself was speaking, the massive face carved into it coming to life. "You have finally found your way here. I am the great Deku tree."

"What- but how? How can you speak?" In all the legends he had been told, never had he heard anything like this.

"It is an ancient magic, from even before the time of the first men. That history is not important right now though. A great evil is rising, and you must rise to meet it. This sword is the master sword, the sword that seals the darkness. You are the man who must wield it."

Eddard did not understand. "Why me?"

"You have been chosen by the gods of old. Pull the sword from its slumber, and assume your place as the hero of Westeros." Eddard felt the pull of destiny upon him, and slowly grasped the hilt. The blade shined even brighter. He pulled and it came up into his hand. He held it aloft and stared at it in wonder. Never had he beheld such a fine and beautiful blade. The light grew brighter until he was nearly blinded "Good" said the tree. "Now go forth, and bring peace to Westeros."