Theon
The Men of the Night's Watch marched into the dinning hall, squeezing as many as they could. Representatives from both the Shadowtower and East-BySeawatch were present. Whatever this was it had to be big for such a turnout.
998th Lord Commander Denys Mallister sat in the middle of the high table above them, still looking proud and strong despite his years. To his right was Qhorin Halfhand First Ranger. To the Left Donal Noye First Steward and First Builder Othwell Yarwyck. And sitting at the edge of the table at the tender age of 104 was Maester Aemon.
Theon and Waymar squeezed themselves into the back of the room. Standing in the corner, peaking over the heads of their sworn brothers to see.
When the Lord Commander rose from his chair the chater died and all eyes were upon him. He always had Cotter Pyke sit right in the front so he'd be forced to sit there and watch. And delighted in his misery.
"Brothers!" He announced." We have received word. Word of Wildling movements along the Fists of the First Men." Murmurs and whispers broke out amongst them. Fears began to arise that another arm might march on the wall." And with the return of First Ranger Qhoin Halfhand we know this news is true. Their numbers are of almost eight hundred." Not a truly frightening number but it was enough to make a man sweat." It is possible this group does not mean what we all fear. But it also may mean just that. Therefore I'm sending out a wide Patrol to deal with this problem. Do I have any volunteers?"
The volunteers were loud and numerous." I cannot take all of you." Qhorin said silencing them slightly." We cannot leave the Castle completely unprotected."
"Allow me Lord Commander." Lyonel Corbray spoke up." I've led men into battles dozens of times. I've lead over eight rangings beyond the Wall." After the Lord Commander and First Ranger it was Lyonel who was most senior. No doubt due to his knighthood and Lordly upbringing. He had a good following as well, making friends with many of the dornish veterans of the last war.
"I want you here Lord Lyonel." Denys said with a wave of his hand. True Lord Lyonel might have had skill at leading men and had skill at arms due to his knighthood, but this mission required some finesse. Something a portly man just past forty was lacking. Denys wanted younger talent on this mission.
"Hey." Waymar said turning to Theon." Let's do it!"
"What?" No. I don't want to spend an entire week in the snow."
"You'll never be a great ranger if you never leave the castle aside from going to Mole's Town." He grabbed Theon by the shoulder and pushed his way to the front.
"First Ranger!" Waymar yelled." First Ranger." He reached over and grabbed Theon by the shoulders." C'mon!" He said and pushed him forward, knocking the others out of the way." First Ranger!" He continued to call.
"Ser Waymar and Master Greyjoy." Qhorin pointed to them." We'd be glad to have you. A Knight and the Hero of Attack on Wall. Yes, we'd be glad to have you indeed."
"Indeed." The Lord Commander agreed." Master Greyjoy." Theon turned his head up to view the Old Man at the table. Ser Denys stood up and pointed at him. The Lord Commander knew what Theon did before he came here and everytime they spoke the old man always seemed to be reminding him of that. But then he would say something totally unexpected that would take Theon by surprise. " I want you to lead this expedition. Track down these wildlings and determine the cause of their gathering. And should their cause proof dangers to the Night's Watch and to the Realm." There as a unshaking sterness in his voice. He leaned forward across the table and pointed at him." You are to do anything in your power to protect them. Understood?"
"Yes Lord Commander." Theon nodded. He slowly turned hishead to Ser Waymar on his right. A devious little smile formed across his face." Why don't you go and get my horse ready, boy."
So it was decided that a party of Twenty Rangers led by Theon Greyjoy would go beyond the Wall and seek out the Wildlings.
First Steward Donal Noye set them up with fresh horses and enough food for a two week journey beyond the Wall. Any longer than that and they would have to look after themselves.
Theon rode at the head of the party and when the gated was open before them he dashed threw the ice tunnel with nineteen of his sworn brothers at his back.
Eddard
For the past few weeks the guests began pouring in. The first to arrive were their own bannermen. Cley Cerwyn arriving with his sister from Castle Cerwyn.
Ned knew everything would be fine as their own people and a few from the South came up. But eventually he knew Winterfell would become too crowded and that guests would eventually have to be pushed into Wintertown.
The Cerwyns were the first to arrive. Then the Ryswells and Tallharts. And then finally the first guest from the East. The Heir of the Dreadfort Domeric Bolton.
"Robb!" Domeric cheered with his arms raised high. Robb smiled as he crossed the courtyard to meet him. But he was not alone, arriving with him was his wife Lady Walda of the Twins. But that was not all. There was a little Bolton standing beside her.
Robb walked over and the two embraced each other.
The heir of Winterfell and the Dreadfort were always in touch, often sending Ravens to each other. It was from these letters that Robb learned of Domeric's fortune. After the war a son was born to him, an heir to the Dreadfort. And the heir was named after Domeric's best friend, Robb. The following year a set of twins were borned to him. Another boy and finally a girl. The girl named Bethany after Domeric's Lady Mother. The boy named Horton, after Lord Horton Redfort who fostered and later knighted Domeric. And here Lady Walda of the dreadfort stood with a fat belly holding the fourth Bolton child.
Another of Robb's friends arrived the day after, a giant one.
Smalljon Umber was the Lord of Last Hearth and as the Lord he had to pay his respects to Ned and Catelyn first. But what he really wanted was to see Robb.
He reached down and wrapped Robb in a bear hug, thrashing him around like a doll. Which is exactly how Robb felt in the presence of the giant. Now Robb had grown these past few years, he was taller than his Lord Father, his wife and mother often had to stand on their tip toes to put their arms aroud him. But it seemed the Smalljon had not stopped growing either. Now well over Seven feet tall, closer to seven and half most likely. He should officaly change his name from Smalljon Umber to GreatJon like his father before him.
Like Domeric, Smalljon also had a Frey bride. And just like Domeric's her name was Walda. 'Fair' Walda they called her and that's exactly what made Lord Umber take her for his bride. Ned could remember his own marriage because like Lord Umber and Ser Domeric it was a double wedding. Though these boys had the fortune of having their's at the end of a war and not the beginning.
"I'm so sorry your Wife couldn't attend." Margaery said. Smalljon just smile.
"She's got the little one to keep her company. A beautiful little girl. And my Uncle will be with her as well." Ned turned his head from Smalljon to Hother, silently standing by with his arms crossed.
"And you have a boy don't you?" Margaery asked.
"That's right lady Stark." He nodded." A strong lad with big brown eyes."
"And his name is Jon?" she asked." After your Father? Smalljon let out a sad smile.
"That'll be my next son my Lady. My first boy's name is Robb." He slapped a heavy hand on her husband's shoulder." After the Young Wolf himself. HAHA!"
Galbart Glover arrived from Deepwood Motte. Ser Wylis Manderly arrived in a great, glittering silver litter. It was larger than any other Ned had seen. Surrounding it were a dozen of Manderly men at arms each one wielding a trident instead of a spear. With him was his wife Leona both his daughters, and his new son. And history was repeating itself as Wylis was now troubled to find a marriage for his second daughter.
Wynafryd exited the litter her arms held high high and a releaved sigh to be out in the fresh air. Around her shoulders was an extravagant coat of raven's feathers. She looked around the courtyard to see the Starks ready to great them. Wynafryd quickly trotted across the yard to meet them.
Her thinner husband was quick to follow after her. He also wore a coat made of Raven's feathers for his brith house. And around his neck in shining silver was a merman with a trident for his wife. At first some mistook him for a Brother of the Night's Watch.
"Lord Stark." She said bowing before Ned." Lady Stark." She said stepping aside and standing before Catelyn." Sansa my dear!" she leaned up and kissed Sansa on the cheek. Then she stepped past her and to the greatest prize of all Robb Stark.
"Lord Stark." She said with a dazziling smile.
"Not a Lord yet Lady Wynafryd."
"You'll always be Lord Stark to me." She smiled. Then before anyone knew it she reached in and wrapped both arms around Robb. Margaery stood by and did nothing.
"Lord Stark." Ser Wylis said getting Ned's attention. "Thank you for having us."
"Always glad to have you Ser Wylis. Your walking better than last time."
"Yes, of course, of course. Now….what time can we expect dinner?"
Finally some Family arrived with Edmure and only Edmure from House Tully.
"Father wanted to be here, but he wasn't up to the trip. And Uncle Brynden is looking after him." Hother Tully never went to any of Walder Frey's marriages but he did attend his funeral. Ironically around the time Lord Walder died was when Hother started to get well again.
"And your wife?" Ned asked biting his lip.
"She is well." Edmure smiled." Sadly she couldn't attend either, couldn't handle the ride she told me." Ned knew there was a better reason. Edmure reached out and placed a hand on Ned's shoulder." Don't you worry Ned. I know you don't like the Lannister but you have nothing to fear, I'll make sure they don't bother you." Ned highly doubted that.
From Karhold came Lord Torrhen Karstark with his wife Lyrra and brother Eddard. Eddard Karstark could have had a position at Winterfell, if he wanted. All he had to do was ask Robb and it would have happened. But his brother named him Castellan of Karhold. But the Karstarks were still the most loyal bannermen to House Stark. The nobles of the house dismounted their horses each wearing thick, heavy furs, the men with great fierce beards.
"Lord Torrhen." Ned greeted." So glad you could join us."
"We are grateful for your hospitality Lord Stark." Lyrra said. Alys Karstark was helped off her horse by her brother Eddard. Although the Karstarks came for the wedding they also wanted to introduce Alys to her intended Roose Ryswell.
"With your brother here." Robb asked. "Who is watching Karhold.
"My Uncle and cousins are looking after everything." Lord Torrhen told." Including my son."
"A son!" Robb gasped with a smile." That's wonderful, congradualtions."
"What's his name?" Margaery asked. Torrhen smiled as he looked between the future Lord and Lady of Winterfell.
"We named him Robb." He answered.
The next week came the guest of honor. Harrold Arryn, Lord of the Eryie and Warden of the East. Tall and broad shouldered with blonde hair and deep blue eyes.
With him as expected came the Lords Royce, Corbray, Redfort and Waynwood. And one by one they dismounted and greeted the Lord of Winter.
The first being their liege Lord, The Young Falcon Harrold Arryn. Standing beside him was Lady Anya Waynwood who had practically raised him. And under her firm gaze she would make sure he didn't make a fool of himself. Harrold gave a careful glance to the Lady and waited for her nod before turning to Ned.
"Lord Stark." He said. He put out his hand and Ned shook it. The boy gulped down a breath." Thank you My Lord for offering this match. I am very grateful." With each word Lady Waynwood nodded her head.
"The Vale and House Arryn have been very good to me." Ned replied." I am Happy to have helped in any way I can." Harrold nodded and the moved away from Ned.
"Lord Stark." Lord Yohn Royce said as he approached Ned. The Lord of Winterfell and the Lord of the Runestone knew each other very well. When Ned had fostered with the Vale the Bronze Royce had visisted them, hunted with them and taught them to fight. Years later when Lord Royce's son had taken the Black they stayed at Winterfell.
"Lord Royce. "Ned smiled." Good to see you." The two shook hands.
" Your Fortress looks just as magnificent as the Last Time." Lord Royce smiled under his beard. Lord Royce continued to talking anf Ned tried to listen but he noticed something else out of the corner of his eye.
He saw Harrold standing there and talking with Sansa. His daughter was beaming, seemingly delighted at her new husband. And Harrold seemed to be enjoying her company as well. Ned hoped this worked out for them.
Ned was happy to have had Jon Arryn as a part of his family but the man's marriage to Lysa was hardly a happy one. With many miscarriages, a sickly son, and Jon's advanced age could not have helped.
"He looks just like him." Lord Royce said.
"Who?" Ned asked turning back to him.
"Jon Arryn." Ned turned back to the boy to see if he could remember the face. Jon Arryn, his second father. The boy was more powerfully built than Jon was, no doubt because of his youth. But those deep blue eyes and gold hair Ned could remember. A small smile came to his face as he remembered.
Then on the final Day came King Robert of the House Baratheon of King's Landing. Robert was a year older than Ned, he'd be turning forty later in this year. But despite his age and the job of ruling an entire Kingdom Robert hadn't aged a day. And yet here was Ned a year younger,
his hair graying making him look closer to fifty than forty.
"It's good to see you again." Robert smiled as he hugged Ned." How I've missed you." Ned looked past Robert's shoulder to see everyone else getting settled in. The Kingsguard Knights dismounted their horses. Jasper Redfort was happy to see his brother again, and Ser Domeric was just as happy to reunite with those two as he was with Robb. Prince Edric hugged his cousin the same way Robert had Ned. Arya and Bran were happy to see Jon again, although Catelyn wasn't.
Robert released Ned from his grasp and when Ned looked up he noticed a sad smile on the King's face.
"I'm sorry Ned." He said in a soft voice.
"What?" Ned questioned." What do you have to be sorry about Robert?"
"I had the feeling you didn't want him to come but he came anyway." Who could Robert be taking about. The only person who came to mind was Jon. But Bastard or not the boy was his son, his own blood and nothing could change that. But when Robert stepped aside Ned saw who he was talking about.
"Brother!" exclaimed Mace Tyrell as he shot his arms into the air, then waddled as fast as his fat legs could carry him. Then he put both arms around Ned and hugged him tight. Robert was right, Ned definatly didn't want to see him. Out of the corner of his eye Ned could see Margeary with Robb.
"Look at how well our Fathers get along." She said. Ned couldn't disagree anymore.
"And look who else is here." Mace said upon releasing Ned. He found Catelyn Stark and all her her children lined up to greet him." Lady Stark." He smiled. But had no sooner eyed her than moved on."My dear congradulations on your marriage." He said to Sansa." Ah the three little stark boys. Little Arya, Bran and Rickon. How cute you are." He didn't know he'd confused Arya for a boy. Bran for Rickon, Arya for Bran and Rickon for Arya." But there was no time to worry about that as he stepped aside towards the next Stark, his own son in law." Robb!" He smiled putting both his hands on the boy's shoulders." Robb, Robert, Robby, son I never had." Robb had no sooner realized he was being hugged than Mace let go and moved on to his true reason for attending. "Margaery!" He sang, putting both arms around her slender little shoulders and hugging her." How are you my dear?!"
"Hello Father." She replied in as equal a sing-song voice." Oh it's so good to see you again." At that moment her brother Loras stepped into her view. And you've brought Loras with you, I'm so glad." She reached out and hugged him.
"Hello sweet sister." Loras smiled. His smile shrunk as he turned away from Margaery and to her husband." Robb." He said extending his hand.
"Ser Loras. "Robb replied taking his.
"But is Garlan here or is he coming?" Margaery asked. Mace frowned.
"I'm sorry my little flower. Your brother has decided to stay behind at Highgarden. He's had a son born to him you know. And as we say 'There must always be a Tyrell in Highgarden'"
Ned had wanted to push Mace Tyrell after his sudden surprise, but this new comment was another surprise. With angered confusion Ned turned around to stare at the man. However he could only stare at the back of his head. It didn't matter though as Robb who was right beside Mace was doing the same. Bran, Arya, and Rickon all turned their head up to him. Catelyn at the end of all her children and even Lyanna from across the courtyard.
Jon
The thrill of the hunt. With all these wedding guests a big feast was being prepared with fruits and vegestables being brought up from Highgarden and Riverrun. But the main course would be Northern. There were always big, bulky stags running around the forests. And tonight they would feast on it.
Jon was part of the hunting party. With him was his half-brother Robb, his soon to be brother Harrold Arryn, his cousin Prince Edric. Lord Jon Umber, Domeric Bolton, Torrhen Karstark and finally Ser Loras Tyrell and Ser Mychel Redfort of the Kingsguard.
Ser Lucas wanted to accompany them but his wife wouldn't allow it.
The forests surrounding Winterfell were just as he remembered them. Every tree, every rock, every blade of grass, every bit of snow looked the same as if he had never left. He could walk it blindfolded if necessary.
All this quiet time allowed for him to catch up with Robb. He the heir to Winterfell with a new bride, and Jon himself a knight in service to the King.
"So Robb. "Jon said. " What has it been like up here?"
"Here?" He questioned." The Snows have begun to fall, growing high each time. The Night's Watch continues to ask for support and we obliged the best we can." Jon nodded his head with ever word. He expect Robb to say more, namely about his marriage to Margaery. From what Jon had heard from smallfolk and Lords alike it was a good match, the only one who didn't seem to think so was the Queen.
"And Lady Margaery?" He asked. Robb gave a sideways glance towards Ser Loras before continuing.
"I go to sleep beside my wife. And the next morning I wake up beside her." Robb took in a deep breath. Jon managed a small smile.
"But she is very pretty."
"Aye." Robb nodded." She is."
"And she does seem very fond of you." Domeric jumped in." We nearly had to pry her off you to get you to come out here." Everyone joined in with a chuckle except Loras.
"But she's not furtile." Torrhen said killing all the laughter. Ser Loras turned his head completely around to glare at the Lord of Karhold. Obviously because he said something about his sister but glaring at him was something Torrhen didn't like." You have something wrong with your eyeballs, boy?"
"Ser." Loras corrected. "I am an anointed knight."
"A Knight? Well I'm a Lord. Turn your head around before I make you." Before Loras could turn around completely and confront him Robb stepped between the two.
"Easy, boys, easy. "Robb said." Calm down."
"I'm just saying what we're all thinking." Torrhen said before he turned and continued on walking. Loras however stayed in his spot as he and Robb continued to look each other over. Eventually Loras bowed his head and walked away to catch up with his sworn brother and the Prince. Robb himself fell behind to walk side by side with Jon.
"Margaery Tyrell." He said. But he wasn't talking at full volume, his voice soft and quiet so only Jon could hear. He took in a deep breath." I have Father to Thank for her." He let out in an exhale." Mother was happier with the idea than anyone else."
"How do you feel about it now?" Jon asked. Robb was about to open his mouth to answer but then they heard a russeling in the woods. All conversation ceased and they turned their attention to fine the cause of the sound. They continued on but found nothing. And when they found nothing the conversation continued.
"You should meet some of the Dornish girls down in King's Landing." Edric spoke up." And of you ever fuck a Dornish woman?" The men could only shake their heads with the exception of the Smalljon.
"Fuck the Dornish, Fuck the Martells, Fuck the Sand." He roared.
Edric turned away with a smile." You all should try it before you die."
"Fun times in the Capital, eh?" Robb said with a playful nudge to Jon's shoulder.
"Not me." Jon said shaking his head." Not that he hasn't tried to set me up." He pointed to Edric's back.
"And how does Queen Lyanna take all this?"
"The Queen." Ser Loras spoke up." Has charged us to guard the Prince and discourage him from all his nocturnal activities. Her greatest fear is a common whore becoming pregnant with the Prince's Bastard."
"I don't doubt it. "Robb nodded. Jon just stood back and noticed Robb and Loras. They way they looked at each other, the way they spoke to each other. There was some hidden animocity in Loras' soft voice. Robb must have sniffed it out as his shoulder's seem to tighten as Loras came beside him.
From what Jon saw from the time the two met at the tournament and then later the wedding, their seemed to be no malice between them. And he couldn't understand why there'd be some now since they are legally brothers.
"Oi!" commanded Edric in a harsh whisper. "Shut up!" Everyone turned their heads forward to see what was going on. Out in the meadow before them was a big eight point elk. "Aha." Edric said." Here we go." Everyone turned to watch the Prince. In his hand was a bow and arrow that he had already drawn back. Quietly everyone watched on ready to see the Prince let go and bring the beast home for dinner.
With a quick release of his fingers Edric let loose the arrow. It zipped through the air hissing as it cut through the wind. The big beast was none the wiser as the arrow landed right in it's neck.
In fear the beast let out a great roar and then went on the run.
"C'mon!" Edric called jumping from cover. "After it!" Ser Mychel and Ser Loras were right behind him. The Lords of the North followed after him, pulling arrows into their quivers and giving chase. But the elk was wounded, making it run purely on adrenaline. A trails of blood led the hunters to their Prey.
Edric was hoping for another go at it, a chance to sink another arrow into it. But as they continued on they found that the Elk had finally give out. It's body laid out in the blood covered snow. Prince Edric was the first to approach followed by his Kingsguard and then Lord Arryn.
"Be careful." Lord Karstark warned." It may not be as dead as it seems." They continued to approach, weapons drawn just in case of the worst. But the worst did not happen as the beast was dead as a doornail.
"I'll bet you punctured a lung, my Prince." Lord Arryn said. "I'd say this'll be the prized meal at the Wedding."